Have you ever felt an instant wave of tranquility in the midst of nature? It's likely a nod to your innate biophilia. This dazzling concept is at the heart of the profound peace and rejuvenation we derive from our natural surroundings, tapping into an essential and life-changing aspect of our well-being that often goes unnoticed.

“In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks” John Muir 

What Is Biophilia? 

Biophilia, brought to light by the well established German-American Erich Fromm, describes our innate affinity for nature. It's the main reason we find peace in forests or feel energized by a sunrise. Green therapy takes biophilia a step further, leveraging exposure to nature as a therapeutic medium to improve mental and physical well-being. It can involve activities like gardening, spending time in parks, or even gazing at trees.

Psychological Basis 

From a psychological perspective, nature stands as a viable antidote to the hectic reality of contemporary living. Research by Ulrich et al. (1991) has demonstrated that being in natural settings can significantly reduce cortisol levels in the bloodstream, a major stress hormone. This translates into sensations of serenity and relaxation, enabling us to unwind and rejuvenate. Additionally, biophilia plays a vital role in the restoration and stability of attention. 

research by (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989) suggests the following; due to the fast-paced, hyperstimulation reality that we live in, our attention filters become overloaded. Nature, with its grounded and subtle motions, sights and sounds, provides a restorative setting that allows our attention to refocus and replenish itself, leading to plenty of perks such as improved mental clarity and cognitive function.

Nevertheless, biophilic components such as sunlight, greenery, and natural soundscapes have been extensively shown to facilitate the release of mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin (Barton & Pretty, 2010). These neurotransmitters contribute to feelings of happiness, well-being, and overall emotional balance.

Sources:

• Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Loschmann, B., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural settings. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 221-233.

• Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature for improving mental health? Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(2), 286-295. 

• Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.

Neurological Basis 

Beyond the psychological perks, biophilia has a significant impact on our nervous system. According to peer reviewed research (Hartig et al., 2014) through the use of (FMRI) brain imaging technologies, being in nature dramatically  decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain region associated with fear and anxiety. This translates to a decrease in stress and a heightened sense of calm. 

Evolutionary Basis 

• Reproduction And Survival: Early humans were more proficient at finding food and water resources, as well as identifying safe and secure habitats, given that they were more sensitive and attuned to their natural surroundings. This improved their odds of surviving, Hance , their capacity for reproduction.

• Natural Selection: Over years of evolution, Individuals who experienced healthy positive and consistent emotional responses to natural environments were more likely to thrive. These lucrative traits, fostering a deeper connection to nature were naturally selected for across populations owing to the survival perks of such traits.

• Adaptive Preference: Evolution has shaped our landscape preferences through the lens of utility and safety. Elements such as  water bodies and verdant vegetation weren't merely aesthetically pleasing; they represented resource availability and, consequently, boosting survival odds. These environments offered sustenance as well as a potential refuge from predators. Over time, such advantageous landscapes became ingrained in our evolutionary memory, shaping our modern-day perception of preferred natural settings.

• Psychophysiological Fitness: Nature became a therapist of sorts for our ancestors. Stepping into a world of babbling brooks and rustling leaves wasn't just a scenic detour; it was a path to feeling better. Being active outdoors got the blood pumping, while the sights, sounds, and smells of nature calmed the mind. This ability to de-stress and recharge was just as important for survival as sharp eyesight or a strong immune system.

What’s the Relationship Between Biophilia, Art and Green-Therapy ?

Green therapy, or ecotherapy, blending exposure to nature with therapeutic practices to enhance mental well-being. Integrating art within green settings can dramatically benefit the human psyche by leveraging our biophilic tendencies—our innate love for nature.

Science is catching up with what our instincts already knew: nature heals. Research such as Ulrich's in 1984 showed that even just glancing at a calming scene can ease stress and boost your mood. It gets even better! A 2017 study by Bratman and his team suggests that spending time outdoors can clear your head and improve your thinking. Apparently, nature helps us stop dwelling on negative thoughts, which can be a major drag on our mental well-being.

Art therapy in green settings can amplify these effects. Creating art in nature either through coloring books, doodles, or conventional green kits such as  ‘paint by numbers landscape’ taps into the therapeutic perks of creativity, and elevates emotional states through direct engagement with a biophilic environment. 

For instance, Cooley et al. (2020) puts forth the findings that participants in nature-based art therapy sessions such as ‘paint by numbers nature’ reported substantial improvements in mood and reduced anxiety compared to traditional indoor sessions.

The sessions provide two ways to improve mental health: the contemplative practice of art and the sensory stimulation of the surrounding greenery. They do this by fusing the expressive power of art with the curative properties of nature. This novel therapy approach makes use of our innate affinity for the natural world to promote deeper emotional healing and mental clarity.

In a nutshell, the correlation between, biophilia, art therapy, green therapy, and the overall well being unveils nature’s healing potential. Through meditative painting practices such as “paint by numbers” in serene landscapes, mental clarity seekers can absorb themselves in the delicate tranquility of nature and art, fostering habitual emotional well-being.