Pathways to Nature Connectedness: Cultivating Resilience

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, reconnecting with nature has become increasingly essential for our well-being and resilience.

This paper explores the "Moving Encounters in Nature" program, designed over 30 years at the Israel Crisis Management Center. Implemented to support Israeli families affected by terrorism and traumatic events and to assist healthcare workers, the program takes a modular approach, weaving together nature immersion, creative expression, and group reflection. Participants connect to nature's regenerative power through hands-on activities and metaphor-rich experiences. Each workshop explores themes of resilience, survival, and growth, drawing inspiration from nature’s adaptability in the aftermath of fires and harsh conditions.

Program Objectives

1. Cultivate Nature Connectedness: Deepen participants’ sensory awareness, emotional responsiveness, and sense of purpose through direct engagement with nature.
2. Foster a Sense of Belonging: By moving together in nature, participants experience an interconnectedness with others and find their “place in the family of things” (Mary Oliver).
3. Promote Emotional Safeness and Self-Expression: Creative activities and the use of metaphors use help participants express their experiences within a supportive community.
4. Facilitate Narrative Transformation: Participants collaboratively construct narratives of resilience, helping them find meaning and strength in their experiences.

Target Groups

Tailored for bereaved families, caregivers, and individuals of varying ages, the program offers age-appropriate sets that foster bonding, emotional regulation, and resilience in distinct ways. Caregivers, for example, benefit from practices that counter burnout, reinforcing their capacity to care for others while staying grounded and caring for themselves.

The Structure of the Program

To date, workshops have typically lasted 3 hours, though this can be adjusted to accommodate specific needs and constraints. Below is a general outline of a typical workshop:

Phase I: Nature Immersion

1. Introduction: A brief introduction by the facilitator sets the stage for the outdoor experience, outlining the goals and expectations of the workshop.
2. Mindful Nature Walk: Participants embark on a guided nature walk, designed to foster mindfulness and sensory awareness. The walk is conducted at a leisurely pace, encouraging participants to:
   • Practice Grounding : Focus on the present moment, bringing oneself back to oneself in face of distractions, rumination and other forms of overthinking.
   • Engage their senses: Pay attention to sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations.
   • Observe natural phenomena: Notice the intricate details of the natural world, such as the growth patterns of plants and the interplay of light and shadow.

Phase II: Creative Expression

1. Nature-Inspired Art: Participants engage in creative activities using natural materials, such as leaves, stones, or branches. These activities encourage exploring personal experiences through using natural materials to represent personal meanings and transformations.
2. Group Sharing: Participants share their creations and the insights gained from the nature walk and creative activity. This fosters a sense of community and allows for mutual support and inspiration.

Phase III: Reflection and Integration

1. Collective Reflection: The group engages in a guided discussion, reflecting on the themes of the workshop, such as survival, regeneration and growth in nature.
2. Poetic Synthesis: A collaborative poem is created, incorporating phrases and sentences from the participants' shared experiences. This poetic synthesis serves as a powerful tool for collective reflection, emotional  expression and co-construction of narrative.

Five Pathways to Nature Connectedness 

 The program draws on the five pathways to nature connectedness—contact, emotion, meaning, compassion, and appreciation of natural beauty—identified in recent studies at the University of Derby (Lumber, Richardson, & Sheffield (2017). These pathways highlight the diverse ways in which individuals can deepen their connection with the natural world. By integrating these pathways into the program, participants can cultivate resilience and enhance their overall well-being, creating a framework for navigating life's challenges. Below, we delve into each pathway and its role in facilitating nature connectedness:

The Pathway of Contact

The profound connection between humans and nature is rooted in sensory engagement. By tuning into the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations of the natural world, individuals can cultivate a sense of grounding and centering. As one participant expressed, "Being in nature and learning from nature has taught me to bring myself back to myself when I am overwhelmed". The heightened awareness can lead to a deeper sense of interconnectedness and sense of oneself and one's place in the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and awe ("there is a season and a rhythm to everything.")

Engaging the body through gentle physical activities, such as mindful walking, stretching, or breathing exercises, can enable individuals reconnect with the present moment. Body-centered practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response, enabling a calming effect that restores physical and emotional equilibrium.

The Pathway of Emotion

Whether it's the quiet contemplation of a serene landscape or the exhilaration of an outdoor adventure, nature can evoke a wide range of emotions. Feelings are powerful, sometimes overwhelming and sometimes elusive, and they are often difficult to put into words. By acknowledging and expressing these emotions, through non-verbal modalities,individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

The power of nature to evoke emotion is particularly evident in the context of trauma and loss. After a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or a personal tragedy, individuals may feel overwhelmed by their emotions. Nature, in its vastness and adaptability, can provide a safe and supportive space for these emotions to emerge, offering a setting where feelings can be expressed, held, and gradually processed.

The Pathway of Meaning

One participant, hugging a tree, shared, "Despite storms, this tree remains rooted and upright. This tree will perhaps give me too strength to weather life’s adversities." Another participant expressed newfound insight, sharing, "I was surprised that I could change my mind about how you look at things by noticing things that I did not notice before and see that there might be another way to look at it that you have not been shown." This shift speaks to the potential for growth and healing when new perspectives are discovered and personal experiences validated.

