In my understanding, there are three primary sources of depression, each stemming from a fundamental disconnection in our lives:
- Disconnection from our higher self or the Divine
- Disconnection from family and friends—from human community
- Disconnection from nature
The first cause—our felt separation from the all-encompassing divine force—can be addressed through meditation and spiritual practices. The second cause can be healed through rebuilding connections with others. This disconnection is particularly prevalent in Western societies, where we’ve witnessed a dramatic shift in how we live together. Not so long ago, extended families were the norm, providing natural communities where belonging was a given. With industrialization, these extended families dissolved into nuclear families, and now we’re seeing an ever-increasing trend toward single-person households. This development has proven far from beneficial for the human psyche.
Today, we’ll focus on the third cause—our disconnection from nature—and I’ll share a simple yet powerful exercise to help restore this vital connection.
The Nature of Our Nature
For countless thousands of years, humans lived in intimate relationship with nature. For our ancestors, nature wasn’t just their environment—it was a mystical realm where everything was alive and ensouled. They felt at home among trees, rivers, and mountains. Each plant, each stone, each breath of wind carried meaning and presence.
Fast forward to today, particularly in urban environments, and this connection has almost completely dissolved. Many people now perceive nature as something dirty, uncomfortable, or even dangerous. This shift in our way of life, when viewed against the vast timeline of human history, happened in the blink of an eye. Our psyche hasn’t had time to adapt, and the consequences are profound. It’s worth noting that in indigenous peoples who maintain their connection with nature, depression is largely unknown.
The Playful Path Back to Connection
So, how do we rebuild our connection with nature? “Just go outside,” you might say. Well, not quite that simple! Walking in nature while remaining internally closed off, feeling like an alien in the natural world, won’t do much good. We need to rediscover a mystical relationship with nature. Here’s how:
Time to Get Your Hands Dirty! (Literally!)
Find a spot in nature—ideally somewhere away from civilization, but if that’s not possible, a city park will do just fine. Now, here comes the fun part (and yes, your ego might protest a bit):
- Kick Off Those Shoes!
Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass. Yes, really! This isn’t just some hippie nonsense—it’s called “grounding,” and it’s a powerful way to reconnect with the Earth’s energy. Don’t worry about getting your feet dirty; that’s part of the magic! - Get Hands-On with Mother Earth
Make friends with dirt! Get your hands in the soil. Feel its texture, its temperature, its life. Your inner child might remember how fun this used to be, while your adult self hesitates. Listen to the child—they know something you’ve forgotten. - Become a Tree Hugger (Proudly!)
Yes, I’m actually telling you to hug trees! Plants are living beings with their own energetic signatures. Try to sense this energy. And if anyone gives you odd looks, just smile—they’re the ones missing out on this profound connection. - Find Wonder in the Small Things
Stop to admire flowers, leaves, insects. Look at them as if you’re seeing them for the first time. Notice their intricate patterns, their colors, their perfect design. Let yourself be amazed, just as you were as a child. - Feel the Unity
Try to develop a sense of connection between yourself and nature. Remember that everything that exists is permeated by the same loving force. Imagine the world as a single living organism where everything—including you—has its place and purpose, each element important and irreplaceable.
Embracing the “Childish”
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “This sounds ridiculous and childish.” But that’s just your ego’s arrogance talking. This exercise might seem simple, even primitive, but that’s precisely its power. We’re not trying to intellectualize nature—we’re trying to experience it directly, as we did before our minds became cluttered with judgments and pretensions.
The Beauty of Regression
In fact, being “childlike” in your approach is exactly what you want. Children naturally understand something we’ve forgotten: that we’re part of nature, not separate from it. They don’t need complicated philosophies to feel connected to a flower or a tree—they just are connected.
The Results Are Real
While this exercise might seem too simple to be effective, many people report noticeable improvements in their mood relatively quickly when practicing it regularly. There’s something profound about reconnecting with the natural world that helps lift the heavy veil of depression.
So, dare to be that child again, rediscovering nature with fresh eyes and an open heart. Let go of your adult sophistication for a while and allow yourself to be amazed by the living world around you. Yes, your ego might cringe a bit at first, but the joy and healing that can come from this reconnection are worth any momentary embarrassment.
Remember, this isn’t about regressing permanently to childhood—it’s about reclaiming something essential that we’ve lost along the way. Something that our ancestors knew, something that indigenous peoples still know, and something that your own body remembers: we are nature, and nature is us.
So go ahead—take off those shoes, hug that tree, and let yourself remember what it feels like to be truly home in the natural world.