ECOTHERAPY AND AMBIGUOUS LOSS

We are part of nature and all forms of grief are natural. The natural world reminds us of constant chance and impermanence. We tend to live in a way that disconnects us from our natural environment, and it’s thought this contributes to mental ill-health.
 
We use seascapes and the natural world for many metaphors around ambiguous loss, and indulge in the therapeutic nature of the sea. Ambiguous grief could be likened to the instability of the sand at the beach, the crumbling cliffs or the vast fathomless ocean. The waves are like the emotions of grief, rolling in and then smoothing out. Sometimes calm and sometimes stormy. Perhaps we are the sailing ship trying to navigate the weather that is out of our control, like ambiguous loss.
 
There are many studies which show how the natural world can improve our wellbeing and this can take many forms. On this page we highlight some benefits of being in our other-than-human world and suggest some methods you might like to try.
 
‘Ecotherapy’ is a therapeutic activity which involves being outdoors in the natural environment. Also known by other terms, such as green therapy (or blue therapy near water), nature therapy or wilderness therapy. It won’t change your ambiguous loss of course, but it may help you cope better or make sense of it.

  • Connection – connection to the earth, to yourself, an outdoors community or the greater world. You may wish to observe what is present in nature by connecting deeply with it, or join in a gardening community project, or have a picnic in your local park with a friend. Learning how to make compost is a lovely way to give back to the earth. This research study on gardening with others highlights a sense of community, belonging, shared purpose, and reduced isolation.

  • Exercise – doing some exercise outdoors not only benefits mental health but also physical. It doesn’t have to be strenuous such as hiking or running – you might enjoy a walk along the beach or a cold water swim. Combining the exercise with something purposeful to benefit the environment is going to feel even better! Why not do a litter pick in your local park or along a river, or a beach clean.
 
  • Mindfulness –mindfulness in the natural world slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and leaves you feeling grounded. Even just listening to sounds like the waves, the birds singing or rustling of leaves in the trees is therapeutic. Try using all your senses and see how you feel – even better if you can take your shoes off and walk barefoot with the sand between your toes whilst smelling the salty air at the beach. Other ideas are forest bathing, outdoor meditation or yoga, creating art such as mandalas or sculptures out of natural materials. Replenishing our natural world by planting seeds or trees to benefit wildlife can feel nourishing. Mindfulness outdoors can help with nervous system recovery from stress – interesting research here.

  • Joy – finding joy amongst the storms of ambiguous loss is important for our mental health. Having moments of fun and laughter outdoors might look like flying a kite, walking the dog, playing games outside, cooking in the wild or foraging. You might enjoy spending time in the natural world with a good friend and sharing light conversation. There are many pleasures to be gained from being outdoors.
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  • Inspiration – One of the benefits of being in the natural world is that it can be breathtaking or inspiring. It can promote creativity, encourage ideas, and help us gain a wider perspective. We cultivate greater resilience when we are outdoors. A helpful research article on this. Perhaps you could read a book, draw, or journal. Time spent in the natural world can bring about wonder and curiosity.

Make it your intention to get outside and connect with our other-than-human world and see how you feel. Notice how your grief changes.