Author Archives: Waminda Parker

The Connective’s Nature Connection Workshop Program This workshop program introduces the concept of nature connection and its links with the local natural environment, people’s health, wellbeing and impacts on personal productivity. Workshop participants are provided with the opportunity to learn techniques to enable on going nature connection practices.  The three hour program is held in […]

Connecting Nature Connection Activities in Australia The Connective worked with Claire Colahan, Research Internship, Master of Environmental Management, University of NSW Sydney the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute and the IUCN #NatureForAll to support the development of the Connecting Nature Connection Activities in Australia Report. Connecting people with nature to foster enduring environmentally-sensitive behaviour has become a […]

Biophilic Design Initiative Launch The Connective is pleased to be part of the Biophilic Design Initiative Committee. The Living Future Institute Australia (LFIA) has launched the Biophilic Design Initiative to provide education and knowledge sharing opportunities, to inspire built environment professionals, and reconnect everyone with nature to improve our daily lives. BIOPHILIC DESIGN is the […]

Nature-based solutions to workplace sustainability, wellbeing and productivity TONI&GUY Balmain hair salon has been reviewing their business plan based on economic return and best-practice business planning while also adopting a holistic sustainable business model drawing on nature-connection and placemaking strategies. Extending their reach, the salon is exploring the benefits of nature-based approaches to staff and […]

Nature in its unkempt state! The remedy to an urban population’s mental health is a bit of a paradox: It’s nature in its unkempt state. Research tells us that these looser pockets of green increase calm and concentration. But how do we incorporate these elements into routinely primped and pruned green spaces? Research shows that […]

Forest Bathing With a focus on slowing down and awakening the senses, this restorative wellness practice involves a series of guided invitations to help relax, slow down, become present and make contact with nature (no actual bathing involved). Forest bathing originated in Japan, where it is called ‘shinrin yoku’, which literally translates as taking in […]

“Be Careful…!” Learning to manage risk is an important part of children’s development. Often we instinctively shout out “Be careful!” when children move towards areas of risk – sometimes there is real reason for alarm. Sometimes there isn’t. This article provides a wonderful overview on the different types of risk children often face and ways […]

Curriculum based nature excursions proven to greatly benefit students I was dumbfounded when not a single hand went up when the teacher asked, ‘How many of you have ever eaten your lunch out in nature before?’ The 30 students in year 5 were sitting there in the dappled sunlight underneath the coastal tea trees having […]

Miriam Rose Baumann thinks Australians could learn from the world’s oldest culture to help with mental health. By learning Dadirri… As a former school principal and Order of Australia recipient, Ms Baumann is now teaching Australians about her culture and the spirituality that guides it. Ms Baumann calls the Aboriginal meditative practice ‘Dadirri’, a word […]

The traditional Australian suburban backyard is being lost to higher-density housing and massive project homes on small lots. But this loss could be increasing the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents. Private and secure backyards are places where people can retreat from the relentless pressures and intensity of city life. This […]