Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Phenomenological Inquiry Of How Nature Connectedness Relates To Spirituality And Well-Being, Julie W. Jacobsen, Samantha J. Jurichko, Janice P. Steinhauser

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Spending time in nature results in health benefits. Researchers also find a positive relationship between spirituality and health. Some research suggests a positive association between nature connectedness and spirituality. The literature on the relationships between nature connectedness, spirituality, and well-being and the meaning these relationships have for individuals is limited. This phenomenological study describes 15 participants' lived experiences of how nature connectedness relates to spirituality and well-being. Five themes emerged using semi-structured interviews and thematic data analysis: Nature as a path to spirituality; nature preferences relate to spirituality; connectedness; spiritual guidance from nature; and spirituality in nature is healing. Nature …