Reconnecting With Nature: A Note From Brian at Wildflower Funeral Concepts

Brian Flowers
7 days ago
3 min read

Connecting with nature is good for the soul

Hello Friends,

I was scrolling through the news the other day (while simultaneously practicing deep breathing exercises) when I came across an article that stopped me in my tracks. I have been reflecting on it ever since. The Guardian reported on a study showing that “people’s connection to nature has declined by more than 60% since 1800.” The article went on to say that this disconnect is a root cause of our environmental crisis. One thing that jumped out at me: the single biggest factor determining a person’s connection to nature is how their parents value and pass down engagement with the natural world.

The implications of this are far reaching and encompass not just ecological health, but mental health, physical health, public health, and community health. And, if you know me personally, you know how strongly I believe that our connection (or disconnection) with the natural world is directly tied to how we relate to death and grief. When we turn away from one, we tend to turn away from the other. When we heal one, we heal the other.

As I reflected, I went back and rewatched a speech I gave about this — the connection between death, grief, and our relationship with nature. If you’re curious, you can scroll down to the bottom of this page to watch it.

All this reflection isn’t just navel gazing. It’s the vision that animates Wildflower: to heal relationships with death, grief, and nature so we can create compassionate, sustainable communities intentionally engaged with the work of living. This vision comes to life with each family we serve and, in the events, and gatherings we host monthly and throughout the year.

Upcoming at Wildflower:

Death & Grief: Conversations Around the Table

A monthly discussion hosted by our friends at Deeper Currents. These gentle, guided conversations are free and open to all. I go as often as I can — they nourish my soul, and I’d love to see you there.

Tuesday, Sept 9, 6:00–7:15 pm
Tuesday, Oct 14, 6:00–7:15 pm
Tuesday, Nov 11, 6:00–7:15 pm
Tuesday, Dec 9, 6:00–7:15 pm

Grief Support Group

Led by grief counselor Lisa Yeager, this group is for anyone navigating the death of someone they love — whether recent or years past. It meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month and is also free. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Save the Date: Before I Die Festival

I’m thrilled to share that Wildflower will host Whatcom County’s first annual Before I Die Festival on November 1–2. Produced by local death doula Beck Littlefield, it will include workshops, panels, a wine social, and a film screening. More details coming soon!

The photo that opens this letter is from a backpacking trip I took with my daughter a few weeks ago. Our fifteenth father/daughter backpacking trip! I am so grateful that my grandfather and my father passed down a deep love and reverence for nature that I get to share with her. I know this is a privilege and I don’t take it for granted. My hope is that each of you finds a moment — however small — to step outside and breathe deeply, look up at the sky, gaze at something green and alive, and connect with the natural world around you.

Here’s that Guardian article if you’d like to read more: Human Connection To Nature Declining.

May we keep tending both the earth and each other with care.

Love & gratitude,

Brian Flowers Owner, Wildflower Funeral Concepts