Educating for environmental identity

Identity constitutes the complex interplay between an individual's bodily, psychological and social processes. To achieve environmental identity, these processes must be synthesized through symbolic experiences with nature. Such themes as wilderness experiences, relationship to other species, relationship to material life, and sense of place might be the stage through which an individual develops changing concepts of self and works out critical lifecycle decisions.

The relationship to nature is inextricably linked to cycles of ego-development. During various stages of life nature is understood differently. A secret place for a child becomes a sacred place for an adult. A well-formulated environmental identity enables individuals to pass through the changes of life and to guide others through them as well. The search for environmental identity is a life long process. It is a way of life, an orientation towards living that is a constant struggle, a perennial reevaluation.