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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

  • Blog 0

    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
  • 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
  • Blog 1

    How about an ecological selfie?

    Step aside National Selfie Day, we are introducing Global Ecological Selfie Day. ...

    On July 1, 2017 / By Matthew Zylstra
  • Blog 8

    What Vipassana forgot

    Any close observation of the Law of Nature must include Nature in its entirety ...

    On March 2, 2017 / By Matthew Zylstra
  • Blog 0

    Familiarity breeds con…nection?

    Backyard birds: boring or best friends for bird language beginners? ...

    On November 19, 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
  • Blog 0

    Intentions in print

    The Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group has released a brochure outlining its vision and ambitions. ...

    On April 20, 2015 / By Matthew Zylstra
  • Blog 0

    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
  • Blog 0

    Wind & the whales

    Does the weather influence when and why humpback whales breach? ...

    On December 16, 2014 / By Matthew Zylstra
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Recent Posts

  • Better with Birds: Webinar Replay

    May 22, 2024
  • Ten-Year Anniversary

    March 12, 2024
  • Amplifying Everyday Connection with NatureFix

    February 12, 2024

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eyes4earth

… some will cast their gaze to the heavens to a …
some
will cast
their gaze
to the heavens 
to an eclipse that may
bring new awakening

so..me
i’ll drop
my gaze
to the depths 
to be eclipsed by the 
everyday beauty awaiting 

#eyes4earth

species: bluntnose klipfish
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
	- William Shakespeare 

This quote by Shakespeare speaks to the interconnectedness of all living beings through their shared natural essence. It suggests that a felt experience of ‘nature’ can transcend perceived cultural, social, and species boundaries. Nature, in its raw beauty and presence has, when given a particular kind of attention, the power to evoke universal emotions and stir a sense of commonality among beings. It offers a potent reminder of the fundamental bond that connects all living creatures. Irrespective of our individual backgrounds, ideologies or beliefs, we are all part of the greater tapestry of nature with our pulsing sensing animal bodies.

(So, go on, Mariah, touch it. I never would’ve thought your music would serve a purpose for me!)

Source: adapted from The Socratic Method
An unusual show of flair & bravado compared to mos An unusual show of flair & bravado compared to most octopus I encounter in Keurbooms estuary that are reticent, wary & tucked away . 

#octopus #keurboomsestuary
If you live near the Plettropolis come join us for If you live near the Plettropolis come join us for a  conversation about meaningful nature experiences.

Fellow Frisian descendant and percussionist @jamesvanminnen and I will be yarning about nature connectedness and what’s new in the decade since I completed my deep doctoral dive into the topic. We expect we might cover some tenuous terrain and beat around the bush. 

Details (see link in bio👆🏼):

Thursday 14th March 19h00-20h30 at The Harmony Centre at Kwendalo, Plettenberg Bay
Contribution: suggested R50-R100 (includes tea and refreshments)
RSVP by Wed 13 March: hello@kwendalo.co.za or
044 004 0366

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Africa Americas Attention Birds Cetaceans Community Outreach Consciousness CWN Education Human-Wildlife Interaction Insects Interspecies Communication Interviews Mammals Marine MNE Non-Native Species Oceania Perception Poetry Sensory Awareness Spirituality Synchronicity Traditional Knowledge Video Wilderness

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Meaningful Quotes

We too seldom take time to appreciate the essence of nature itself—its beauty, wonder, and inspiration. Listening to Nature takes us back to this essence, showing us a pathway to becoming a better person and ultimately a more effective conservationist.

— Vance Martin
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eyes4earth.org is a portal into meaningful nature experience and connectedness with nature. It draws on scientific research and experiential insight to explore implications for sustainability education and consciousness.
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PhD Download

The PhD research underpinning certain content on eyes4earth.org was completed in early 2014.

The final dissertation is freely available for download here.

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