“We are in the world and of it.” Alva Noe, Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley, reminds us in his book, Out of Our Heads, that we aren’t just floating brains. We are a mind, body and soul connected to each other and to the environment in a never-ending maelstrom of emotions, interactions and senses. That’s not so different to the life of an animal and sometimes we forget that people are animals too. 

The Difference and Downfall of Our Minds 

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be inside the body of a fly or a dog? Whilst that sounds far-fetched, a dog ‘sees’ the world through its nose and fly watches everything in slow motion. In fact, if you want to catch a fly, you should move ultra slowly rather than trying to beat its speed. 

We all experience the world differently and whilst we all know that biologically, people are animals, many assume we’re of a different nature. Nevertheless, we have the same senses but the biggest distinction is that we have a thinking mind. Of course, there are other differences but did you know that you share 85% of the same DNA as a dog? 

As a Professor of Psychology explains in ‘Are We Really That Different?’, there is a clear contrast with animals when it comes to language, culture, morality and how we share advice and thoughts. Through this ‘collective wit’, we’ve become the superior species. Interestingly, it’s that very ability to analyse, explore and look into both the future and the past that causes us so much suffering.  

Of Nature – People Are Animals and Always Will Be 

Without the ability to agonise over past mistakes or to dwell on umpteen possible scenarios for the future, how different would our lives be? We have become so tangled up with our thinking minds that many aren’t living in the moment and suddenly wake up one day when it’s too late and their life has flown by. 

How many companies out there are geared towards distracting us from the pain of living by promoting escapism or a rush of sugar? This endless vicious circle of consumption has taken us away from the very thing that keeps us sane and whole. Without Nature, we’re like Neptune without the sea, a lost soul trapped in limbo or a wolf without a pack. No wonder so many people feel disoriented and empty but they sadly keep consuming more in the hope that something will feel better soon.

Instead, why not try to reconnect with Nature? People are animals and we need each other for survival as much as we need the air to breathe. Regardless of whether it’s language or art that differentiates us from animals in the wild, we need Nature to survive both in terms of our food source but also our mental wellbeing. Do you really want to leave in a smog-filled city without a glimpse of green in your life? 

We can all do our little bit to help this planet but you can also do your little to bit to reconnect yourself with Nature: 

• Sense the world – rather than being governed by your thinking mind, you can learn to observe the world through your senses. It takes practice but it’s as simple as pausing during your day and doing the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise where you note 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 3 you can smell and 2 you can taste. 

• Hug trees – what better way to feel Nature than by hugging or touching a tree? Just because their skin is different to ours, there’s still life inside. Consider how long trees live and just how much they’ll witness compared to us if you want to feel awed by the cycles of this world. 

• Observe other creatures – it’s easy to forget all the millions of little creatures that survive amongst us ranging from ants to spiders and even cockroaches. Clearly, we don’t necessarily want to meet them all but try to notice the creatures living in your environment. It’s humbling to note that we are only part of a system and not as superior as some would like us to be. After all, all those creatures will continue just fine after we’re gone. 

Let Go of the Fight and Come Home 

I often see people struggling through life with endless expectations on their shoulders generated from their beliefs rooted in trying to be someone they’re not. We weren’t designed for big cities and a 9 to 5 slog. Instead, try to bring balance to your world by allowing yourself to be Nature as much as Nature is you. 

You can still have a high-flying career whilst stepping back from your thoughts. Master your senses, get in tune with your emotions and observe the wonders of this world and its creatures as a way to keep your perspective on reality. That way, you’ll come home to yourself because you’ll be more connected with your body. You won’t need to fight for power and consumerism because you’ll be balanced and grounded. Moreover, you’ll be free to choose how to live your life.