What is Oneness with Nature?
Oneness with Nature moves away from the separatist ideologies that have become largely perpetuated in our society. Separatism comes from the convergence of patriarchal and capitalistic values, causing humans not only to be separated based on gender, religion, class etc., but also to be separated from nature (Shiva 2019, 6 ). It creates a worldview of nature and all its constituents as property to be managed – eliminating the intrinsic value of life with a monetary price (Decolonial Futures Collective 2020). Humans are seen as superior over nature, which has further degraded the relationship between the two (Hickel 2020, 79).
Re-establishing the mutualistic relationship between nature and humans is essential to preserving the environment and allowing humans to sustainably experience the intrinsic benefits of nature. This is not a foreign or unattainable concept – it has been achieved in many Indigenous, non-patriarchal, non-capitalistic societies. Hundreds of studies have proven that nature has positive impacts on our physical and emotional well being – allowing humans to “cultivate greater openness, creativity, connection, generosity and resilience (Greene and Keltner 2017). A study done by France Kuo et al. emphasizes the correlation between proximity/access to nature and emotional and mental wellbeing – stating that people living near green spaces showed decreased restlessness and violence, and increased positive/altruistic emotions. Additionally, participating in outdoor activities is a great form of exercise and access to natural nutrients like Vitamin D. Other health benefits from nature experiences include reduced stress, shorter recovery time from illness, and better physical well-being in elderly people (Greene and Keltner 2017).
Oneness with Nature in Middlebury
Situated right in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, the Town of Middlebury is uniquely positioned with the Green Mountain National Forest to the east and Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. The land that we now walk on was originally inhabited by the indigenous Abenaki people. Oneness with nature was an inherent part of the culture of the Abenaki people through their reciprocal relationship with the land (National Park Service, 2023).
Looking at Middlebury now, how much of that former connection to nature can still be seen today? Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) is at the forefront of conserving nature in and around Middlebury in order to cultivate a connection between the community and the land. Not only have they created over 30 miles of trails and “conserved over 3,500 acres of land, farms, forests, wetlands and recreational areas”, they also offer a myriad of opportunities to get involved and connect with nature such as after school programs and informational conservation events (Middlebury Area Land Trust, nd). Despite MALTs incredible actions, to further embody the oneness with nature that was core to the Abenaki people, the community would benefit from more town-organized events with leaders of the Abenaki Tribe in order to understand what it truly means to be one with nature.
Greene, Kristophe, and Dacher Keltner. “What Happens When We Reconnect With Nature.”
Greater Good Magazine, 1 March 2017.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_happens_when_we_reconnect_With_nature
Middlebury Area Land Trust. “Mission.” Middlebury Area Land Trust, https://www.maltvt.org/mission. Accessed 10 April 2023.
National Park Service. “The Abenaki Community.” National Park Service, 21 February 2023, https://www.nps.gov/mabi/learn/historyculture/abenaki.htm. Accessed 10 April 2023.
Shiva, Vandana. “Development – For The 1 Per Cent.” Pluriverse: A Post-Development
Dictionary, edited by Kothari, Shish et al. Tulika Books and Authorsupfront, 2019, pp.
6-8.
“The House of Modernity.” Decolonial Futures Collective. September 1, 2020. Video,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAke2iQ53jc.