Do You Suffer From Nature Deficit Disorder?

What if we spent as much time immersed in nature as we do in technology?

That’s the question Richard Louv sought to answer when writing his latest book, The Nature Principle. Our society, says Louv, has developed such an outsized faith in technology that we have yet to fully realize or even adequately study how human capacities are enhanced through the power of nature.

The book suggests that “nature deficit disorder,” a term Louv coined in Last Child In The Woods, doesn’t only apply to children.

Louv’s “Nature Principle” consists of seven precepts, including balancing technology excess with time in nature; a mind/body/nature connection, which Louv calls “vitamin N,” that enhances physical and mental health; expanding our sense of community to include all living things; and purposefully developing a spiritual, psychological, physical attachment to a region and its natural history.

Supported by groundbreaking research, anecdotal evidence, and compelling personal stories, The Nature Principle shows us how tapping into the restorative powers of the natural world can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds.

Also Check Out:
Is Work Keeping You From Enjoying The Outdoors?
Better Than Coffee? Nature Is A Natural Energy Booster
Improve Mood And Self-Esteem With Green Exercise

Image Credit: Flickr – jurvetson

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sarah M.

10:25AM PST on Nov 7, 2011

thanks

send a green star

Jeannie N.

4:32PM PDT on Oct 5, 2011

I moved to Albuquerque from Montana, I used to be surrounded by trees and green and quiet and nature. All the things I loved and needed are pretty much not here. I am moving back to Montana in 2013 and I can hardly wait, I think I will go hike to the top of my favorite mountain and scream "I'm Home!!!!"

Treesa M.

1:03AM PDT on Oct 3, 2011

thnks.

Faith P.

4:46PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

i always feel better in the presence of trees :)

G A R.

2:59PM PDT on Oct 1, 2011

great, another psy disorder lable.. not to worry, the parmacutical industrial complex will come up with a drug to fix this. the rest of us know to put down the remote or game controler and drag the kids and ourselves outside. (and that means no cell phones either)

Past Member .

6:26AM PDT on Oct 1, 2011

Thankfully I live quite near nature.

heather g.

1:08AM PDT on Oct 1, 2011

I live in a noisy little town - but fortunately surrounded by tree-covered mountains. I still long for the ability to drive past farms and see sheep, cows and horses in pastures - but that's not to be found here.
Having spent most of my life in Cape Town with so many different natural environments, sounds of birds, heady aromas from the plants, mountains, long white beaches, etc. I have a clear vision of the beauty of nature. One is also spoilt by living in a sunny Mediterranean climate.

Cindy B.

9:46PM PDT on Sep 30, 2011

This is something about which I've formulated a similar theory. Or more accurately, an observation. WE OURSELVES are made up of the building blocks (atoms and molecules) of nature. WE OURSELVES are ruled by every physical law of nature. In fact, our human psyches comprise half "natural-animal" instincts and half "social-animal" instincts. Therefore when we actually interact with nature -- when we spend a day in the mountains, on a river, even in the garden -- we are primally "hooking into" the natural half of our psyches. This centers us, refreshes us and calms us; it promotes mindfulness; it strengthens and enhances our existential vitality, our sense of identity, capability and autonomy. THIS IS A SIMPLE (yet oh so complex) TRUTH.

The world's going crazier by the second, with horrible crimes and violence increasingly perpetrated for no real reason except growing distance from each other and ourselves. Meanwhile, technology's on a dead heat with itself to identify every single interaction with "nature" (and society too) that used to be part of our lives, that used to be essential to meeting our daily needs -- and replace it with an efficient cyber-substitute.

COINCIDENCE? NO, IT ISN'T.

Thank you.

JE M.

5:38PM PDT on Sep 30, 2011

cool

Kari K.

10:30AM PDT on Sep 30, 2011

Great!