Grow through wilderness: Animal-assisted self-improvement
Self-improvement, transformation, and personal growth are all life journeys that every individual embarks upon at some point in life. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly learning, improving, and evolving as individuals. Some individuals find their way through this journey with ease, while others struggle to navigate it successfully. Personal growth is essential for achieving a fulfilling and satisfying life. One of the most effective ways to promote growth and self-improvement is by connecting with nature and animals.
Animals have been known to have therapeutic benefits, and their abilities have been utilized in various fields such as psychology, counseling, and therapy. However, animal-assisted self-improvement is a relatively new concept in the field of personal growth and development. The idea is relatively simple – connecting and interacting with animals can help individuals develop and cultivate the necessary qualities and skills required to promote growth, self-improvement, and personal transformation.
The use of animals as a tool for self-improvement is not new. For centuries, humans have turned to animals for hunting, companionship, transportation, and even emotional support. However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s, when the term “Animal-Assisted Therapy” was coined, that the therapeutic benefits of animals were acknowledged and utilized.
The type of animal-assisted self-improvement that uses wilderness animals, particularly those living in their natural habitat, is commonly referred to as “wilderness therapy”. Wilderness therapy is a form of experiential therapy wherein individuals engage in activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking in natural settings while accompanied by a wilderness guide and trained therapy animals. The experience of being immersed in nature while interacting with animals can provide individuals with an opportunity for self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.
The wilderness therapy model dates back to the 1960s when Outward Bound, a non-profit organization, was founded. Outward Bound is a wilderness education program that uses outdoor activities and wilderness expeditions to teach individuals leadership, teamwork, and self-reliance. Since then, many wilderness therapy programs have been developed that use animals to support and facilitate the self-improvement process.
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Self-Improvement
- Emotional Support and Companionship
- Increased Self-Awareness
- Healing
- Improved Communication and Social Skills
- Increased Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills
The mere presence of animals provides emotional support and companionship, which is beneficial for individuals who struggle with loneliness, anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. Animals have been known to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve mood by releasing oxytocin and other stress-reducing hormones. The companionship and unconditional love provided by animals can help individuals develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility, which are essential for personal growth.
Wilderness therapy using animals has been known to increase self-awareness by creating a space for self-reflection. The calming and peaceful environment of being surrounded by nature and animals can help individuals tune out distractions and focus on their thoughts and emotions. The experience of interacting with animals can provide a mirror for individuals to see their strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits, which can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.
Animals have been known to have therapeutic effects on individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Research has shown that therapy dogs can help individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), physical disabilities, and mental health conditions. In a wilderness therapy setting, animals can provide a safe and nurturing environment that can facilitate the healing process. The experience of being in nature and interacting with animals can provide a sense of peace, acceptance, and safety, which are essential factors for healing.
Interacting with animals can help individuals improve their communication and social skills. Animals are non-judgmental and respond to non-verbal cues, which can help individuals develop their communication and social skills. For example, in a wilderness therapy setting, individuals may be required to work with a pack of sled dogs, which requires effective communication and teamwork. The experience of interacting with animals can help individuals develop patience, empathy, and active listening skills, which are essential for effective communication and social skills.
The challenges and obstacles encountered in wilderness therapy can help individuals develop resilience and problem-solving skills. The experience of being in nature and interacting with animals requires individuals to adapt to changing and often unpredictable situations. The challenges posed by nature and animals can help individuals develop resilience and problem-solving skills that can be applied to other areas of life.
Animal-assisted self-improvement, particularly wilderness therapy, is an effective way for individuals to promote growth, self-improvement, and personal transformation. The therapeutic benefits of animals have been acknowledged and utilized in various fields, including psychology, counseling, and therapy for decades. The experience of being immersed in nature while interacting with animals can provide individuals with an opportunity for self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. The benefits of animal-assisted self-improvement include emotional support, increased self-awareness, healing, improved communication and social skills, and increased resilience and problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, turning to nature and animals for self-improvement may seem unconventional but has proven to be an effective method for promoting growth and personal transformation. Individuals can benefit from animal-assisted self-improvement by connecting with nature and interacting with animals to improve emotional well-being, increase self-awareness, and develop skills essential for personal and professional growth. Through that way, individuals can grow through wilderness and in their personal lives too.