The last leaf: A triangulated study of a 'Sights and Sounds of Nature' film as a motivator for ecologically sustainable practices.

摘要

The purpose of this research project has been to determine the value of a new kind of nature film in motivating people toward more ecologically sustainable practices. After developing a simple "Sights and Sounds of Nature" film for this project, the author used multiple and cross-discipline studies to explore how this film and others like it might accomplish what other nature and environmental films have not in regard to cultivating positive ecological attitudes and behaviors. Such studies include field interviews and observations; interviews with leading researchers; analysis of brain laterality literature, swara yoga theories relating to ultradian rhythms, specifically nostril dominance breathing and supportive literature review, and other disciplines that relate laterality to holistic wellness; as well as pioneering work with state-of-the-art functional MRI brain scanning of participants' neurological reactions to watching the sample film in contrast to watching Al Gore's award-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth (Guggenheim, 2006). Preliminary conclusions suggest that such a film, especially when accompanied by intentionality for enhanced ecological practices, creates a balance between left- and right-brain hemispheres in a way that seems to inspire people to want to experience nature more often and, in turn, to behave more responsibly toward nature. Future recommendations include using simple sights and sounds of nature films in educational and public settings along with positive messages for inspiring people to reunite with nature and embrace sustainable practices.;KEY WORDS: motivation, spirituality, ultradian rhythms, mixed methods, ecological sustainability