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Heredity And Early Experiences Are The Reasons People Love Nature

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Our love of nature is highly individual and how we plan our cities and urban green spaces should take this into account, say scientists

Gapstow Bridge in autumn in Central Park, NYC. This ornamental stone pedestrian bridge was built in … [+] 1896 and spans The Pond in the southeast corner of the Park. (Public Domain CC0)

Public Domain via a Creative Commons license

Do you love nature? I sure do! But I was surprised to learn this love isn’t the necessarily true for everyone. Why? Where does our love for nature, our biophilia, come from? Is biophilia inherent or is it the result of childhood experiences — or if you prefer, is it the result of nature or nurture? Or maybe … both?

The German-American psychoanalyst, Erich Fromm, coined the word “biophila” to explain “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive”. The biophila hypothesis proposes that humans have an innate desire to seek connections with nature and with other forms of life, and further, this desire may have a genetic basis (at least in part), according to biologist EO Wilson.

Despite the fact that it is well known that being in nature has positive effects on people’s mental health and feelings of well-being, there is controversy about why this is so. Some experts think it is natural for people to be attracted to nature because humans evolved in nature. However, specific genes that influence biophilia have not been identified, and further, it is suspected that the increased dependence of the human species on technology has short-circuited the human drive to connect with nature. Other experts claim that childhood experiences are mainly the reason underlying our perceptions of nature.

A team of Swedish scientists set out to explore this controversy. They reviewed several studies previously published in this field that examine both innate factors and individual experiences during their lives, primarily as children. Based on their findings, they argue that our love of nature based on a combination of genetics and experiences — especially childhood experiences — and further, it also is highly individualized.

“We have been able to establish that many people have an unconscious positive experience of nature,” lead author of the study, Bengt Gunnarsson, a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, said in a statement. “But the biophilia hypothesis should be modified to link the variation in individuals’ relationships with nature to an interaction between heredity and environmental influence.”

In short, people experience and react to nature in their own special ways. A Japanese study that the scientists examined measured the heart rate of study subjects whilst they walked in a forest and also in a city. That study found a reduced heart rate — indicative of positive emotions — whilst in the forest in 65% of study participants, so clearly not everyone enjoyed their walks in the woods. Another study that the team examined suggested that one’s attraction to natural landscapes instead of to cities was heightened in individuals who experienced a childhood filled with nature.

“An additional study on identical and non-identical twins showed that a genetic component influences an individual’s positive or negative relationship with nature,” Professor Gunnarsson pointed out. “But the study also highlighted the importance of environment in terms of attitudes towards nature.”

Furthermore, the team found that people’s perceptions of nature can be very different. Some view nature as a manicured park or green space filled with lawns, flowers and trees, whereas others are more interactive, finding that spending time in the wilderness is more rewarding (Figure 1). These variations for how to best experience nature could also be determined by heredity and early life experiences.

F I G U R E 1 | Urban greenery: unmanaged woodland (left), manicured nature (right). Both pictured … [+] sites are part of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Sweden. Urban green spaces should contain multiple types of nature to meet the needs of people with different nature orientations. For instance, unmanaged woodland (left) rich in indigenous biodiversity can benefit people who are highly nature oriented by recreational activities promoting both physical and mental health. Manicured nature with ornamental plantings (right) can benefit people who are less nature oriented by decreasing stress symptoms via serenity and relaxation. (Photo: Bengt Gunnarsson.)

Bengt Gunnarsson, doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.002

“[I]t’s important that we don’t standardize nature when planning greenery in our towns and cities,” co-author Marcus Hedblom, a professor in landscape architecture at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), observed. “We shouldn’t replace wild greenery with a park and assume that it will be good for everyone.”

To ensure that we all can benefit from our time in nature, the design of urban green spaces and urban planning should reflect these distinct preferences.

