The Earthfulness concept deals with two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, Earthfulness describes our experienced connection with nature. In this experience, we are conscious of how we are connected to the natural world around us and how it makes us feel. Realizing that we fit into the natural world around us, fosters a sense of belonging to something bigger than us. Research shows that people who feel more connected to nature tend to show more positive feelings, vitality and satisfaction with life than people who feel less connected to nature.
On the other side of the coin, Earthfulness is geared towards behavior. It is about activities and practices that increase our ability to feel connected to nature in everyday life. Earthfulness is therefore not just an experience or feeling. It is also a skill that can be learned and developed.
The first side of the coin is less controllable. Earthfulness as a feeling is something that happens to you. The second part, where Earthfulness guides behavior, focusses on conscious choice and action. Activities and practices are undertaken to stimulate experiences of nature-connectedness. That is where both parts come together. By taking action to feel more connected to nature, you can experience more Earthfulness. Doing this on a more regular basis, you also increase your skill to experience and feel nature-connectedness. The awareness of being connected to nature strengthens and influences the behavior and vice versa. Therefore these two parts are closely linked.
