The Psychology of Ecoscapes

Flow, Stoicism, and the Intimate Dance with Ecoscapes

For many, the allure of a vivarium is not just its breathtaking beauty, but the deeply immersive experience it offers. Vivariums, with their intricate designs and delicate ecosystems, are more than just aesthetically pleasing enclosures; they are gateways to a profound connection with nature and the present moment.

Takashi Amano, with his serene nature aquascapes, and George Farmer, through his emphasis on harmonizing with nature's aesthetics, invite enthusiasts to not just observe, but to participate in a dance with nature. And in this dance, one finds themselves transitioning from a passive spectator to an engaged creator, redefining their relationship with time and space.

This aligns beautifully with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of "flow." A state wherein the individual is so absorbed, so involved in an activity, that nothing else seems to matter. The timelessness, the complete immersion – every moment spent crafting or tuning the vivarium becomes an embrace of the present. There's no room for ruminations of the past or anxieties about the future. There's just the 'now.'

Being present is pivotal for the human psyche. It anchors us, mitigating the tumultuous effects of constant distractions and fragmented attention. This grounding in the present fosters clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to our environment, enhancing overall well-being.

Echoing this sentiment, Stoic philosophy champions living in tune with nature and embracing the present. By being in harmony with the world around us, Stoicism teaches acceptance of the present moment, finding peace in the 'now'. The act of tending to a vivarium becomes a practical application of this timeless wisdom. As the water flows and plants sway, the vivarium becomes a living embodiment of Stoic teachings, a constant reminder to be in the present.

In owning and nurturing a vivarium, one not only harnesses the principles set by Amano and Farmer but also embarks on a personal journey of mindfulness and presence. It serves as a bridge between age-old philosophy and contemporary practice, offering not just an escape but a reminder of the timeless beauty that resides in the present moment.

The Natural Remedy: Integrating Nature into Modern Spaces

In our fast-paced modern environment, elements of nature within our personal and professional spaces serve as invaluable sanctuaries. From expansive outdoor gardens to the enchanting microcosm of a vivarium, nature's touch offers profound mental rejuvenation.

Stephen Kaplan's work [1] underscores how transient moments within nature can markedly sharpen focus, reinforcing the restorative powers of natural settings. Ulrich et al. [2] further found that exposure to nature aids in recovery from stress, contrasting with urban environments. Hartig and colleagues [3] have provided comprehensive insights on the intrinsic link between nature and health, highlighting the therapeutic dimensions of nature interaction.

Beyond merely being in nature, Bratman et al. [4] underscored the cognitive and affective benefits derived from nature experiences. Their research accentuated how nature walks could lead to reduced anxiety, improved working memory, and decreased negative affect. This sentiment is resonated by MacKerron and Mourato [5], who demonstrated that happiness is indeed higher when one is immersed in natural environments.

In contexts where access to natural touch points might be scarce, indoor plants have shown to uplift productivity and diminish stress [7]. Vivariums, which combine various plant species, encapsulate these benefits, marrying aesthetic appeal with therapeutic virtues. Lohr et al. [7] showcased how indoor plants could bolster worker productivity and mitigate stress, while Ranaas et al. [8] emphasized their benefits on attention capacity.

The indoor plants, frequently central to a vivarium's design, offer an array of benefits. Wolverton and his team [9], in a NASA report, documented their significant role in purifying air by eliminating organic pollutants. Such presence, as echoed by studies like Lee et al. [11], revitalizes the mind, enhancing psychological well-being. Personal ecoscapes amalgamate these elements, creating an encompassing and immersive experience of nature.

References:

  1. Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology.

  2. Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology.

  3. Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health.

  4. Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). The benefits of nature experience. Environmental Science & Technology.

  5. MacKerron, G., & Mourato, S. (2013). Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global Environmental Change.

  6. Grahn, P., & Stigsdotter, U. A. (2003). Landscape planning and stress. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.

  7. Lohr, V. I., Pearson-Mims, C. H., & Goodwin, G. K. (1996). Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress. Journal of Environmental Horticulture.

  8. Ranaas, R. K., Evensen, K. H., Rich, D. L., Sjøstrøm, G., & Patil, G. G. (2011). Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity. HortScience.

  9. Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, A., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. NASA Technical Report.

  10. Mitchell, R., & Popham, F. (2008). Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities. The Lancet.

  11. Lee, J., Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2009). Restorative effects of viewing real forest landscapes. Public Health.

  12. Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science.

  13. Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2009). The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review. Journal of Environmental Psychology.