Unleashing the Wild Within
Have you ever heard of rewilding? As someone deeply invested in ecological conservation, I often read about how the reintroduction of species - from beavers and lynx to bison and sphagnum moss - is reinvigorating ecosystems in unexpected ways. These fascinating stories got me thinking - could we apply the principles of rewilding to our inner psychological world? Here's an idea I've been toying with, which I call "psychological rewilding."
I've observed in my work as a psychologist that our modern lifestyles often seem at odds with the ways of life to which we are evolutionarily adapted, which could be contributing to contemporary mental health issues. This led me to ponder whether a therapeutic approach that reconnects our modern mental habits with those of our evolutionary ancestors might help.
One principle of ecological rewilding is enhancing biodiversity. Could we use this as a metaphor to increase our inner diversity? By cultivating a range of internal resources, emotional states, and experiences, we might be able to build a more resilient inner life, capable of navigating life's various challenges and boosting overall well-being.
We also might want to consider the reintroduction of healthy mental 'predators'. As strange as it sounds, there could be a parallel here with the ecological world. Just as apex predators keep an ecosystem in balance, certain forms of discomfort or challenge might strengthen our psychological resilience and flexibility, much like our ancestors' natural capacity to handle adversity.
Rewilding also involves minimal human intervention. In psychological terms, could this mean we should aim for self-regulation over external aids? Rather than overly relying on technology or pharmaceuticals, might self-awareness practices like mindfulness or meditation provide a more sustainable solution?
Furthermore, we might want to look at restoring natural mental processes. Just as we strive to reestablish natural processes in ecosystems, perhaps we should aim to foster behaviours that our ancestors naturally practiced, such as spending time in natural environments, engaging in physical activity, ensuring restful sleep, and nurturing face-to-face social connections.
Another concept we could consider is creating 'psychological corridors.' Just as rewilding seeks to establish ecological connectivity, we could aim to foster social connections and community support systems. Our ancestors lived in close-knit communities - perhaps reclaiming that sense of connection could be highly beneficial for our mental health.
Finally, should we also consider the benefits beyond mental health? Just as rewilding offers broader ecosystem services, psychological rewilding might contribute to overall wellbeing, including our physical health, relationships, and societal harmony. This could create a virtuous cycle of personal and communal wellness.
Psychological rewilding, then, is a concept I'm exploring. It's a holistic, evolutionarily-grounded approach to mental health and wellbeing that could provide a fresh perspective. As we work to heal our planet through rewilding, might we also consider rewilding our minds? As we navigate the challenges of rapid technological advancement, perhaps grounding our lives in the wisdom of our evolutionary past could help us stay connected with our true nature. It's an idea that marries our evolutionary heritage with modern knowledge. What do you think? Could psychological rewilding be our path to living a life more in tune with our true nature?
