What is Ecotherapy?

Nature has been known to be a source of healing, retreat and rejuvenation for centuries. From ancient goddess cultures that worshiped the natural world to modern-day ecotherapists, the healing power of nature has been recognised and harnessed in various ways from spirituality to art and science. Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is an approach to human psychology that centres itself in ecology. You could say the aim of ecotherapy is to remember an ecocentric sense of self. In this blog, we'll explore what ecotherapy Melbourne based practitioners offer and some of the key practices involved in it.

Ecotherapy is applied ecopsychology that includes the healing power of nature to improve collective health and wellbeing including the health of the earth - our only lifeline. It involves engaging with the natural world in various ways, such as spending time outdoors, interacting with plants and animals, and recognising our relationship with the ecosystem and responsibility to care for it. Experience ecotherapy at one of our holistic retreats in Victoria or at one of our Melbourne based arts and ecotherapy workshops.

Key Practices we use in Ecotherapy Melbourne

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and involves spending time in a forest to improve mental and physical health. The practice is based on the idea that spending time in nature, breathing in the forest air, and engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system.

Nature-Based Mindfulness

Nature-based mindfulness is a practice that merges evidence based mindfulness with nature connection. We can explore the four foundations of mindfulness through being aware of our relationship with nature as an inner and outer experience. Through nature based mindfulness we can cultivate more presense, connection and groundedness in nature.

Sit Spots

Sit spots are a key practice in ecotherapy that involve finding a place in nature and sitting there for an extended period of time. The practice is based on the idea that spending time in nature and observing the natural world can help us to connect with the natural world and improve our mental and physical health. Sit spots can be anywhere in nature, from a quiet corner of a park to a secluded spot in the woods.

Symbology

Symbology is the study of symbols and their meanings. In ecotherapy, symbology is used to explore the deeper meanings and connections between humans, non-human and the natural world. By examining the symbols that appear in nature, such as animals, plants, and natural phenomena, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own psyche and the world around us.

Ritual

Ritual is a practice that involves performing symbolic actions or gestures to mark a significant event or to connect with something greater than oneself. In ecotherapy, ritual can be used to mark the passage of time, to honor the sacred natural world, or to connect with the rhythms and cycles of nature. Examples of ecotherapy rituals include creating a nature altar, performing a solstice ceremony, full moon ceremony, building a spirit house or participating in a group drumming circle.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a specific object, thought, or activity to achieve a state of mental clarity and calm. In ecotherapy, meditation can be used to connect with the natural world, to quiet the mind, enliven the senses and to cultivate a sense of peace and wellbeing. Examples of ecotherapy meditations include walking meditation,nature visualisation, and breathwork.

Mindful Nature Walking

Mindful walking in nature is a practice that involves intentionally and attentively experiencing the act of walking while immersing oneself in the natural surroundings. It combines the principles of mindfulness and the healing power of nature to enhance one's overall well-being. During mindful walking, individuals focus their attention on the physical sensations of walking—the movement of their body, the sensation of their feet touching the ground, and the rhythm of their breath. They also open their senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural environment, allowing themselves to be fully present in the moment. This practice cultivates a deep connection with nature, promoting a sense of calm, grounding, and gratitude.

Eco Art

Eco art therapy involves using artistic expression and engagement with nature. In eco art therapy, individuals are encouraged to connect with the natural world through various creative processes, such as painting, sculpting, or creating installations using natural materials. This form of therapy recognizes the inherent healing qualities of nature and the power of artistic expression to facilitate self-discovery and emotional release. Through the integration of art and nature, eco art therapy provides a unique and transformative space for individuals to deepen their connection with the environment, explore their inner world, and navigate personal challenges or traumas.

Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge refers to the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation within indigenous communities. In ecotherapy, indigenous knowledge can be used to deepen our connection with the natural world and to learn from the wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. Examples of ecotherapy practices that draw on indigenous knowledge include plant medicine ceremonies, sweat lodges, and vision quests. We also explore tapping into our own ancestry (humans and lands) and rekindling our own indigenous knowledge that lies dormant within the cells and unconscious mind of modern humans.

Depth Psychology

Depth psychology is another important component of ecotherapy, as it helps us to explore our inner lives and emotions through the lens of nature. This can involve using techniques like dreamwork, storytelling, active imagination and art therapy to gain insight into our own experiences and deepen our connection with the natural world.

Grief Work

Grief work is also an important part of ecotherapy, as it allows us to process our emotions and experiences related to loss and climate change. By engaging with nature in the midst of grief, we can find solace and healing in the natural world and develop a deeper sense of resilience and hope.

Environmentalism

Ecotherapy recognises that human wellbeing is intimately connected with the health and well-being of the natural world, and that environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity can have negative impacts on human health and wellbeing. As such, ecotherapists often work to promote environmental awareness and engage in environmental activism as a way of promoting healing and wellbeing for both individuals and the planet as a whole. This might involve activities such as participating in local environmental campaigns, volunteering for conservation organisations, or simply spending time in nature and developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By promoting environmental awareness and engaging in environmental activism, ecotherapists seek to create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the earth, promoting health and well-being for both individuals and the planet.

Eco-Dharma

Eco-Dharma is a contemporary movement that integrates the spiritual teachings of Buddhism (Dharma) and other contemplative traditions with a focus on ecological concerns and activism (Eco). It is rooted in the recognition of the fundamental interconnectedness of all life and the insight that the ecological crisis is a reflection of a collective spiritual or psychological crisis, stemming from greed, ignorance, and a sense of separation from the natural world. Ecodharma encourages practitioners to deepen their understanding of interdependence through practices like meditating in nature, clarifying the ecological implications of traditional teachings, and committing to engaged eco-activism as a necessary part of the spiritual path.

Horticulture

Within the diverse practices of ecotherapy, the paddock-to-plate or seed-to-table approach, particularly through organic gardening, offers a uniquely profound experience. Engaging directly with the process of growing your own food transcends simple sustenance; it establishes a tangible, positive feedback loop essential for health. This practice instills a powerful sense of self-efficacy and mindfulness as gardeners nurture seeds into mature, edible produce. By choosing to cultivate organic food, individuals also deepen their understanding of ecological stewardship, connecting their personal wellness to the health of the earth. The final act of harvesting and preparing a meal from one's own garden in a community completes this therapeutic cycle, providing social regeneration, improving nutrition, and reinforcing the inherent connection between human health and natural systems.

Overall, ecotherapy is a powerful and transformative and social approach that can help us develop a deeper connection with the natural world and find greater peace, meaning, wellbeing and ethics in our lives , community and leadership. Whether we are engaging in forest bathing, practicing meditation, or joining us on retreat or ecotherapy workshop, the practices of ecotherapy can help us to find healing and renewal in the natural world.