Matthew Zylstra

Matthew Zylstra is a free-range writer, educator and researcher with a focus on human-nature relationships and interactions. This website and many of its posts are inspired by his PhD research on meaningful nature experience and connectedness with nature. His thesis is available for download here »

Browsing All Posts 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
Blog 1
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
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Familiarity breeds con…nection?

Backyard birds: boring or best friends for bird language beginners? ...
On November 12, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
Publications 0
Cave & The Contemplator

Announcing the iBook release of an evocative journey into nature connectedness. ...
On April 22, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Intentions in print

The Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group has released a brochure outlining its vision and ambitions. ...
On April 20, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
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What Vipassana forgot

Any close observation of the Law of Nature must include Nature in its entirety ...
On March 2, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Winding up for another big year?

Stop for a moment. Before diving in and racing through 2015, give some time and space to finding your ...
On February 2, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
Meaningful Nature Experience 3
The essence of synchronicity as a meaningful nature experience

How is synchronicity experienced with non-human nature? What does it feel like to live through that moment? ...
On December 27, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Wind & the whales

Does the weather influence when and why humpback whales breach? ...
On December 16, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra