The Power of Connection: Embracing Others and Our Environment for Holistic Change
I’ve been noticing in my personal life, as well as a dominant theme among clients entering therapy, the distress caused by an increasingly disconnected world. Many struggle with the old-school approach that focuses solely on the individual, challenging our own thoughts and behaviours. While I understand the reasoning behind this, my experience has shown that lasting, meaningful change requires much more. The path to healing and personal growth lies in rebuilding our connections with ourself, others, and the natural world. True transformation is holistic, requiring us to move beyond individual challenges and recognise the broader systems that shape our experiences. I challenge politicians, leaders of business and individuals in positions of power and influence (teachers, headmasters, doctors) to acknowledge and address this.
Psychologist and ecologist Bill Plotkin offers a powerful framework for understanding human development through eight stages of the Soulcentric Development Wheel.
Each stage represents an unfolding of self (these aren’t linked to our actual age), many of us appear trapped in the adolescent phase, an important but incomplete stage characterised by identity-seeking, external validation, and disconnection from a deeper purpose.For holistic wellbeing, we must ensure a balanced amount of community, society and support at every stage, especially in our Late Adulthood and Elderhood stages, nurturing growth across all phases of life
The Need for Holistic Systems Thinking
Why should we focus on the individual in the change process, when we do not exist in isolation? Systems theory reminds us that we are embedded in interconnected networks; internal systems, family systems, social structures, ecological systems, and cultural narratives. These systems shape our experiences, influence our mental health, and impact our sense of belonging. When one aspect of a system is out of balance, the effects ripple outward, creating widespread challenges.
Acknowledging this complexity does not mean resigning to it. Instead, the focus on validating and accepting the difficulties we and others face while seeking meaningful ways to navigate them. By recognising the systemic nature of our struggles, whether they stem from economic pressures, cultural disconnection, or environmental degradation we connect with others and empower ourselves to respond with intention, compassion, and resilience.
Nature as Our Ever-Present Guide
One of the most profound ways to reconnect with ourselves and our communities is through our relationship with nature. We are always in nature, even when we do not perceive it as such. A common misconception is that connecting with nature requires escaping to pristine wilderness, but the truth is, nature is wherever we are.
Grounding ourselves in our immediate environment can be a simple yet transformative practice. Observing the shifting hues of plants on our way to the bus stop, feeling the rhythm of changing winds, noting the lengthening or shortening of days. These small acts of mindfulness tether us to the present and remind us of our inherent belonging.
Practical Actions for Reconnection
To embrace holistic change, can we integrate some of these practices into our daily lives?
Strengthening Community Bonds
- Engage in meaningful conversations: Ask deeper questions when talking to friends, family, or colleagues. Create space for vulnerability and authentic connection.
- Join or create a community group: Whether it’s a book club, meditation circle, or neighbourhood community garden. Shared activities foster a sense of belonging.
- Offer and seek support: Be open about your struggles and offer a listening ear to others. Supporting one another strengthens our collective resilience.
Practicing Systems Awareness
- Reflect on societal influences: Consider how economic, cultural, and environmental systems impact mental health. Awareness can help in making informed, intentional choices.
- Advocate for systemic change: Engage in discussions or initiatives that promote mental health accessibility, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
- Create balance in your personal ecosystem: Recognise unhealthy patterns in work, relationships, or lifestyle and make small adjustments toward harmony.
Reconnecting with Nature
- Practice mindful observation: Notice the way light changes throughout the day, how the wind moves through trees, or the sound of birds in your area.
- Engage in grounding activities: Walk, stand barefoot on grass, touch nature, connect with a tree/plant – notice how your system reacts when connected to nature, or take deep breaths in the fresh air.
- Incorporate nature into daily routines: Take a different route to work that passes through a park, keep a small plant at your workspace, or pause to appreciate the sky.
Connection is at the heart of mental wellbeing
Connection is at the heart of mental wellbeing. Whether through community, systemic awareness, or an intimate relationship with nature, embracing interdependence allows us to heal, grow, and thrive.
At Connecting Mental Health, we guide Australians to passionate mental health practitioners who align with holistic, best-practice support. Our growing network specialises in diverse areas, including depression, trauma, relationships, and challenges with food and body image. No matter where you are on your journey, compassionate and skilled professionals are ready to support you.
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Written, Jono Derkenne, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38509180/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8853061/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#Sec33
