Inner Wilderness: Explorations in Nature, Explorations of Self.

摘要

With the insurgence of modern technology and the ease of entertainment and conveniences, advances have made lasting positive impacts on American society. However, with any bright light a shadow will cast. In this instance, the shadow has been a disconnection between the natural and cultural environments. In the achievement orientation of contemporary Western culture, this has been compounded by a disconnection between one's outer life and inner world of soul. This thesis uses hermeneutic and heuristic methodologies to explore the psychological impacts of disconnection from nature and soul, and the benefits of time in nature. The research finds that nature provides a mirroring environment and symbolic images that support the ability to compassionately sit with and heal psychological wounds, contact a transcendent and transpersonal sense of Self, and experience greater wholeness and connection to others. Modalities are discussed for including nature as a conduit for healing in psychotherapy.