REJUVENATURE
recharge. revitalise. reconnect.
Become naturecharged.
Rejuvenature is a subtle yet accessible exploration into practices we can readily use to amplify the everyday health benefits of nature. By integrating this activities into our lifestyle we can enhance our wellbeing through more dynamic attention, intentional engagement and authentic connection. These therapuetic tools are particularly powerful and pertinent at a time when many people are languishing though any of low mood, anxiety, burnout, isolation. If you’re fortunate to not be experiencing these things, then consider these as preventive practices to bolster neurophysiological resilience in a demanding society.
When people say “I am going to the gym”, we assume that they won’t just walk through the centre and look at the equipment. We assume that they will get on the equipment and do something. They will physically engage. Not only that, we assume that there is some workout routine they will follow to get the most out of their time at the gym.
The same can be said for time in nature. Even though we are fortunate that nature does much for us just by being exposed to it, most of us do not gain optimal benefit from our time in nature. That’s because the moments matter more than the minutes.
Physiological, cognitive and behavioural research shows that noticing and appreciating nature is much better for our wellbeing than simply spending time in nature. So how we do rewire our brain and create the habit patterns to notice nature more?
Rejuvenature introduces some of the ‘nudges’ (or hacks) that can be utilised to enhance the wellbeing benefits of our time in nature. As we make these practices habitual, we can be confident of greater happiness, stress-relief, mental clarity, social connection and care for the environment. And we can take back control of – and restore – our overburdened attention.
Course Details
Facilitator
Matthew Zylstra
PhD
Matthew Zylstra, PhD is a systems ecologist and nature connection practitioner passionate about meaningful experience and rewilding our relationship with earth – for the health of people and planet. Matthew likes to look at the world the through the lens of connection, always curious as to how a given activity (dis)connects us with the rest of nature. He believes one of the most important skills we can master is how to truly pay attention to life, especially non-human nature.
Matthew’s PhD research through Stellenbosch University (2014) explored the role of meaningful experiences and nature connectedness in transformative learning and pro-environmental behaviour. Matthew has led international undergraduate conservation field-study programs for over 10 years and has a keen interest in neurophysiology and ecopsychology research that inform practices for enhancing our awareness, belonging and connectedness with place.
Matthew’s Rejuvenature experiences weave in training he has had in Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), Kamana Naturalist Training, Living Connection 1st (formerly 8Shields / Kamana), Trauma Release, and Spirit of the Wild facilitation.
Matthew is currently Programme Director for the Kwendalo Institute, Scientific Advisor for NatureFix and Research Associate with CST-Stellenbosch University.