Reconnecting with Nature: The Need to Deurbanize Our Mindsets

Looking back on my life, I can see the profound impact of living in a small, close-knit mountain community on my understanding of nature and connection with others. When I transitioned from that serene environment to the bustling atmosphere of a big city, I felt isolated and disconnected from the natural world and the people around me. This shift opened my eyes to the importance of embracing nature and fostering genuine relationships. My journey has taught me that if we are genuinely committed to conserving our planet, we must shift our mindsets away from urban disconnection.

Living in Nature, by Her Whims

In my mountain community, I was intimately connected to the natural world. Each morning, I woke up to birds singing and spent countless afternoons exploring the breathtaking landscapes surrounding me. I embraced each season, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the tranquil winter snows. Nature was not just a backdrop; it was woven into the fabric of my daily life, shaping my experiences and understanding of the world.

However, when I moved to the city, that connection felt severed. Surrounded by towering buildings and the relentless traffic noise, I felt suffocated by the urban environment. A dull gray palette replaced nature's vibrant colours, and I was caught in an exhausting cycle of obligations and responsibilities. Rushing from one place to another, I often forgot to pause and appreciate the beauty around me. The rhythm of nature was lost in the chaos of city life.

Cooperating to Survive and Thrive

In my mountain community, cooperation was a way of life. We relied on one another for support—whether sharing fresh produce from our gardens or lending a hand during busy times. When a water line broke or a shed collapsed, people would come together to help each other rebuild and restore what was lost. My wife often joked that when I went to the store to pick up some flour, she would say, "See you in an hour," knowing that I would inevitably run into friends at the store who would want to hug and catch up. Everyone knew each other, and our lives were intertwined in a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences.

Once I entered the urban landscape, that sense of collaboration slipped away. Despite being surrounded by thousands, I often felt like an island. The city's focus on individual success overshadowed the importance of working together. Competition became commonplace, and cooperation felt like a distant memory.

As I navigated city life, I missed those moments when neighbours came together to support each other. I longed for that sense of community where we could rely on one another—not just for practical help but also for emotional support.

Embracing Our Interconnectedness

Living in my mountain community instilled in me a profound understanding of interconnectedness. Every action I took had consequences—for myself, my neighbours, and the environment. This awareness fostered a sense of responsibility; I learned to care for nature and my community.

In contrast, city life often allowed me to overlook this interconnectedness. Surrounded by strangers, it was easy to forget that my choices could ripple through the lives of others. The anonymity of urban living sometimes bred indifference, leaving me detached from the world around me.

However, even in the city, moments arose when people sought to reconnect with one another and their surroundings. Community gardens popped up, and grassroots initiatives emerged as individuals craved that sense of connection. Unfortunately, these moments were overshadowed by the isolation that marked much of urban living.

Smiling, Hugging, Sharing, and Gathering

In my mountain community, joy was found in simple interactions. Smiles were abundant, hugs were frequent, and gatherings were cherished moments filled with laughter and love. We celebrated milestones together with potlucks and festivals that reinforced our bonds.

When I transitioned to city life, I yearned for those heartfelt connections. Despite being surrounded by crowds, those small acts of kindness seemed few and far between. People hurried past one another, often glued to their screens or lost in their thoughts.

While I sought out community events in the city, they often felt superficial compared to the deep connections I had experienced in my mountain home. Conversations became transactional rather than meaningful; encounters were often rushed instead of sharing stories or laughter.

Showing Up for Each Other

In my mountain community, showing up for one another was an unspoken promise. When someone faced challenges—health issues or family struggles—the whole community rallied around them. We offered support without hesitation, shared resources, and provided comfort in difficult times.

Upon moving to the city, I quickly noticed that this culture of support didn't translate easily into urban life. While there were undoubtedly acts of kindness among strangers, the overwhelming nature of the city sometimes created barriers to genuine connection. Walking past someone in need felt too easy without stopping to help.

As I navigated city living, I realized how essential it was to cultivate relationships intentionally. I needed to prioritize showing up for others even amidst distractions—a commitment to build a community where we could all thrive together.

How to Deurbanize Our Mindsets

To truly reconnect with nature and each other, we need to actively work on deurbanizing our mindsets. Here are some practical steps we can take:

First and foremost, spend more time in nature. Whether taking regular walks in parks, hiking trails in nearby mountains, or simply enjoying your backyard watching bees in the flowers, immersing yourself in natural surroundings can help reignite your connection to the environment. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of our place within its intricate web.

Next, embrace the power of simple gestures. Smile more at those around you. It's a small act that can create ripples of positivity. Hug more; physical touch fosters connection and comfort. Share more with others—be it food, stories, or resources—and gather together more often for communal activities that strengthen bonds.

Most importantly, show up for each other. Be present in your community; offer help when someone is in need or lend an ear to a friend facing challenges. By being there for one another, we cultivate trust and solidarity that can transform our neighbourhoods into thriving ecosystems of support.

Conclusion

My journey from a close-knit mountain community to the sprawling anonymity of city life has illuminated the importance of embracing nature and nurturing relationships. Moving away from my beloved mountain home disrupted my connection with the environment and other people.

Through this experience, I've come to understand that fostering genuine connections is crucial—regardless of whether one lives in a small town or an expansive city. By embracing cooperation, interconnectedness, and simple human interactions like smiling or offering support, we can bridge the gap created by urban isolation.