“There are probably quite a large number of people who do not have such positive feelings towards nature, partly due to hereditary factors,” Professor Gunnarsson concluded. “Future studies that dig deeper into the interactions between hereditary and environmental factors are essential if we are to understand what shapes individuals’ relationships with nature. But we have to remember that we are all different, and take that into account when planning for different natural areas in towns and cities. Let people find their own favorite green spaces.“

Source:

Bengt Gunnarsson and Marcus Hedblom (2023). Biophilia revisited: nature versus nurture, Trends in Ecology and Evolution 38(9):792-794 | doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.06.002

SHA-256: 9ab94921e06b203a216cb219d873f92ea4083642075e2e0be632939cd42949aa

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How to Enjoy the Benefits of Nature Without Ever Leaving Your Home

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Why it’s helpful: Whether it’s the sounds of ocean waves crashing, a lake gently lapping on the shore, or a trickling mountain stream, water can provide comfort to us, says Lomas. “The importance of water sounds may relate to the critical role of water for survival, as well as the capacity of continuous water sounds to mask noise,” scientists wrote in the aforementioned Proceedings of the National Academy of Science meta-analysis. Plus, by having a water feature you can see as well as hear, you may be able to tap into additional calming benefits, since research suggests that the simple act of looking at water can decrease blood pressure and heart rate while promoting relaxation.

6. Collect a basket of nature items.

Designate a basket or container to hold any nature items you find when you are able to go outside—and challenge yourself to be on the lookout for things that speak to you. These can be shells, pinecones, rocks, dried flowers, a cool piece of bark—anything, really. When you’re feeling stressed, visit this “treasure chest” of nature items and spend a few minutes exploring the objects with your various senses, noting how they smell, feel, look, and sound, says Kuang.

Rocks in particular can be super grounding, says Siegfried. That’s why she recommends mindful interaction with them, similar to with the houseplants above. Close your eyes and use your hands to explore the different textures and temperatures of the rock, says Siegfried. Place the rock against your heart or rib cage and note what it feels like to breathe alongside the rock. This exercise may sound hokey, but “people just have the most amazing experiences,” says Siegfried. After you’ve connected with the rock for several days, consider returning it to where you found it or to a new place as a practice in reciprocity, says Siegfried.

Why it’s helpful: Spending a few minutes mindfully exploring various natural objects can help lower stress levels and provide a sense of comfort, says Kuang. This activity can also remind you of positive memories of when you were outside in nature, which can be soothing when you’re cooped up indoors. Plus, taking the time to intentionally interact with natural objects can bring you into the present moment and usher in a sense of relaxation.

7. Light candles or use an essential oil diffuser.

We often experience nature visually, but tapping into the olfactory aspect can be yet another way to connect to the natural world. Consider lighting a nature-scented candle or using an essential oil diffuser to infuse your home with the smells of the outdoors, whether that be the fragrance of a rose, lavender, or pinewood forest.

Why it’s helpful: Smells associated with nature can boost well-being (including measures of enjoyment and happiness), according to a compilation of research cited in a 2022 study published in the journal Ambio.

8. Get intentional about texture.

The next time you shop for a new couch pillow or throw, opt for a natural fabric—think: wool, sheepskin, velvet, cotton, or linen, says Lomas. All of these materials have different textures that can provide a unique experience to explore nature via touch. This can look like:

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How to deal with grief of losing a loved one? NatGeo photographer Paul Nicklen shows how on mother’s death

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Louise Roy, Mother of Paul Nicklen NatGeo photographer (Photo: Instagram)

Therapists will tell you that not everyone can process grief without rude and painful scars on their minds and soul. Some can handle it well by calling forth their inner strength and using their fall-back system to gain support while they pick up the pieces of their life and begin marching again. Some, unfortunately, can go to pieces in grief, guilt, anger, helplessness, and remorse.

Nat Geo’s celebrated photographer Paul Nicklen has posted a touching note on his Instagram handle.

@paulnicklen “We lost our beautiful mother, Louise Roy, yesterday. @mitty and I have lived right next door to my mom for the past 12 years and these have been the best years of my life because of it. My mom ran a successful business with my brother @aaron_nicklen and the fact that we saw our mom every day is an incredible gift that we will never forget. To have had that level of warmth, guidance, support and most of all, matriarchal love, on a daily basis was the greatest gift of all. True to her French heritage, she lived with true “Joie de Vivre”. Her life was a festive party, and she lived by a set of values that allowed her to be loved and admired by everyone she met. Every morning, she hiked up a small local mountain, often with our dogs in tow. In her mid-seventies, she was in the best shape of her life and had recently retired. Tragically, a brain tumour took her from us way too early. Her kindness and generosity live on in all of us and now we carry on, trying to uphold her values as we grieve her loss. We will celebrate her life at Yates Funeral Home, Parksville, BC on November 27 at 2 pm.“

This man has only just lost his mother (two weeks ago) to a brain tumour and was to oversee the beloved mum’s funeral service on Sunday (27 November) afternoon.

