231
Harvey 2001), New Zealand (Schmidt and Little 2007) and Canada (e.g. Heintzman
2012) thus representing specific environmental and socio-cultural contexts. Some
exceptions are studies of recreational use of urban parks in the Netherlands
(Chiesura 2004) and the UK (Irvine et al. 2013), and several studies of gardens as
spaces for leisure amongst individuals experiencing life challenges such as a health
crisis or loss of a loved one in the UK (Milligan et al. 2004), the USA (Heliker et al.
2000; Infantino 2004/2005) and Canada (Unruh and Hutchinson 2011). Bell et al.
(2014) provide an example of the spiritual experiences associated with stargazing
(Box 10.3).
Few studies directly examine the specific environmental elements of the setting
that might contribute to spiritual outcomes. Williams and Harvey’s (2001)
questionnaire- based study of forests in Victoria, Australia is one exception; they
sought to identify how different qualities of forests might influence such experiences. People who visit, live or work in forests associate spiritual feelings of insignificance and humility with forests that contain compelling features or powerful
symbols of the natural environment, such as tall trees, extensive views or high
waterfalls. By contrast, settings that were more open in character fostered what the
authors described as a “deep flow” experience, e.g. feelings of connectedness and
belonging.
Box 10.3: Stargazing as a Spiritual Experience (Bell et al. 2014)
Bell et al.’s (2014) mixed methods study explored the well-being effects of
stargazing – an intentional nature-interaction activity (Keniger et al. 2013) or,
as per Price’s (1996) typology, an observational recreation activity. Nature
connectedness (Mayer and Frantz 2004) was found to be higher among individuals who had been stargazing for more years and for those who reported
seeing wildlife, such as birds and bat species along with other nocturnal
ground-dwelling wildlife (e.g. foxes, badgers, hedgehogs), when stargazing.
In response to open-ended questions, participants reported experiencing
spiritual aspects of well-being, with comments reflecting the spiritual or transcendent aspect of stargazing. Some comments reflected a consideration of
one’s place in the universe, including: “The sense of crushing smallness compared to the universe one feels” and “Realizing how small we are.” Others
identified “the peace and the intrigue” and “the beauty” of the experience.
Some participants mentioned regular occurrence of emotions such as awe and
wonder whilst stargazing. One individual stated “I feel in awe of nature and
the natural world… A sense of wonder at it all!” whilst another reported “It
relaxes me and reminds me of how precious life is…”. Emotions of awe and
wonder, peaceful feelings, and greater connectedness echo Heintzman’s
(2009, 2016) description of spiritual experiences, which, though short-term,
may contribute to longer-term spiritual well-being.
10 Biodiversity and Spiritual Well-being
Harvey 2001), New Zealand (Schmidt and Little 2007) and Canada (e.g. Heintzman
2012) thus representing specific environmental and socio-cultural contexts. Some
exceptions are studies of recreational use of urban parks in the Netherlands
(Chiesura 2004) and the UK (Irvine et al. 2013), and several studies of gardens as
spaces for leisure amongst individuals experiencing life challenges such as a health
crisis or loss of a loved one in the UK (Milligan et al. 2004), the USA (Heliker et al.
2000; Infantino 2004/2005) and Canada (Unruh and Hutchinson 2011). Bell et al.
(2014) provide an example of the spiritual experiences associated with stargazing
(Box 10.3).
Few studies directly examine the specific environmental elements of the setting
that might contribute to spiritual outcomes. Williams and Harvey’s (2001)
questionnaire- based study of forests in Victoria, Australia is one exception; they
sought to identify how different qualities of forests might influence such experiences. People who visit, live or work in forests associate spiritual feelings of insignificance and humility with forests that contain compelling features or powerful
symbols of the natural environment, such as tall trees, extensive views or high
waterfalls. By contrast, settings that were more open in character fostered what the
authors described as a “deep flow” experience, e.g. feelings of connectedness and
belonging.
Box 10.3: Stargazing as a Spiritual Experience (Bell et al. 2014)
Bell et al.’s (2014) mixed methods study explored the well-being effects of
stargazing – an intentional nature-interaction activity (Keniger et al. 2013) or,
as per Price’s (1996) typology, an observational recreation activity. Nature
connectedness (Mayer and Frantz 2004) was found to be higher among individuals who had been stargazing for more years and for those who reported
seeing wildlife, such as birds and bat species along with other nocturnal
ground-dwelling wildlife (e.g. foxes, badgers, hedgehogs), when stargazing.
In response to open-ended questions, participants reported experiencing
spiritual aspects of well-being, with comments reflecting the spiritual or transcendent aspect of stargazing. Some comments reflected a consideration of
one’s place in the universe, including: “The sense of crushing smallness compared to the universe one feels” and “Realizing how small we are.” Others
identified “the peace and the intrigue” and “the beauty” of the experience.
Some participants mentioned regular occurrence of emotions such as awe and
wonder whilst stargazing. One individual stated “I feel in awe of nature and
the natural world… A sense of wonder at it all!” whilst another reported “It
relaxes me and reminds me of how precious life is…”. Emotions of awe and
wonder, peaceful feelings, and greater connectedness echo Heintzman’s
(2009, 2016) description of spiritual experiences, which, though short-term,
may contribute to longer-term spiritual well-being.
10 Biodiversity and Spiritual Well-being