Slow down, to reconnect, with ourselves and our surroundings | Bas Breman | TEDxWageningenUniversity

Key Concepts

• Resonance: A sociological concept by Hartmut Rosa describing a state of being deeply touched by one’s surroundings, leading to a sense of connection and meaning.
• Sit Spot: A mindfulness practice involving sitting still in nature to observe the environment without interference.
• Fox Walk: A movement technique characterized by slow, deliberate, and quiet steps to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
• Nature-based Solutions: Professional focus on addressing environmental challenges (like climate change) by working with natural systems.
• Hyperventilation/Stress Response: The physiological state of rapid, shallow breathing that mimics physical exertion even during rest.

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1. The Urgency of Slowing Down

Bas Breman, a researcher at Wageningen University, addresses the paradox of modern life: while global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss demand urgent action, the constant "speeding up" of society—a phenomenon warned against by the Dutch Council for Public Health and Society—prevents us from engaging effectively. He argues that slowing down is not an act of passivity, but a fundamental skill required to reconnect with oneself and the environment to better address complex global issues.

2. Personal Crisis and the "Wake-up Call"

Breman shares his personal experience of burnout while balancing a high-pressure career and family life.

• The Symptom: Despite using trail running as an escape, he realized he was "outrunning himself."
• The Realization: While lying in bed, he discovered he was breathing as if he were in the middle of a marathon—fast, shallow, and high in the chest. This physiological state of constant agitation was a direct result of chronic stress.
• The Intervention: He took medical leave, which forced him to "pull the brakes" and relearn how to breathe, highlighting the direct link between respiratory patterns and mental state.

3. Methodologies for Reconnection

To recover, Breman engaged with Bosbeweging, an organization focused on traditional nature skills. He adopted two specific practices:

• Sit Spot: The practice of sitting in one location in nature for extended periods (30 minutes to an hour). Initially difficult due to his conditioned need for speed, it eventually led to a transformative experience where he shifted from being a "visitor" to feeling like he "belonged" in the ecosystem.
• Fox Walk: A technique of moving slowly and quietly. This practice shifts the focus from the destination to the journey, allowing for the observation of animal tracks and behaviors that are otherwise missed when moving at high speeds.

4. Professional and Philosophical Integration

The transition from personal practice to professional application occurred in two ways:

• Education: Breman began incorporating nature-based learning into university courses, teaching students ancient skills to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
• Strategic Focus: His professional work on climate change gained clarity. By experiencing "resonance"—a term coined by Hartmut Rosa—he realized that his energy was best spent on nature-inclusive solutions rather than broad, overwhelming tasks.

5. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Resonance vs. Control: Breman argues that resonance cannot be forced or planned; it is an experience that "happens to you." However, one can create the conditions (the "room") for it to occur by slowing down.
• Redefining Urgency: Citing Ben Okri’s quote, "These times are urgent. Let us slow down," Breman posits that slowing down allows for "deep listening." This process enables individuals to ask better questions and discover internal answers that are obscured by the noise of a fast-paced life.

6. Synthesis and Conclusion

The main takeaway is that the feeling of being overwhelmed is often a signal to change one's pace rather than increase one's effort. By utilizing practices like the sit spot and fox walk, individuals can move from a state of frantic, disconnected activity to a state of resonance. This shift not only improves personal well-being but also provides the mental clarity and focus necessary to contribute meaningfully to solving the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges.