Nature & Identity Development

19/09/2025 Temporada 7 Episodio 7
Nature & Identity Development

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Episode Synopsis

Question: I'm tired of figuring out who I am, can nature help?   Tip 1 - Developmental awareness - it's a lifelong process, friends.  Tip 2 - Nature invites a "state of openness"  Value of introspection  groundedness of reflection through natural world is possibly more accurate  Studies found people were more hopefully but also saw the size of their problems more accurately  Clarity, connection, and creativity come forward in the act of "be-ing"  God's intimacy with nature Movement and our sense of agency   Tip 3 - Do we have an attachment relationship with nature? Biophilia hypothesis- our attachment with nature makes us feel more relaxed and cared for, "provisioned"  Builds our foundation to do the work of identity development Gives energy or a sense of vitality for life + delight Topophilia - love of places, particular environments  Stress reduction - helps us see ourselves more clearly (IFS and parts theory) actual change in cortisol concentration in blood tests after forest bath  Recovery rate for stress was 87% (after forest therapy sessions) Recovery rate for headaches was 52% (after forest therapy sessions)   Tip 4 - Nature offers Rest Replacing or releasing negative thoughts and identity weavings opportunity Reduction in loneliness  Expanding access to invitation skills Feed and provided for in nature might help us to feed and provide in our relationships in turn Nature reflects God and therefore offers us spiritual rest (Song of Songs, Job 38ff) Experience towards decolonizing the natural world and improvements in minority or global majority identity development  References & Resources:   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7036903/#B33-ijerph-17-00685   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204624000707   https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1527&context=expressive_theses   heidigoehmann.com  https://substack.com/@heidigoehmann https://www.instagram.com/heidigoehmann/?hl=en