MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EXPERIENCES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HIGH CONNECTEDNESS WITH NATURE

Abstract

The environmental and climate crises unfolding around the globe have made understanding what motivates people to be more ecologically aware and practice conservation more important than ever. This qualitative study explored the experience of the mindfulness development practices among people (N=10) demonstrating a high connectedness with nature. It used a phenomenological method of data collection through in-depth interviews. The findings of this study reveal three main themes concerning experiences of mindfulness practice among the informants. The first theme is the informant's pathway of mindfulness practice. The second theme is concerned with how each informant came to understand the meaning of mindfulness. This factor can be further divided into six sub-themes: (1) do, learn and see it myself; (2) practice with coaching; (3) "I" and my thoughts are not the same thing; (4) practice letting go bit by bit; (5) mindfulness is vital; and (6) improved quality of life through mindfulness (e.g., mentality, relationships, and work performance). The last main theme addresses three attributes of connectedness with nature that have been improved via continual mindfulness practice, including: (1) awareness that connection with nature and mindfulness practice are one; (2) awareness that inner and outer worlds are connected as one; and (3) being careful not to do anything that can harm nature. People who are concerned about conservation of natural resources are advised to study and develop methods of mindfulness practice that are suitable for public distribution for the future care and healing of nature.