Rewilding Ourselves to Reconnect
Contribution from Monika Jiang
Monika is a writer, facilitator and community builder, cultivating third places for dialogue, connection and community around the shared experience of loneliness.
We are disconnected not only from ourselves and each other but also from the natural world. This isolation is a symptom of the Anthropocene, a time when humanity has distanced itself from the earth, believing we are separate and superior. The relentless march of colonialism and industrialization has commodified land and nature, tearing them from our grasp and leaving us feeling increasingly lonely and fragmented—albeit us being more connected than ever.
So who might we learn from? Indigenous communities, for instance, embody a way of life that is inherently regenerative, without needing to label it as such. They, too, practice community without calling it that either—as it’s simply a way of living that we, in Western industrialized societies, seem to have forgotten.
Understanding that we humans are not separate but part of an intricate web of life is crucial. Everything is, indeed, related.
Photo by Kara Pecknold
The Maori of New Zealand, for example, practice kaitiakitanga, a guardianship ethos that emphasizes the responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. This stewardship ensures the health of both the land and the community, fostering a deep sense of belonging and purpose. Similarly, the concept of "Buen Vivir" among Andean Indigenous communities in Latin America promotes living in harmony with nature and prioritizing community well-being over individual gain. This philosophy contrasts sharply with the exploitative practices of colonial and modern industrial societies, which have led to environmental degradation and social disconnection.
The wisdom of Indigenous peoples offers a pathway to rewilding not only our landscapes but also our minds and hearts. The San people of the Kalahari Desert, for instance, have an intimate knowledge of their ecosystem, passed down through generations. Their way of life, which includes tracking animals and foraging for food, is a testament to their deep connection to the land. This relationship fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, counteracting the isolation that pervades modern life.
Moreover, Indigenous practices such as the Potlatch ceremony of the Pacific Northwest First Nations celebrate community and reciprocity. These gatherings, where goods are distributed and social ties are strengthened, highlight the importance of generosity and interconnectedness. Such practices remind us that true wealth lies in our relationships with each other and the natural world, not in material accumulation.
Rewilding, inspired by Indigenous wisdom and practices, is an urgent call to action. It demands that we dismantle the toxic narratives of separation and superiority that have driven us to exploit the earth and alienate ourselves from one another. By rewilding, we can restore ecosystems, revive biodiversity, and rekindle our sense of belonging to the natural world. It is about recognizing that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of the planet. As we learn to live in harmony with nature, we can rediscover the interconnectedness that has been lost and begin to heal the wounds of loneliness.
