Matthew Zylstra

Matthew Zylstra, PhD is an ecologist, lecturer and facilitator focusing on human~nature connectedness. His transdisciplinary research has entwined ecology, environmental psychology, and education in support of deep learning and wellbeing. He is a keen naturalist, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems. Matthew’s PhD dissertation on meaningful nature experience, nature connectedness and its role in transformative education is freely available for download here »

Browsing All Posts By Matthew Zylstra

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Births and birds

Births and the birds that bring connection and catharsis in moments of need. ...
On May 19, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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COVID-19 calling: Humanity’s ‘thwasa’?

Does the Xhosa tradition of ukuthwasa serve as a metaphor for humanity's own COVID-19 calling? ...
On April 22, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Podcast: Navigating our ‘inner’ & ‘outer’ nature

Matthew Zylstra was recently interviewed on Earthfire Radio about his perspectives on where to put our attention during these ...
On March 24, 2020 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The return of remembering

A special moment transpired earlier this year: it involved a dragonfly, a prolonged thought of invitation and a ritual ...
On November 2, 2019 / By Matthew Zylstra
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New publication on meaningful nature experiences

Announcing the new publication “Meaningful nature experiences: pathways for deepening connections between people and place” in the book "Cultural ...
On December 4, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra
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An experience of oneness

Organisational expert Joseph Jaworski shares a defining nature experience that inspired his future career. ...
On July 26, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra
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The real origins of capoeira?

The "Ostrich Dance" of the !Gwikwe Bushmen bears remarkable resemblance to Capoeira. ...
On January 9, 2018 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Moments that matter

Animals can meet awareness at certain times in certain ways have the s have the potential to ...
On October 24, 2017 / By Matthew Zylstra
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IONS Conference Presentation

View the presentation that Matthew Zylstra delivered at the 17th International IONS Conference recently held in Oakland, California. ...
On July 25, 2017 / By Matthew Zylstra
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How about an ecological selfie?

Step aside National Selfie Day, we are introducing Global Ecological Selfie Day. ...
On July 1, 2017 / By Matthew Zylstra