Matthew Zylstra was honoured to be be selected to give one of the Spotlight Talks at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) Conference on “The Science Of What Connects Us”
The presentation was titled “Synchronicity as a meaningful nature experience : An affective pathway into connectedness”
The take home message was that synchronicity with non-human nature provides a unique experience of interconnectedness and unified reality more powerfully felt than other forms of meaningful nature experiences.
Critically, it forms an emotionally bond with the non-human ‘other’ – the opportunity to experience a form of wisdom outside of the human realm. This realisation may compel us to attend more readily to the signs embedded in the natural world. Close observation of the natural world has been central to our evolutionary development as humans across all cultures. Seeking and decoding the messages of nature is a primordial part of who we are and is central to the meaning-making we need for an enriched and fulfilling life.
Consciousness is a product of our experiences and our experiences are formed by what we pay attention to. Attending deeply to nature and its emergent and participatory wisdom forms an ecological consciousness that underpins an ecological conscience. This is essential for feeling motivated to care and act for the greater wellbeing of the planet.
1 Comment
I love this! Keep up the amazing work, Matthew! It was great to meet you!