 Grounding oneself is often challenging, evoking feelings of vulnerability and dislocation—much like a transplanted tree. Connecting with nature in these moments can help restore a sense of "going on being" and continuity amidst disruption. As one participant insightfully observed, "A dislocated tree's chance of survival and regeneration can be improved through an environment that supports the establishment of a root system which integrates growing new roots with the roots from the past". This metaphor resonates with those in transition, such as refugees or individuals facing life-altering events, highlighting the need to integrate one's history while embracing new possibilities.

“Every organism has its own growth mechanisms and ways of adapting to changing conditions,” remarked another participant, underscoring that each person’s journey and pace are unique. In nature, as in human life, adaptation is deeply individual. By observing these natural cycles of life, death, and renewal, participants learn to validate their own journeys, drawing strength from the realization that coping can take many forms, each shaped by one’s identity, history, and inner as well as external resources.

The Pathway of Compassion

Spending time together in nature can foster a sense of caring and togetherness. Shared experiences in nature can strengthen bonds between individuals, families, and communities

The world can be harsh but by sharing experiences in nature in the "presence of kindness", participants develop empathy for one another as well as a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world. As we move together through the landscape, synchronizing our steps with the rhythm of nature, we can cultivate a sense of togetherness and generosity.

The use of nature-based metaphors can also enhance our capacity for compassion. By drawing parallels between natural processes and human experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of life. By listening to the metaphors that people spontaneously volunteer, we can validate their experiences and foster a shared humanity and compassionate understanding. we are each part of a larger network, bound by the same natural forces and reminded of our "place in the family of things" (Oliver Mary).

The Pathway of Beauty

For individuals who have experienced trauma or loss, it can be challenging to appreciate beauty. The pain of grief may overshadow the joy of appreciating nature, making it difficult to connect with its aesthetic qualities.

Nature-based workshops can help to reawaken a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. By engaging in mindful nature walks and creative activities, participants can begin to notice the intricate details of the environment, from the delicate patterns of a leaf to the expanse of a sky.

Through sharing memories of loved ones and carrying on their legacy, they may begin to notice details and experiences that they had previously overlooked. This renewed connection with nature can bring comfort and solace, providing a  place where we can gradually let go, allowing the surroundings to ground and guide us back to ourselves.

Attention Restoration & Neuroscience: The Power of Nature

Neuroscientific research has increasingly highlighted nature’s powerful role in restoring attention and mental clarity, especially under conditions of stress or cognitive fatigue. According to the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), natural environments promote what is known as "soft fascination"—a gentle, effortless engagement that captures attention without overwhelming it, allowing the brain’s directed attention resources to replenish. Studies using fMRI and EEG have shown that when individuals are immersed in natural settings, there is reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain area associated with cognitive control and working memory, which is often overtaxed by the demands of modern life. This “rest” for the brain promotes a shift toward a more relaxed, open state of awareness, enabling improved cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and resilience upon returning to daily tasks.

The nature-based workshops in the MOVING program leverage these findings by incorporating mindful, immersive activities like mindful walking, observing seasonal changes, and exploring textures and colors engage attention in a way that calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes clarity. For individuals dealing with trauma, burnout, or grief, this restoration of attention can aid in  psychological flexibility, creating a foundation for adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.

Cultivating Self Compassion

Self-compassion has been characterized as “being touched by and open to one’s own suffering, not avoiding or disconnecting from it, generating the desire to alleviate one’s suffering and to heal oneself with kindness” (Neff, 2003, p. 87). Self-compassion, as described by Neff (2003), includes self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness—each of which is directly nurtured through these nature-based programs.

According to Neff, (2003), three interacting core dimensions comprise self-compassion: (1) self-kindness versus self-judgment, (2) common humanity versus isolation, and (3) mindfulness versus over-identification, which all refer to how an individual  copes with personal suffering, and other painful experience. Cultivating self-compassion in the MOVING program implements and combines all three dimensions

1. Self-Kindness: Participants are guided to gently notice and challenge their inner self-critical dialogue and adopt a more supportive and forgiving inner voice. This shift is facilitated through shared experiences and mutual support in nature, where participants can experience extending the same kindness to themselves as they would to others in distress. Through the use of metaphor and parallel processes observed in nature, participants are encouraged to see and accept their personal struggles as natural parts of life.
2. Common Humanity: The program emphasizes shared experiences by bringing participants together in group settings in a non-intrusive approach that acknowledges and embraces differences suffering as a universally human experience. Sharing stories and expressing vulnerability within a supportive community diminishes feelings of isolation, fostering a sense of belonging. In a forest setting, for example, participants may observe how trees in close-knit groves support each other in adverse conditions, underscoring the value of interconnectedness in nature.
3. Mindfulness: Participants are introduced to mindfulness techniques that help them remain present with their emotions without judgment or avoidance. Practices such as mindful nature walks, where they intentionally notice step by step- moving gradually from focusing on the inner experience to noticing what is happening outside themselves (sights, sounds, smells etc), encourage them to hold space for their thoughts and feelings, tolerating them without over-identifying. This approach, in addition,  helps participants view emotional waves as natural and transient, grounding them in the immediate sensory richness of nature and promoting emotional regulation.

