We are the Land: North American Indian Views of Nature – First Nation People
The fundamental idea embedded in Native American life is that "We are the Land." The Earth is not a separate entity from ourselves, but rather, it is a significant, dynamic, and real part of our being. This knowledge is not associated with romanticized sentiments towards nature, but rather, it is a matter of fact that is known from infancy and remembered at levels of awareness beyond consciousness. Forest Bathing practices in North America, Australia, and New Zealand promote the recognition of ancestral lands, acknowledgement of historical wrongdoings, and the recognition of indigenous people's symbiotic relationship with nature. Despite a decrease in perceptions of connection with nature in modern Western society, studies have shown that a high level of nature-connectedness is beneficial for mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as environmental behaviour.
“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realise, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” - Alanis Obomsawin, Abenaki Nation
Unlike Western philosophies that view nature as a commodity to be consumed, Indigenous cultures take an eco-based approach, promoting restraint and balance in a reciprocally beneficial relationship between mankind and nature. Native American elders teach the younger generation that everything forms a symbiotic cycle, and humans are just an equal part of nature. In contrast, European settlers saw America's vast landscape as barren and primitive, failing to appreciate the beauty of life in nature.
The notion of land ownership was absent in many Indigenous North American cultures, where it was believed that the land was shared among all. Despite some discord and battles between tribes over valuable hunting grounds and locations, land was not seen as something to be conquered, bought, and sold, putting them at odds with settlers. These cultures shared the understanding that every aspect of nature and the ecosystem was connected and reliant on one another for survival. A core tenet was that humans were not superior to wildlife or the natural world, creating a deeper reverence for nature and a heightened emphasis on sustainable practices. While hunting was still a part of their livelihood, it was governed by considerations such as the timing and quantity of the hunt, as well as the gratitude and respect given to the hunted game for providing sustenance.
“Before I was six years old, my grandparents and my mother had taught me that if all the green things that grow were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all the four-legged creatures were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all the winged creatures were taken from the earth, there could be no life. If all our relatives who crawl and swim and live within the earth were taken away, there could be no life. But if all the human beings were taken away, life on earth would flourish. That is how insignificant we are.” - Russell Means, Oglala Lakota Nation (November 10, 1939 – October 22, 2012)
Building Resilience - A Better Connection with Nature
In our fast-paced and intricate world, building resilience is a valuable skill for bouncing back from adversity, adapting to challenges, and thriving amidst uncertainty. While there are various ways to enhance resilience, one overlooked approach is connecting with nature. Resilience involves managing emotions, problem-solving, maintaining social connections, and seeking support when necessary. Nature connection involves forming a meaningful relationship with the natural world and experiencing mental, physical, and emotional benefits by immersing ourselves in nature, observing its patterns and rhythms, and recognizing our interconnectedness. Connecting with nature fosters resilience by providing a sense of perspective, reducing stress, enhancing emotional wellbeing, improving adaptability, and building supportive communities. Nature puts our problems in perspective and reminds us of our small role in the world, allowing us to let go of minor issues and focus on what truly matters. Spending time in natural environments lowers stress levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall well-being, providing a peaceful space to disconnect from daily pressures and regain focus. Nature's resilience teaches us that change is inevitable, and adaptation is necessary for survival, developing a mind-set of flexibility and adaptability in the face of adversity. Nature connection also fosters supportive communities that value and appreciate nature, offering a sense of belonging and social support in building resilience. Shared experiences in nature inspire and motivate us to overcome challenges, knowing we are not alone in our journey. In summary, embracing nature's beauty and harnessing its benefits can cultivate resilience in our lives and offer inspiration, solace, and support during difficult times.
Benefits of Connecting with Nature
Connection & Support: Nature connection most of the time involves engaging with other people who share a love for the outdoors. Whether it is participating in group treks, joining conservation initiatives, or simply engaging in conversations with like-minded persons, these connections provide a support network that fosters resilience. Belonging to a community that appreciates and values nature can offer a sense of belonging as well as social support, that are principal factors for building resilience. Shared experiences in nature can also motivate and inspire us to tackle challenges, knowing that we aren’t alone in our voyage.
Adaptability & Perspective
Nature works in cycles, displaying a frequent growth process, decay, and renewal. By understanding and observing these patterns, we gain a wider perspective on life's ups and downs. The inherent resilience of nature teaches us that changes are a natural part of existence and that adaptation is crucial to survival. We can apply this knowledge to our own lives, aiding us to develop a mind-set of adaptability and flexibility in the face of adversity. When we can connect with nature, we can tap into its ancient wisdom and learn embracing change as an opportunity for growth.
Reduce Stress: Nature has a serene effect on our minds and bodies. Scientific research indicates that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, decrease anxiety, and enhance overall wellbeing. Nature provides a calming and peaceful environment where we can fully unwind and relax. By immersing ourselves in nature, we can disconnect from daily life’s the pressures and find enjoyment in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world. Spending plenty of time in natural environments can also aid us to feel more centred and grounded, and less reactive to our lives’ stressors. This stress reduction has a vital role in boosting resilience by giving us the energy to manage challenges with a more focused mind-set, making us more resilient in the face of challenges.
Emotional Health: Nature connection has a profound impact on our emotional well-being. It can evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and joy, leading to positive emotions and a greater sense of happiness. When faced with adversity, individuals with a strong nature connection often draw upon these positive emotions and find solace in the beauty and resilience of the natural world. This emotional resilience helps them navigate difficulties more effectively and maintain a hopeful outlook even in challenging times.
A Sense of Perspective: When we are in nature, we can see the bigger picture of life. The natural world is bigger than us, and it puts our problems in perspective. Nature reminds us that there are bigger forces at work, and that we are just a small part of the world. This can help us to let go of minor problems and focus on the things that truly matter.
As you can see, we could learn so much from Indigenous peoples!