With a beautiful photograph of Mama Bear and her two cubs, Paul Nicklen wrote on Sunday 27 November:

@paulnicklen “A mother polar bear would do just about anything to keep her cubs from harm, gently guiding them through a shifting and unpredictable world of melting ice and snow. Mothers are the world’s teachers of resilience, vulnerability, patience, and the fathomless reaches of unconditional love. They keep us safe, feed us, shelter us, and guide us back to ourselves when we become lost. Above all, however, they teach us to hold onto courage in the face of the unknown, giving us the strength to keep them in our hearts even after they finally leave us. Today I would like to honor all mothers across the world as I say goodbye to my own. It will be wonderful to see so many of you at today’s service at Yates Funeral Home at 2pm. #gratitude #life #love #mom“

That touching tribute is Paul Nicklen’s way of dealing with the grief of losing his mother. He glorifies all mothers in the world whose “fathomless reaches of unconditional love” and demonstration of their own “resilience, vulnerability, and patience” mould us into strong and capable individuals and also “teach us to hold onto courage in the face of the unknown, giving us the strength to keep them in our hearts even after they finally leave us.”

Paul Nicklen is not just a celebrated photographer who has done National Geographic proud with the numerous wildlife and nature photographs, he also co-founded SeaLegacy, a nonprofit collective of photographers and filmmakers that aims to inspire the conservation of the world’s oceans. A powerful climate change warrior, he is a part of who’s who in conservation. Al Gore also uses images Nicklen has shot in his lectures on climate change. “It’s an image that really allows you to have a microphone and discuss the biggest issue of our time,” Nicklen says.

So, back to how each one of us processes and deals with the loss of a dear family member.

Dealing with the death of a friend, your family, or your special someone will always be hard and may seem like the end of the world when it has just happened. You may feel at that moment that you will never be able to learn to cope, absolutely impossible. But do remember, things will always get better though at times it will be very hard.

We’ve all been through the event of the death of a near and dear one, at least once. Our condolemnces if you have visited this space after such a loss. Please see the tips below on how to help yourself sort out the gamut of feelings that emerge and threaten to drown you at the moment.

1. Do not be harsh on yourself and do allow yourself to grieve without judgment. You may experience sadness, could be upset, or even feel lost. The line “strong men do not cry” is a huge lie. Don’t be angry at yourself for feeling sad, or tell yourself that you should “man up” or get over the loss. You need not be ashamed or shy of grieving or crying or silently feeling sad as any of those can be the likely and legitimate reaction to a dear one’s death.

2. Stop blaming yourself or that you could have helped it but did not. This wasn’t your fault, you have no reason to be angry at yourself. You may find your mind welling up with any of the feelings listed below:

Denial or disbelief about the death
Shock or emotional numbness
Ruminating in your mind over how you could have “saved” the deceased
Regret for things you might have done
Helplessness or hopelessness
Anger or irritability
Guilt
Finding it tough to go through daily activities

3. You must also not compare your reaction to another’s. Just because another person is crying and choking on tears while you seem to handle it well, does not mean anything bad about either you or that person. Everyone has their individual ways to cope and express.

4. Take a few days off and stay around friends or family. This way you will become each other’s support system, watching over each other’s wellbeing. Seek leave from office or school, share stories that you have of your loved oneshare a meal, activity, or hobby that your loved one enjoyed. Even if you have not much of a bond with the other family members or friends, you can work together to plan the memorial service.

5. Turn tears into flowers. Use the funeral as an opportunity to celebrate your loved one’s life. What has happened may not likely be reversed but why cherish only the sad loss? Your memories of a loved one are likely overpowering, but many of them will be beautiful, poignant, happy moments. Take a vow at the funeral service that henceforth your loved one will only live on in your heart and memories.

6. Stay positive, busy and focussed in the weeks and months to come. Take on activities that challenge your planning and execution and get engrossed. This diversion just might allow you to emerge from the sea of emotions that threatens to overwhelm you. This is not running away but a brief break tto gather your energies and return to deal with emotions with renewed vigour.

7. If you still find it hard to cope, speak with friends, family members. Or therapists.If you still feel you are unable to cope, reach out to a counsellor. Therapists are there to help in a tried and tested manner and there should be no stigma or shame in taking the help of a counsellor.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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