Fireflies, Night Crawlers, Constellations, and Wolves: A Biophilic Narrative of Nature Stories in the Night

Abstract

Although nighttime can provide numerous opportunities to experience biophilia—humans’ affiliation with nature, the preponderance of recent research has featured daytime environments. Whether exploring the night nature along a lake in Ontario or appreciating reflections on the waterway in Suzhou after dark, nighttime plays an important role in sustaining our natural environments. Research and practice indicate that both planned and informal experiences in nighttime nature, from stargazing to hiking, can influence people’s awareness of their local natural environments. Continually becoming a more active participant in nurturing and learning about one’s local natural environment is an important step in preparing to actively appreciate and inquire into the local setting of others within a globalized society. Nature at night is a fitting place in which to begin such connections. Methodologically and theoretically supported by narrative inquiry in relation to Rosenblatt’s theory of transactional analysis, the author narrates selections of the author’s own earlier and more recent connections to biophilia as lived-through experiences with the natural world at night. Finally, the author underscores the importance of continuing research and practice in order to facilitate both adults and children in inquiring into their own nighttime experiences, wherever in the world they may reside.