As humans, we have become so immersed in our concrete jungles and technological bubbles. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to walk on grass, we don’t know how it feels to be in the middle of a forest where all you hear is the incredible loud sound of life around you. Insects, birds, and branches shaking in the wind. (This was very intense when you suddenly hear nothing but on a very loud volume life/nature).
We have lost sight of the intricate web of life that we are a part of and the impact we have on it. This disconnect not only deprives us of the beauty and serenity that nature has to offer, but it also leads to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the environment, which ultimately contributes to the destruction of our planet.
Many people report feeling depressed for weeks and months after seeing Avatar and Avatar 2. Post Avatar Depression Syndrome (P.A.D.S) is a reported phenomenon and a non-medical term that is attributed to the feeling of the sorrow of being disconnected from nature. The Avatar films highlight the conflict between capitalist interest and a healthy environment, it satirizes the alienation of humans from our planet, and how personal and corporate interest has severed our connection with mother nature. Humanity has lost touch with the natural world that surrounds us, We are so disconnected from mother nature that it took a movie, with over 2 hours of pure CGI images to shake up our psychology. Humans, like the Na’vi, once had a close relationship with nature. A connection that has been broken, forgotten, and replaced by technology, while living in our concrete jungle, with little to no greenery to remind us that a vital aspect of our planetary existence is being attacked and destroyed on a daily basis. The opportunistic approach towards the earth has left us battling climate change, rising global temperatures, flooding, and natural disasters that could have been avoided if only we just took care of our homes.
Nature is a treasure trove of beauty, wonder, and inspiration. It is the source of life and the foundation of our existence. Nature is not just something that exists outside of us, it is something that is integral to our lives. It provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. It also plays a crucial role in regulating our climate, keeping our planet habitable for all living things. But unfortunately, we have taken this precious gift for granted and have been exploiting it for our own selfish needs. We have been destroying our natural resources, polluting our air and water, and wiping out entire species of plants and animals. It is time for us to take a step back and realize the importance of protecting nature.
What can I do to re-establish my connection with nature?
The sudden realization of how much we have neglected our planet has sparked within many the desire to reconnect with nature. It is important to understand that we are but one of the numerous organisms on this planet, and as its most advanced recipients, we have the responsibility of ensuring that we make it conducive for all other species. Here are some pivotal steps to help reconnect with nature.
- See, smell, touch, and taste nature. Use all your senses to experience it.
- Deal with your inner conflict, don’t ignore it, and let it grow. It might hurt, but it’s the only sustainable way to deal with these issues.
- Spending more time outdoors in nature. Engage in green activities such as hiking, camping, gardening, or even keeping a houseplant.
- Engaging and learning about the natural world through activities such as bird watching or botanical observation.
- Participating in conservation and stewardship efforts to protect and preserve natural areas that are in danger of being destroyed.
FUND THE PLANET is on a mission to restore the connection between people and the planet, we believe we can restore that relationship by making it easier for people to play decisive roles in saving our planet. Rainforests are a treasure trove of irreplaceable resources and biodiversity, housing species that rely on us to protect their homes. Using modern technology, we are able to bring tangibility to rainforest conservation, relating that experience using the Rainforest Explorer. Rainforest tokens are an evolutionary step in protecting the environment, if there is ever a time to take action and reconnect with nature, now is that time. We work closely and support local communities who live in the middle of the rainforest and who co-depend on nature.
