Craig Foster of My Octopus Teacher — How to Find the Wild in a Tame World

Nature's Healing

Craig Foster emphasizes the profound impact of reconnecting with nature on mental health. He believes that our disconnection from nature contributes to a global mental health crisis, and by gently reintroducing people to the wild, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world 1. This connection, he argues, changes our decision-making processes and encourages us to protect biodiversity. Foster shares how nature helped him rebuild his nervous system after the overwhelming success of his film, "My Octopus Teacher":

I slowly used wild nature...to rebuild my nervous system. Just gentle access to the cold and to the spaces and to these animals.

--- Craig Foster

He found solace in the sea, using his experiences with the wild to heal and find balance 2.

   

Nature's Mirror

Foster explores the concept of nature as a mirror, suggesting that the natural world reflects our inner psyche and teaches us about ourselves. He describes how attentiveness to nature can reveal extraordinary behaviors and insights, often mirroring our own emotional states 3. This mysterious process, he notes, is difficult to explain but profoundly impactful. Foster also highlights the impressive skills of Kalahari hunters, who can perceive distant predators through subtle bird sounds, illustrating nature's hidden language 4.

It's almost as if when we are attentive, when we care, when we focus, there is something...that seems to come about in the natural world.

--- Craig Foster

He encourages people to cultivate this awareness, even in urban environments, to deepen their connection with nature.

   

Home & Resilience

Foster reflects on the concept of home and resilience, particularly after losing his house to a fire. He realized that his true home is the natural world, which provides a sense of belonging and resilience 5. This profound lesson taught him that as long as the biosphere is healthy, he can rebuild his physical home. Foster also shares the impact of unconditional love from his grandparents, who provided him with attention and care, shaping his understanding of home and family 6.

This ocean, but also this...planet, this original deep mother that birthed our species...was actually my home.

--- Craig Foster

He emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and finding comfort in nature's enduring presence.