Practical Considerations for Facilitators Working with the Bereaved 

When working with individuals in grief, it's important to be mindful of their emotional and physical state. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:

• Gradual Exposure: Start with shorter, less intense nature experiences and gradually increase the duration and intensity as participants become more comfortable.
• Mindful Nature Walks: Guide participants through mindful nature walks, focusing on grounding techniques to help them stay present.
• Gentle Activities: Choose activities that are simple and non intrusive, allowing participants to set their own pace and take breaks as needed.
• Individualized Support: Offer individualized support and guidance, tailoring activities to the specific needs and preferences of each participant.

By considering these factors, facilitators can create a safe and supportive space for individuals in grief to re-connect with themselves and with nature.

Nature-Based Workshops for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers often face significant challenges, including burnout and compassion fatigue, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health. Nature-based workshops can provide a valuable tool for promoting resilience and well-being among these professionals. By integrating the five pathways to nature connection, these workshops can help healthcare workers to:

1. Contact: Engage in mindfulness practices in nature to cultivate present-moment awareness.
2. Emotion: Express, regulate and process emotions in a safe environment.
3. Meaning: Find meaning and purpose in their work by connecting with the inherent value of human life and the natural world.
4. Compassion: Practice self-compassion and extend compassion to others, drawing inspiration from the interconnectedness of all living things.
5. Engagement with Natural Beauty: Appreciate the beauty of nature to foster a sense of awe and wonder, which can counteract feelings of cynicism and detachment.

By incorporating nature-based experiences into their daily lives, healthcare workers can enhance their resilience, improve their job satisfaction, and find new ways to balance caring for themselves while caring for others.

Practical Considerations for Working with Healthcare Workers 

When designing and implementing nature-based workshops for healthcare workers, several practical considerations should be taken into account:

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Choose accessible locations that are easy to reach and plan activities accordingly.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and preferences.
• Timing & Scheduling: Coordinate with participants' work schedules to ensure optimal attendance.
• Duration: Offer a variety of workshop formats, including short, intensive sessions and longer, retreat-style programs.
• Be Adaptable: Be prepared to modify activities based on the group’s dynamics and individual needs. Not everyone will be comfortable with every activity, so offering alternatives is essential.
• Follow-Up: After the workshop, provide participants with resources and exercises to continue their self-compassion journey

Recommendations for future research and practice:

• Expanding Access to Nature-Based Programs: Advocating for policies that increase access to nature-based programs for cultivating resilience.
• Integrating Nature-Based Interventions into Healthcare: Promoting the use of nature-based therapies in clinical settings and in programs for preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
• Conducting Longitudinal Studies: Investigating the long-term impacts of nature-based interventions on well-being and resilience.

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Resources in Hebrew

"כי האדם עץ השדה" – סדנאות בחיק הטבע למטפלים

Appendix: Selected Poems for Workshop Integration

This appendix includes a selection of poems chosen to complement the workshop experience. These pieces can be read aloud, reflected upon, or used as prompts for discussion, offering participants meaningful insights and emotional resonance to deepen their journey.

When I am among the trees

Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”

****

Lost

David Wagoner

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you

****

The Moment
Margaret Atwood

The moment when, after many years
of hard work and a long voyage
you stand in the centre of your room,
house, half-acre, square mile, island, country,
knowing at last how you got there,
and say, I own this,

is the same moment when the trees unloose
their soft arms from around you,
the birds take back their language,
the cliffs fissure and collapse,
the air moves back from you like a wave
and you can’t breathe.

No, they whisper. You own nothing.
You were a visitor, time after time
climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming.
We never belonged to you.
You never found us.
It was always the other way round.

****

Remember 

Joy Harjo

Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star’s stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the
strongest point of time. Remember sundown
and the giving away to night.
Remember your birth, how your mother struggled
to give you form and breath. You are evidence of
her life, and her mother’s, and hers.
Remember your father. He is your life, also.
Remember the earth whose skin you are:
red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth
brown earth, we are earth.
Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their
tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,
listen to them. They are alive poems.
Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the
origin of this universe.
Remember you are all people and all people
are you.
Remember you are this universe and this
universe is you.
Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.
Remember language comes from this.
Remember the dance language is, that life is.
Remember.

****

Lines Written in Early Spring

William Wordsworth

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:-
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

****

The Trees  

Philip Larkin

The trees are coming into leaf
Like something almost being said;
The recent buds relax and spread,
Their greenness is a kind of grief.

Is it that they are born again
And we grow old? No, they die too.
Their yearly trick of looking new
Is written down in rings of grain.

Yet still the unresting castles thresh
In fullgrown thickness every May.
Last year is dead, they seem to say,
Begin afresh, afresh, afresh.

****

The Peace of Wild Things

Wendell Berry

****

Wild geese

Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.