Reconnecting with Nature: How Psychedelics Can Renew Our Bond

Nature, from vast oceans to serene forests, has a remarkable power to uplift our spirits. Have you ever felt a longing to spend more time immersed in the natural world? Perhaps you seek a stronger connection with the Earth's embrace?

Scientific studies attest that a deeper connection with nature can significantly enhance both our mental and physical well-being. This rekindled relationship with the natural world not only enriches our lives but also contributes to the well-being of our planet.

Could guided psychedelic ceremonies be the key to reawakening your connection with nature?

Our Relationship With Nature

Many indigenous cultures embrace a philosophy known as animism, which recognizes that all things possess a spirit, and every phenomenon actively participates in consciousness. In this worldview, humans are integral components of a natural ecosystem, relying on other living entities for sustenance while influencing the environment—a harmonious integration.

In contrast, Western society often fosters a different perspective. Some describe it as a disconnection from nature, wherein humanity perceives itself as separate from the natural order. This mindset suggests that humans are above natural laws and may disregard the consequences of exploiting the Earth's resources.

The current climate and ecological crisis may, in part, stem from this unhealthy detachment from nature. When we view ourselves as distinct from and superior to nature, we are less inclined to protect it or consider the repercussions of our actions. This disconnection from nature also takes a toll on our well-being.

The Benefits of Embracing Nature

Research demonstrates that spending time in nature has a positive impact on our mental and physical health. Even brief daily experiences in natural surroundings can reduce markers of inflammation and stress in our bodies (Park et al., 2010). Conversely, reduced exposure to green spaces is associated with a higher risk of depression (Pearson & Craig, 2014).

Innovative approaches like social prescribing, where therapists and social workers recommend nature activities to individuals facing mental health challenges or social isolation, have yielded remarkable results. This approach, piloted by the UK's NHS, has proven to enhance patient well-being while reducing healthcare costs significantly (Polley et al., 2017).

Furthermore, cultivating a connection to nature can enhance mindfulness practice, a recommended strategy for preventing depression and alleviating anxiety. Research suggests a deep connection between mindfulness and nature, implying that nurturing our bond with the natural world may facilitate mindfulness development (Howell et al., 2011).

Fostering a Healthy Connection to Nature

How can we ensure a positive relationship with nature in our lives?

Begin by contemplating your current place within the natural world. Spending more time in nature or participating in local regeneration projects can reveal the harmonious relationship that humans can forge with the land.

Create a personal space in nature where you can journal or reflect. Research shows that even brief nature walks can be profoundly therapeutic, so allocate regular time to immerse yourself in natural surroundings, particularly if you reside in urban environments.

Finally, consider embarking on a guided journey with a psychedelic compound. Psychedelic substances, such as the natural psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin used at the Confluence Retreats, have been demonstrated to strengthen our sense of connection to nature.

How Can Psychedelics Reconnect Us With Nature?

Several independent research studies have shown that psychedelics can enhance our connection with nature.

A large online study involving nearly 1,500 participants revealed that individuals with more psychedelic experience are more likely to feel connected to nature. The study controlled for variables like political beliefs, suggesting that the psychedelic experience itself fosters a heightened connection with nature (Forstmann & Sagioglou, 2017).

A subsequent clinical study demonstrated that a single moderate dose of psilocybin could slightly improve individuals' relationship with nature. Seven patients with severe depression received a single low dose of psilocybin and a single moderate dose, one week apart. Compared to seven control participants, those who had received psilocybin showed a small but significant 15% increase in their connection to nature, as measured by the Nature Relatedness Scale (Lyons & Carhart-Harris, 2018).

A prospective online survey collected data from 654 individuals, both before and after a planned psychedelic experience. The results indicated that the psychedelic experience increased nature connection scores by an average of 2.5% after two weeks, with the potential for nearly a 10% increase two years later. Those who reported increased nature connection were also likely to experience improvements in their overall psychological well-being (Kettner et al., 2019).

Research using retreats with a similar model as Confluence Retreats has demonstrated that their guided psychedelic experiences significantly boost participants' sense of nature-relatedness. Scores on the Nature Relatedness Scale increased by nearly 8% on average after the retreat. Additionally, participants experienced a remarkable 130% increase in their connectedness score, which encompasses a sense of connection to oneself, others, and the broader world (from 32/100 to 74/100), sustaining this growth for at least four weeks post-retreat.

Nature and the Mystical Experience

Psychedelics can induce experiences that transcend our ordinary understanding, often referred to as "mystical experiences." These encounters can lead to profound realizations about the nature of reality or provide a profound sense of purpose (Barrett et al., 2015).

Mystical experiences often entail the dissolution of boundaries between self and the world, leading to a profound understanding of our place in the natural world. Individuals who undergo this dissolution during a psychedelic journey are more likely to feel deeply connected to nature afterward (Kettner et al., 2019).

The psilocybin retreat experience, known for its highly mystical nature, demonstrates these characteristics. Nearly half of the participants on a psilocybin retreat that utilized the same model as Confluence Retreats report a "complete mystical experience" as measured by the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire. Within this experience, 69% encounter ultimate knowledge, 65% find it beyond description, and 76% experience feelings of joy, peace, or ecstasy.

Psychedelics: A Path to Combat Global Warming?

Psychedelic journeys hold the potential to illuminate the interconnectedness of life and awaken a sense of responsibility toward nature and the world. As we acknowledge our innate connection with other people and the natural world, we become more aware of our role as stewards of the environment.

Stanislav Grof, a renowned Czech psychiatrist and founder of transpersonal psychology, posits that "a radical inner transformation and rise to a new level of consciousness might be the only real hope we have in the current global crisis." In today's world, a shift in societal consciousness may be the catalyst for genuine change in our relationship with the natural world.

Oregon's Legal Psilocybin Initiative (Measure 109)

Oregon's groundbreaking Legal Psilocybin Initiative (Measure 109) stands as a beacon of progressive psychedelic policy. This initiative legalizes supervised medical psilocybin use, paving the way for innovative approaches to mental health and well-being. By acknowledging the potential of psilocybin to enhance our connection with nature and promote psychological health, Oregon is at the forefront of psychedelic exploration and research, offering hope for a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Note: this article is based on a blog that originally appeared on the Synthesis Institute's website here.