17 The healing power of nature This session explored <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapeutic effects of nature <strong>and</strong> how individual <strong>and</strong> community health can be improved through park <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scapebased activities. Australian, Finnish, <strong>and</strong> American speakers explored case studies, <strong>the</strong> evidence base <strong>and</strong> proven ways <strong>to</strong> translate this evidence in<strong>to</strong> practice. Presentations demonstrated <strong>the</strong> importance of a spiritual relationship <strong>and</strong> connection <strong>to</strong> country <strong>and</strong> how this has a strong influence in maintaining healthy environments <strong>and</strong> healthy societies. Summary of session <strong>and</strong> discussion <strong>People</strong> around <strong>the</strong> world have different underst<strong>and</strong>ings of nature. What is considered important for conservation is very humancentred. ‘If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t underst<strong>and</strong> it well enough’. This quote can apply <strong>to</strong> nature: we need <strong>to</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> what nature means, but it is complex, <strong>and</strong> it implies a lot of different cultures <strong>and</strong> visions. There are many different approaches trying <strong>to</strong> explain <strong>the</strong> connection between nature <strong>and</strong> health, but often <strong>the</strong> approaches do not connect with each o<strong>the</strong>r. Trans-disciplinary actions are required. We cannot break down silos but we can connect <strong>the</strong>m. Reference was made <strong>to</strong> being more inclusive of indigenous perspectives in underst<strong>and</strong>ing our relationships with nature or ‘country’. The panellists recognised that spirituality <strong>and</strong> connection <strong>to</strong> country can have a strong influence in maintaining healthy environments <strong>and</strong> healthy societies. Examples based in Australia, Europe <strong>and</strong> Asia were pertinent <strong>and</strong> highlighted an emerging field of study <strong>and</strong> practice that provides a profound depth of awareness at a personal level <strong>and</strong> at a community level. A remarkable case study was presented: The Bush Circle, in Sydney, managed by WEAVE, an Australian youth <strong>and</strong> community services organisation. The Bush Circle is a service offered <strong>to</strong> young people without adult models dealing with alcohol <strong>and</strong> drug addictions who are trying <strong>to</strong> cope with <strong>the</strong>ir lives. At The Bush Circle, <strong>the</strong> participants are brought <strong>to</strong> nature for five days of outdoor activities. The participants mentioned going <strong>to</strong> this camp in order <strong>to</strong> find <strong>the</strong>ir spirituality, <strong>the</strong>ir inner child, <strong>to</strong> find peace <strong>and</strong> self-reflection. The participants also described some elements that <strong>the</strong> experience brought <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m including: stress relief, choice, meaning, perspective <strong>and</strong> inner-connection (opposite <strong>to</strong> isolation), <strong>and</strong> improved confidence. Session manager Justin Lawson, Deakin University, Australia Session contribu<strong>to</strong>rs – Howard Levitt, Golden Gate National Park, National Park Service, USA – Jonathan Kingsley, Onemda Centre for Health <strong>and</strong> Society, Melbourne School of Population <strong>and</strong> Global Health, Australia – Justin Lawson, Deakin University, Australia - Reshaping <strong>the</strong> Worldview: case studies of faith groups’ approaches <strong>to</strong> a new Australian l<strong>and</strong> ethic – Bahadur Bryson, Weave Youth <strong>and</strong> Community Services, Australia - The healing power of nature – Gina O’Neill, Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW, Australia - <strong>Healthy</strong> Country: Healing <strong>People</strong> – Riitta Wahlstrom, Taiga-Institute, Finl<strong>and</strong> - Wellness <strong>and</strong> loving nature – Julia Africa, Center For Health And The Global Environment at Harvard School of Public Health, USA - Shinrin Yoku: practices in context <strong>and</strong> translation 46
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