Have you ever paused to genuinely consider: Where did you come from? And perhaps more crucially, where are you heading? These aren’t merely questions about geography or career aspirations—they invite us to journey deep into the core of our existence, exploring our roles within the grand narrative of humanity.
Recently, while absorbed in the ABC series The Kimberley, I encountered a phrase that profoundly resonated with me: "Deep Time Connection." Although the term wasn’t my own, it illuminated a truth I've long believed deeply—WE ARE NATURE.
Looking Back to Move Forward
In a culture that constantly pushes us toward the future, emphasising progress and evolution, the notion of unity with nature may feel foreign or outdated. Equally counterintuitive might seem the idea of looking backwards to understand how we move forward. But ask yourself this: In our relentless march forward, where exactly are we headed?
The term ‘Deep Time Connection’ calls us to see ourselves, our cultures, and our ancestors as interconnected. It challenges the narrative that positions humans as masters over nature, reminding us instead that we are integral parts of the natural world. Powerful insights into this unity can be found in the wisdom of indigenous cultures.
Indigenous Wisdom and Connection
Across the globe, indigenous communities have maintained a profound sense of interconnectedness that many of us have forgotten.
Aboriginal Australians, with a history spanning over 60,000 years, exemplify this deep time connection through Dreamtime. Dreamtime is not just storytelling; it's a sacred framework for existence, teaching harmony and respect between humans and nature. It guides relationships, responsibilities, and identities, rooted deeply in the cycles of the earth.
Native American cultures share similar beliefs of interconnectedness. The Lakota people encapsulate this in the phrase "Mitakuye Oyasin," meaning "we are all related." This idea encompasses every being, plant, animal, and the land itself, reminding us of our inseparable bonds to the earth.
In Northern Europe, the Sámi people maintain their connection to nature by living closely aligned with its rhythms and cycles. Their traditional knowledge, passed through generations, is more than mere survival tactics—it's a deliberate and profound way of life that reinforces identity and community through harmony with nature.
These cultures illuminate an essential truth: humans are not separate from nature—we are inherently part of it.
Modern Society and the Illusion of Connection
Contrast this profound interconnectedness with modern Western culture. Our society places immense value on material possessions. Social media and advertising constantly promise happiness through acquisition—suggesting our worth and validation lie in our next purchase. We are so disconnected from nature that we regularly cover ourselves in synthetic materials, prioritising convenience and affordability over our true comfort and health.
Why does this happen? It’s deeply connected to the rise of capitalist societies, which equate our worth to productivity, status, and possessions. Yet, this path distances us further from genuine, fulfilling connections with others, ourselves, and nature.
The Psychological Cost of Disconnection
This focus on external validation and materialism creates a fragile identity dependent on temporary satisfactions. Psychological research continually demonstrates the harmful impacts of external validation: increased anxiety, lower self-esteem, and persistent dissatisfaction. True happiness cannot come from transient, material possessions—it emerges from deep, meaningful relationships with ourselves, each other, and our environment.
When our sense of identity is linked to external objects, our emotional and spiritual well-being suffers. We become vulnerable, detached from the roots of our existence, forgetting that our intrinsic value comes not from what we own, but from who we are.
Nature, Identity, and True Self-Care
Now imagine reclaiming the wisdom of indigenous cultures. Imagine recognising yourself not as separate from nature but as a vital, integral part of it.
This mindset shift is transformative. When we understand that harming nature equates to harming ourselves, our choices inevitably change. True self-care expands beyond personal wellbeing, embracing holistic planetary care—encompassing air, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems that sustain life.
Consider the powerful impacts of spending time in nature. Think of how you feel walking along a bush trail, tending a garden, or camping beside a river. Do you experience greater joy, reduced anxiety, better sleep, or a calmer mind? This isn't coincidence. Research consistently shows that connecting with nature profoundly enhances mental and emotional well-being. Why? Because reconnecting with nature brings us home—to our true selves.
When we recognise this, our perspective shifts entirely. It affects how we shop, live, treat ourselves, and interact with others. Deeply reconnecting with nature grounds us, anchoring us in a richer, more meaningful existence.
A Return to Harmony
Consider the woman frequently drawn to fast fashion. Each purchase provides a brief surge of happiness and validation. Yet, beneath this temporary satisfaction lies persistent emptiness and insecurity. Her self-worth remains fragile, dependent on external approval, her true identity overshadowed.
In contrast, another woman carefully selects garments that reflect her core values—sustainability, ethical sourcing, quality. Each item she chooses reinforces her interconnectedness with nature and community. Her clothing isn’t merely fabric; it symbolises her understanding of deep time connection, providing quiet affirmation of her true self.
Choosing intentionally crafted clothing, mindful of its environmental and human impact, is genuine self-care. These choices honour the deep understanding of our interconnectedness with nature.
At VOUS, this philosophy forms our foundation. Every garment I make embodies the belief that genuine happiness lies not in external acquisitions but in mindful connections—with ourselves, others, and nature.
Because at our core, we are nature—and remembering this truth is our pathway forward.
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