Are you fascinated by the natural world and find peace in nature? Do you have a strong connection to the environment and enjoy learning about plants and animals? If so, you may have high Naturalistic Intelligence. But what exactly does that mean, and how can you make sure that this part of yourself is being properly nourished?

First, let's define what we mean by Naturalistic Intelligence. It's one of the Multiple Intelligences that make up our unique blend of abilities and drives. At its core, a Naturalistic Intelligence is a tendency to understand and appreciate the natural world, and the ability to recognize patterns and relationships in nature. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from outdoor activities like hiking and gardening, to scientific pursuits like studying ecology and conservation, to understanding traditional ecological knowledge.

It's important to note that having a prodigious Naturalistic Intelligence doesn't mean you're constantly seeking out nature. It's also not just about physical activities - it's about understanding and connecting to the natural world in all areas of your life. Someone with a big Naturalistic Intelligence might also be drawn to art and literature that depict natural themes and motifs.

So, what happens if your Naturalistic Intelligence is a big one, but you're not feeding it enough? Without enough opportunities to connect to nature, you may find yourself feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. On the other hand, if your Naturalistic Intelligence is a small and you overfeed it by constantly immersing yourself in nature, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Part of the process of attaining enduring well-being (in Sanskrit it’s called swastha) requires that you balance all of the intelligences in your life, including your Naturalistic Intelligence. This means, in part, being mindful of how much connection to nature is enough for you, and how much is too much.

One way to do this is by setting goals and challenges for yourself that feed your Naturalistic Intelligence, but also take into account your other needs and responsibilities. For example, if you're drawn to nature, you might set a goal to hike a new trail each month. But you could also challenge yourself to learn about a new plant or animal species each week, or start a garden, or volunteer with a conservation organization.

If you find that your Naturalistic Tiger is on the smaller side, it's important to still find ways to nourish it in a balanced way. This may mean that you only need occasional exposure to nature, such as a visit to a local park once a week, or an annual vacation to somewhere outdoorsy. It's important to listen to your own needs and not overdo it, as too much exposure to nature can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

You could strike this balance by doing something connected to the environment on a less frequent basis. This might include planning a short hike once a month or committing to visiting a botanical garden every other week. That just might be enough to nourish it.

Understanding and properly feeding your Naturalistic Tiger is essential to living a fulfilling and well-rounded life. By taking the time to explore and harmonize this part of yourself, you can ensure that you're feeding your naturalistic side the right amount and in the right ways.

When it comes to understanding your Naturalistic Intelligence, remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. To fully thrive and find balance in all aspects of your life, it's important to consider and understand all of your tigers (your Multiple Intelligences and Multiple Natures).

Want to know more about your tigers and how to balance them better? Take the MNTEST or get in touch with an MN Practitioner who can provide you with personalized coaching to fit your precise needs.

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