What Nature Teaches Us About Living a Good Life with Holli-Anne Passmore

“Notice the nature around you — and take time to just be.”In this conversation, Holli-Anne Passmore explores the powerful relationship between nature, wellbeing, and meaning in life. Her work focuses on how small, everyday interactions with the natural world can shift how we feel, think, and experience our lives.We often think of nature as something we have to travel to — mountains, oceans, national parks. But what if the real shift comes from simply paying attention to what’s already around us?Holli-Anne shares that it’s not just time in nature that matters — it’s the quality of attention we bring to it. Noticing the sky, the trees, the small details in everyday life can create a measurable impact on wellbeing, helping us feel more connected, calm, and alive.The conversation also explores the difference between feeling good and living a meaningful life, why boredom is essential for creativity, and how slowing down can help us understand what truly matters.This is a grounded, practical conversation about how to live more fully — not by doing more, but by noticing more.Episode HighlightsWhy nature is not “out there” — it’s all around usThe science of nature and its impact on wellbeingWhy noticing nature matters more than time spent outdoorsThe emotion of “elevation” and feeling deeply connectedMeaning vs feeling good — what actually mattersWhy boredom is essential for creativityLiving at “human speed” instead of constant hustleHow nature can reduce loneliness and increase connectionUnderstanding the environments where you feel most aliveThe concept of “enough” and letting go of moreChapters00:00 — How nature impacts wellbeing03:00 — What makes life feel meaningful09:50 — What a bountiful life really is11:20 — Why boredom matters19:20 — What is nature connectedness24:20 — Nature prescriptions and mental health29:00 — Cognitive benefits of nature33:30 — Meaning vs feeling good36:00 — Nature, time, and “enough”39:20 — Finding environments that suit you46:00 — Nature in cities and everyday life54:40 — What people misunderstand about nature58:50 — Tools for tough days01:03:30 — Final reflections on living wellGuest BioHolli-Anne Passmore is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton and a leading researcher in nature connectedness, wellbeing, and meaning in life. She is the Director of the Nature-Meaning in Life Research Lab and her work focuses on practical, everyday interventions that help people improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and live more meaningful lives through their relationship with the natural world.The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through thoughtful, honest conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. Each episode weaves together real stories, practical ideas, and personal reflections on topics like well-being, resilience, connection, creativity, and meaning. In a world that can often feel noisy and disconnected, Bountifull offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters, helping listeners find more joy in their lives, every day.https://www.bountifullworld.com/weekly-question/