Biophilia
The author talks to us again about a subject close to his heart – the instinctive emotional and spiritual connection between human beings and the nature around us. Being surrounded by nature has unexpected positive benefits… Shall we start with parquet?
Fabio Braga
I’ve already spoken about this in these pages, but the subject is so close to my heart that I want to go back to it.
Biophilia is a concept which describes the instinctive emotional and spiritual connection between human beings and the nature around us. This is a link deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. We were immersed in nature for centuries, we depended on it to survive and prosper. Biophilia is about the innate desire to connect with the lives and elements in nature, like plants, animals, water and the countryside.
It is a concept which goes beyond a simple aesthetic preference for natural greenery and beauty. It involves the feeling of well-being on a mental, emotional and physical level that we get when we are in a natural environment. Biophilia inspires us to appreciate, respect and want to interact with the natural world.
Why is it important?
Biophilia is important, in my point of view, because our connection with nature has a significant impact on our global well-being.
Let’s see how:
- Mental and emotional well-being: contact with nature reduces stress, improves mood and helps concentration. This contributes to better mental and emotional health;
- Physical health: Spending time in the open air in a natural environment encourages an active life, reduces blood pressure and reinforces the immune system, thus improving physical health;
- Learning and concentration: natural environments can increase concentration and cognitive capacity. Recent studies show that students learn better and more quickly when they have access to green areas;
- Better sleep: regular contact with nature can contribute to better, more restorative sleep. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can regulate the sleep-wake cycles;
- Creativity and inspiration: being in nature can stimulate creativity and inspiration. Green areas can encourage refection leading to new ideas and innovative solutions;
Sustainability and environmental awareness: biophilia can increase our awareness of the importance of saving the environment and encourage us to behave in more sustainable ways.
Who coined the term biophilia?
The biologist Edward Wilson, through his work and theories on biology and ecology, introduced the concept of biophilia in his book “Biophilia” in 1984. In the book Wilson explored the innate link in human beings to the natural world and how this connection is fundamental for human well-being and development. His research contributed significantly to understanding the importance of this link in people’s lives and to designing urban and architectural projects.
Biophilia, the book
Published in 1984, the book Biophilia is a significant contribution to understanding the innate connection between human beings and the natural world.In it, Wilson analyses how mankind’s evolutionary history has been shaped by its relationship with nature and how this connection has a profound impact on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. He maintains that human beings, as they were totally immersed in nature for a long time, have developed a profound, instinctive connection to the natural world.
The book also explores how this connection with nature can positively influence human health by reducing stress, improving mood and encouraging a better quality of life. Wilson stresses the importance of integrating biophilia into urban planning, schools and workplaces to create healthier and more sustainable environments.
Through his work, Wilson has contributed to raising public awareness of the importance of preserving and valuing nature not just for its beauty, but also for its tangible benefits to human well-being.In short, Biophilia has had a long-term impact in encouraging the understanding of our intrinsic link to nature and inspiring a more aware approach to conserving the environment.
How can we introduce biophilia into everyday live?
- Spend time in the open air: spending time outdoors in natural environments like parks, gardens and woods or going for long walks in nature – trekking, practicing outdoor sport or simply walking in nature can encourage a more profound connection to the natural environment;
- Create green areas: growing indoor plants or creating a garden, even if it’s small, can bring nature directly into our domestic environment.
- This can be a tangible way to nurture biophilia where we live;
- Furnishings in natural materials: using natural elements in our homes like wood, stone or natural textiles can create an environment which encourages biophilia. Including plants, flowers and objects which reflect nature in our homes can produce a more profound connection to the environment.
- Practice mindfulness in nature: practicing mindfulness or meditation in nature can intensify our connection to it. Harmonising with the sounds, scents and sensations of nature can be a way to form a profound connection with our surrounding environment;
- Appreciation and respect for nature: developing a mentality of appreciation and respect for nature could be essential. Taking care of the environment, adopting more sustainable behaviours and making others aware of the importance of conserving nature are ways of making biophilia part of daily life.
The approach to biophilia is multidimensional and can be lived in unique, different ways by each of us. My advice is to incorporate these aspects into everyday life to enrich our relationship with nature and encourage a deeper and more significant tie with the natural world.
