by Graham Braveheart
A walk in the park, countryside, wilderness, is a well established way for people to 'connect or commune with nature', and in the right circumstances, the feelgood benefits are undeniable.
However, although a useful start, this level of activity is probably insufficient if people are to develop a meaningful empathy or connection with nature. But, as ever, it's quality rather than quantity that matters.
Let's be honest, for the vast majority of us, the natural world is an alien environment: we simply don't understand where we fit into it all, and we're not even sure that we should. I am not alone in believing that this is the main reason we have become so disconnected from nature and face so many pressing environmental issues as a consequence.
Perhaps we just need some help. But if we do go along to a guided nature walk, we don't want to be made to feel even more alienated because we can't identify the trees, plants or birds we see. We want SOMEBODY to make us feel welcome, alive and part of our surroundings. Surely we need activities that help people to really sense and experience nature rather than simply to identify, observe and record it like the Victorian naturalists did.
Experience must be our key here, because we know that it is through experience that we can often enjoy a lasting and rewarding relationship with the things that arouse our curiosity. The plethora of wildlife-based television programmes available today prove that nature IS a tremendous source of fascination - especially at a safe distance. Yet, again, we see nature but have little direct experience of it.
Tell me and I will forget;
Show me and I may remember;
Involve me and I will understand.
I am convinced that awareness & convictions that are rooted in personal experience lead to enduring behavioural change in people. In this context, it means that if we can allow them to experience the wonder and value of nature, they will be better motivated to adapt their values and responsibilities towards caring for the planet, otherwise, despair can set in and paralyse their capacity to act.
The evidence for this conviction is based on many years working as an environmentalist to raise awareness and deliver information about environmental issues to the general public.
Despite the abundance of awareness and information, plus a sprinkling of inevitable environmental disasters around the world, progress towards Sustainable Development has been painfully slow; note the US government's reversal of many hard-won environmental measures as a leading example, together with the depressing failure of the World Summit in Johannesburg in 2002.
Development that is truly sustainable does not happen by bolting on a few environmental initiatives here and there - it will only occur if we are motivated and committed enough to make it happen.
Where is that motivation? Who has the commitment?
The answer, is that we all have both.
It is, however, deep within us, and always has been.
According to Pulitzer-prize winning sociobiologist Edward O Wilson PhD, of Harvard University, people have an inherent biological need to be in contact with the out-of-doors. He calls it 'biophilia', and believes that nature may hold the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual satisfaction.
I know that he is right - I have taken many people out into nature, and seen them come to life; the experience changes them and the way they view the world. This is what we need to build upon.
There are a few of us who are developing activities and therapies that do build on this experience. We know that through nature therapy, or Ecotherapy, we can harness this 'biophilia' and connect people to nature. Once connected through these sensory and experiential activities, participants strengthen their conviction towards environmental issues, and take more seriously their responsibility to live lightly on the earth.
The Druid community has, of course, a vital part to play here.
We have all read the history books, and know that in the past it was the Druids that were the link between nature and people - both seen and unseen.
It was the Druids that people consulted to learn about nature and Earth-wisdom and were almost revered - even feared for this ability.
Today, of course, that has all changed. Most people do not take Druidry seriously, partly out of ignorance, but mainly because they can't see what useful contribution we can make to society.
Certainly, if our mission is to attract large numbers of people to become Druids we will surely fail. However, why can't we redefine our role? Why can't we look to the future?
People are not attracted to Druidry or indeed other Earth-based traditions, and in our hearts, we know why. In contrast, the beauty of Ecotherapy is that it has no image, no stereotypes, no hangups. It sounds modern, scientific and respectable. It's just a word after all.
Now here's the rub. What has Ecotherapy to do with Druidry?
Ecotherapy IS today's Druidry.
Druids make the best possible Ecotherapists because our hearts and minds are already in the right set and the techniques and activities for Ecotherapy are blindingly simple for any us to learn. I have a vision where a number of Druids become Ecotherapists and pass this on to others in communities around the UK. Eventually there are Ecoptherapy courses, colleges and centres, probably run by Druids.
As I have said before, if a Druid can't teach people about nature's cycles, rhythms and pulses, nobody can. It's time we came out of the shadows and looked to the future.
A brand new role for Druids in our communities?
No, there's nothing new in this world . .
Graham Braveheart
grahamgame [at] aol [dot] com
