Finding well-being through a Mindfulness Photography Experience in Finnish Forests
Palombo, Cecilia (2021)
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052711711
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052711711
Tiivistelmä
Urbanization is a global megatrend that will continue to grow. Although living in cities brings certain improvements to individuals’ quality of life, there are some downsides as well. The urban setting, contrary to the natural environment, is characterized by continuous demanding stimuli that generate a more stressful social environment in which the risk for poor health conditions and chronic disorders increases.
The author reviewed existing literature that supports the idea that human exposure to the natural environment brings physical and psychological benefits and, thus, nature is considered a restorative environment. Moreover, wellness traveling, especially related to nature, has already been a big trend over the past years, as people are becoming more and more health-conscious. Finland aims to become the most sustainable growing tourism destination in the Nordics, focusing particularly on its pure nature and creating products that promote wellbeing.
Based on the literature, the author designed, delivered, and evaluated an experience of Mindfulness Photography in Finnish Forests, as main objective of her thesis. The aim of the experience was to deliver an enjoyable, educational, and relaxing activity that would increase the overall sensation of wellbeing for participants. The author used photography as a tool to practice mindfulness and to promote self-awareness of the present moment and own surrounding.
Mindfulness photography differs from the common method of photographing in the sense that individuals engaging in the activity become attentive observers of their surroundings. They walk with open eyes and open minds, and without expectations, ready to welcome whatever sensation the enchanting natural environment inspires them.
The experience took place around the Maunula nature trail in Keskuspuisto, Helsinki. The author organized seven tours in March 2021, for a total of 9 participants. The author used self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as methods to collect data from participants. The author then made conclusions based on the comparison between findings, the literature and her personal goals.
The results of the research showed that the Experience of Mindfulness Photography in Finnish Forests is an enjoyable activity that promotes a connection with the natural environment, boosts positive feelings, such as gratitude towards one's own life, and enhances relaxation, giving participants a break from the busy routine as well as a sense of psychological distance from the stressful urban environment.
The author reviewed existing literature that supports the idea that human exposure to the natural environment brings physical and psychological benefits and, thus, nature is considered a restorative environment. Moreover, wellness traveling, especially related to nature, has already been a big trend over the past years, as people are becoming more and more health-conscious. Finland aims to become the most sustainable growing tourism destination in the Nordics, focusing particularly on its pure nature and creating products that promote wellbeing.
Based on the literature, the author designed, delivered, and evaluated an experience of Mindfulness Photography in Finnish Forests, as main objective of her thesis. The aim of the experience was to deliver an enjoyable, educational, and relaxing activity that would increase the overall sensation of wellbeing for participants. The author used photography as a tool to practice mindfulness and to promote self-awareness of the present moment and own surrounding.
Mindfulness photography differs from the common method of photographing in the sense that individuals engaging in the activity become attentive observers of their surroundings. They walk with open eyes and open minds, and without expectations, ready to welcome whatever sensation the enchanting natural environment inspires them.
The experience took place around the Maunula nature trail in Keskuspuisto, Helsinki. The author organized seven tours in March 2021, for a total of 9 participants. The author used self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as methods to collect data from participants. The author then made conclusions based on the comparison between findings, the literature and her personal goals.
The results of the research showed that the Experience of Mindfulness Photography in Finnish Forests is an enjoyable activity that promotes a connection with the natural environment, boosts positive feelings, such as gratitude towards one's own life, and enhances relaxation, giving participants a break from the busy routine as well as a sense of psychological distance from the stressful urban environment.