How nature connection and the power of mystical experience brings a deeper meaning to our lives.

In this far-reaching podcast, our Programme Coordinator Dr. Matthew Zylstra speaks with Nathalie Nahai , host of the “In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai“ podcast which explores the human relationship with technology, one another and the animate world, and how to flourish in turbulent times.

In this engaging conversation, we touch on nature connection, the power of mystical experience and how this can bring a deeper meaning to our lives. We explore the idea that humanity is facing a reckoning with its relationship with one another and the Earth, and discuss the fragmentation and desensitization of the human psyche, particularly in relation to technology and the attention economy.

Matt talks about the NatureFix app, which aims to make nature connection more accessible and encourages engagement with the natural world, and we touch on the importance of feeling safe and comfortable in nature and the potential for awe and wonder in wild spaces.

We discuss the idea that our mode of consciousness is not universal, that our perception of the world is shaped by our cultural and individual backgrounds, and the role of ceremony and mindfulness in deepening our connection with nature and the potential for a post-economic paradigm that values localisation, autonomy, and our relationship with nature.

Key Themes

• Humanity is facing a reckoning with its relationship with one another and the Earth.

• The human psyche is fragmented, distracted, and desensitized, particularly in relation to technology and the attention economy.

• The NatureFix app aims to make nature connection more accessible and encourages engagement with the natural world.

• Feeling safe and comfortable in nature is important for deepening our connection with the natural world.

• Wild spaces offer the potential for awe and wonder, but also require a sense of openness and willingness to embrace the unknown. Our mode of consciousness is not universal and our perception of the world is shaped by our cultural and individual backgrounds.

• Ceremony and mindfulness can deepen our connection with nature and bring a sense of reverence and meaning to our experiences.

• A post-economic paradigm could involve localization, autonomy, and a shift in values to prioritise our relationship with nature.

• Taking time to sit in nature and observe can help us reconnect with the joy and beauty that is always present.

• Our actions, even if seemingly insignificant, can contribute to a shift in consciousness and the preservation of our connection with nature.