Micah Mortali, author of Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening in Nature, observes that many people today are spending more time endlessly scrolling on their devices instead of forming genuine, meaningful connections. As the founder of the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and the newly launched School of Rewilding, Mortali helps individuals shift from screen-centered living to a deeper, more intentional relationship with the natural world.

In his book, Mortali explores how constant exposure to screens leads people to overlook their immediate surroundings—the trees, birds and sky—and instead form artificial bonds with digital content. He warns that, as technology becomes increasingly immersive and AI-generated content more prevalent, the internet begins to distort reality, making it difficult for people to distinguish what is real and trustworthy. He asserts that this digital overload contributes to a sense of disorientation and disconnection from both the self and the Earth.

What impact do our modern, screen-centered lifestyles have on our health and connection to nature?

People are living indoors in front of screens and have simply lost their connection to the Earth. This is the reverse of how our ancestors lived—they spent the majority of their time outdoors. Human beings didn’t evolve to sit at a desk for eight hours hunching over a computer screen. The way we’re living isn’t healthy for ourselves or the planet.

What do you believe people are truly longing for?

What everyone is really hungry for is to feel alive, to feel good. And that sense of aliveness comes from direct relationship with the natural world. We’re meant to be active and have a relationship with nature. When you’re outside in nature, you’re in a sensory-rich environment; you feel the wind, you hear the birds, you see the leaves rustling on the trees—this is what makes you feel alive.

In what ways are our bodies physically connected to the planet?

The molecules of your body are the same molecules of the planet: oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, water. The air you’re breathing now was on the other side of the planet a few days ago; you’re inhaling oxygen that the trees exhale. Everything is interconnected; there is no separation.

What are some of the scientifically supported benefits of spending time in nature?

Studies show that being outdoors improves mood and sleep, accelerates healing, increases the ability to focus and boosts the immune system.

What does it mean to live mindfully with the Earth?

When you consciously connect with the Earth, you’re no longer fighting the life systems that support you. Instead, you become the earth’s caretaker. Just like you can feel the presence of nature when you’re in it, nature can also feel your presence. I encourage people to ask themselves: “How can my presence help nature?” (instead of the other way around). Spending time outdoors reminds you that you’re part of the larger cosmos—and dependent on it. The Earth is a living system and our well-being is closely tied to the health of the planet.

What’s one simple practice people can start doing right now to reconnect with nature?

One thing I encourage people to do is to spend time outside each day with no agenda: no phone or devices or exercising—just outdoors in nature with yourself, taking in the sights and sounds with your senses.

Robin Fasano is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.