Nature connectedness is described by researchers as the psychological closeness a person has with Nature. They’ve found that close relationships improve people’s wellbeing, relax rigid boundaries, and broaden their sense of identity.

Connectedness is more than simply enjoying Nature. It’s akin to an interpersonal relationship and includes meaningful contact, quality time, and personal growth. Awe, gratitude, and inspiration factor in, self-absorption takes a back seat, and feelings of oneness bring peace, empathy, and outward focus. In other words, you become captivated and engaged with the world around you.

While people typically think of Nature as a pristine, often remote place, it’s really an expression of Earth that’s present everywhere. This makes the benefits of connectedness available to nearly everyone, no matter where they are. And now that there’s a path leading to connection and away from society’s growing disconnect, there’s never been a better time to start the journey.

Society influences a person’s connectedness to Nature. It determines a lot about how and where people spend their time and attention, for example people in societies with high levels of urbanization, consumption, and digitalization have lower Nature connectedness than less urbanized societies.  

There’s also a strong social component. Connectedness reflects not only the views and practices of one’s parents, but also cultural attitudes, social norms and other people’s values.

As societal Nature-connectedness declines, individuals will have a harder time increasing their own connectedness. Step one is an intervention of sorts to combat these influences from the start. The strategy is to make people aware of social pressures, to establish Earth as the focal point at the outset, and to ask for their commitment to it.