How Reconnecting with Ourselves in Nature Supports Neurodivergent Minds

Greetings,

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to truly belong—not just to a group or a place, but to yourself? For those of us who experience the world through the unique lens of neurodivergence, the search for that sense of belonging can feel both urgent and elusive. What if the wild, untamed world—where difference is not just accepted but essential—holds the key to reconnecting with our truest selves?

Nature’s Radical Welcome

Years ago, I watched a young man on the autism spectrum step out of the safari vehicle and into the tall grass of Hwange National Park. The world—usually too loud, too fast, too confusing—suddenly slowed. He noticed the gentle sway of the grasses, the patterns of zebra stripes, the way the wind carried scent and sound. Later, he told me, “In the wild, I’m not too much or not enough. I just am.”

For many with neurodivergence—whether it’s ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another way of being—modern life can feel like a relentless demand to conform, to filter out what makes us different. But nature does not ask us to shrink. In the bush, every creature has its place, every way of sensing is valuable, and diversity is the foundation of resilience.

The Science of Sensory Connection

Ecopsychology now reveals what tribal wisdom has always known: the earth soothes and stimulates us in ways that no screen or city ever could. For neurodivergent minds, the wild offers a sensory feast—textures, sounds, sights, and rhythms that invite us back into our bodies, out of our heads, and into the present moment. Studies show that time in natural settings can lower cortisol, regulate the nervous system, and provide a safe container for self-discovery and calm.

Simple Practices for Reconnection

• Sensory Tracking: Choose a spot outdoors—under a tree, beside water, or even on your balcony. Notice one sense at a time: the feel of the air, the sound of birds, the colors and movement around you. Let your senses lead, without judgment or expectation.

• Wild Journaling: Bring a notebook and let your thoughts wander. What do you notice about your energy, your attention, your mood when you are surrounded by nature’s patterns and unpredictability?

• Ritual Pause: At sunrise or sunset, make a small ceremony of stepping outside, even for a few minutes. Breathe deeply, and offer gratitude for the ways your mind is uniquely attuned to the world.

Stories from the Wild: When Difference Finds Belonging

On a recent Healing Power of Dolphins encounter, a participant who’d always felt overwhelmed by social cues and sensory overload found unexpected comfort in the company of dolphins. “They didn’t need me to talk or explain. I could just float, listen, and feel the rhythm of the water. It was the first time I felt truly at home in my own skin.”

These moments of radical acceptance and sensory joy are not rare in the wild—they are its gift to us. Whether walking with the Masai, sitting quietly by a river, or swimming with dolphins, nature invites us to show up as we are, without apology.

Upcoming Encounters: Experience the Wild’s Welcome

If you or someone you love is longing for a deeper sense of connection and calm, our immersive wilderness journeys are crafted with neurodivergent minds and hearts in mind. Explore the Healing Power of Dolphins, join a Walk on the Wild Side in Hwange National Park, or discover the wisdom of the Masai in Kenya. Every encounter is an invitation to belong—to yourself, to the wild, and to a community that celebrates difference.

You deserve to feel at home—in your mind, in your body, and in the world. Let the wild show you the way back to yourself.

With wild wishes,Mandy YoungPsychologist & Ecopsychologistwildernessencountersafrica@gmail.comWhatsApp: +44 7456 184 700

P.S. If you’re curious about how nature can support neurodivergence, or simply want to reconnect with your own wild wisdom, I invite you to reach out or explore our latest reflections on the blog. The wild is waiting—and so is your belonging.