Venturing into nature and experiencing wildlife can be a transformative experience for many individuals. The interactions with wildlife can encourage us to be more in relation with nature and each other. In a recent episode of The Science of Happiness podcast, Craig Foster, the director of „My Octopus Teacher,“ shared how his interactions with sea creatures have changed his life. He described an extraordinary encounter with a sea bream during a stressful time when a massive fire was raging through the Western Cape. The sea bream approached him, made physical contact, and stayed with him for about half an hour, providing a sense of relief and connection.
Foster’s experience highlights the profound impact that interactions with wildlife can have on our well-being. These encounters can lead to a greater sense of belonging on the planet and a deeper connection to nature. Foster’s work in tracking animals underwater, such as the tuberculate cuttlefish and giant clingfish, has allowed him to develop empathy for these creatures and gain a better understanding of their lives. Through these interactions, he has found a greater sense of compassion and altruism, leading to a desire to protect and care for the natural world.
Research conducted at Seattle’s Discovery Park also supports the idea that encountering wildlife in natural settings can have positive effects on our well-being. The study found that encounters with wildlife were the most meaningful interactions for visitors to the park, fostering a sense of awe and interconnectedness with nature. These encounters can remind us of our smallness and interconnectedness to everything around us, leading to a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Moreover, the study revealed that interactions with wildlife in urban parks can also impact our relationships with others. Participants reported that these interactions helped generate new social relationships with strangers at the park and deepened existing social bonds with people they visited the park with. This highlights the potential for encounters with wildlife to not only connect us with nature but also with each other, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Overall, the episode and research discussed emphasize the importance of immersing ourselves in nature and observing wildlife to improve our well-being. These interactions can lead to a greater sense of connection, empathy, and compassion, both for the natural world and for our fellow human beings. By fostering a deeper relationship with wildlife and nature, we can cultivate a sense of awe, belonging, and interconnectedness that can positively impact our mental and physical health.
