An Autophenomenographical Investigation of Nature Connection: A Transpersonal Focus

Abstract

Experiences of nature connection have been an important conduit for personal meaning and spiritual connection in various cultures around the world. Since the Industrial Revolution in Western nations, there has been an increasing psychological disconnection from other-than-human nature as a result of industrialization, urbanization, and technological development. While phenomenological research has explored the experience of nature connection, an autophenomenographical approach with researcher as sole participant has not been conducted. This article reports on an autophenomenographical inquiry into the lived experience of nature connection focusing on transpersonal themes. It identified 11 overlapping and interconnected themes and 4 thematic groupings of transpersonal experience. It provides perspectives on their personal meanings, on how and why they must be encouraged and/or facilitated, and discusses the broader social importance for deeper experiences of nature connection.

Sensing the outdoors: a visual and haptic phenomenology of outdoor exercise embodiment

“…The visual wonders of the natural world For participants, exercising in the outdoor environments of Wales generated a sense of wonderment, and 'nature connection' (White, 2013), particularly for those who were more accustomed to living in an urban, industrial environment. The overwhelming majority of 'wonderment' comments related to the visual dimension; it was the sights of nature that provoked feelings of wonder and delight:…”

“…Everything's different when you come, nothing is the same every week. (male participant with mental health problems) Cherished memories of 'nature connection' (White, 2013) as a child were reported as being evoked by, for example, seeing the sea again as an adult. Sobel (1996) argues that during childhood, there is a strong connection with nature that can be nurtured through ecophilia -a loving and caring attitude towards nature, which some of the Mentro Allan projects also sought to instil or rekindle in their participants.…”