Are you a 'biophile'? Put simply, if you have a deep sense of emotional connectedness to the natural world, yes you probably are!
Biophilia, a theory that suggests humans are intrinsically connected to nature, was first made popular by a biologist, Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, and was based on the original thinking of a renowned psychologist, Erich Fromm in the 1960s.
The literal translation of ‘biophilia’ is ‘love of life’ and the hypothesis being that we humans are driven, biologically, to seek out life forms such as beautiful rolling landscapes, tranquil gardens and living creatures. I don’t know about you, but I can’t pass a field full of sheep without stopping to hold a conversation… baaa... ok maybe that’s just me! But let me tell you, they do respond and I’m almost certain, if you haven’t already, you’ll be trying your hand at a bit of sheep whispering next time the opportunity arises!
The benefits of biophilic experiences are abundant and positively impact both our physical and mental wellbeing. In short, the more time you share with nature, the greater the benefits to your health.
We tend to think about nature always being an outdoorsy kind of exploration, such as ‘Forest Bathing’ yet there are so many ways we can experience biophilia without even leaving our homes, so no excuses for you couch potatoes out there. For example, connecting with pets. The therapeutic benefits of stroking a cat or a dog, are well known to the point of them being employed to support people suffering from mental and physical health conditions. Therapy dogs are said to increase our happy hormones (oxytocin) at the same time as decreasing stress by reducing our cortisol levels, all of which aids recovery and regeneration.
Ever wondered why we bring plants into our homes or spared a moment to consider why the gift of flowers makes us smile? The use of natural materials in interior design, the desire for ‘light and airy’ spaces and to ‘bring the outside in’, bi-fold doors, paintings of seascapes and dreamy meadows, and so the list goes on. Biophilia is an integral part of our lives, the subconscious nature of which only goes to strengthen the theory that our connection with the natural world is a fundamental part of who we are and more importantly, what we need to be healthy.
I encourage you to spend a few moments to welcome biophilia into your world, what have you got to lose? Baaaaaaa….
If Biophilia has grabbed your interest, have a search for Wilson’s original 1984 book – Biophilia, The human bond with other species or maybe explore Sally Coulthard’s 2020 handbook – Biophilia: You + Nature + Home (A handbook for bringing the natural world into your life)
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