Nature in the discourse of holistic consultants and therapists in southern Chile

The decline in traditional institutional religion has paralleled the rise of New Age and new spiritualities, which seek to reconnect individuals with nature through holistic practices for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. This article examines how holistic therapists and consultants in the Los Lagos region of Chile conceptualize nature. This region, a gateway to Chilean Patagonia, is noted for its biodiversity and striking landscapes, making it an ideal setting for the emergence of new spiritualities. A qualitative study of descriptive-interpretative scope was carried out, following a multiple case study design, involving 34 local holistic informants (14 therapists and 20 consultants). Semi-structured individual interviews were the primary data collection method, analyzed with Atlas. ti software. Six categories emerged: nature as a healing agent, a protective source/mother, a harmonic whole, a refuge for introspection, a source of wisdom, and a home/habitat. The study discusses the implications of these views on nature in the search for spirituality, life meaning, and moral guidance. It also addresses the idealization and moralization of nature, highlighting potential risks, including the cultural appropriation of local indigenous beliefs.