Perceptions of planetary belonging: evidence from adult mindfulness-enhanced dialogues in Finland

This article examines adults’ perceptions of planetary belonging in Finland and how they express their human–nature entanglements. The theoretical framework used incorporates social-ecological systems, planetary social pedagogy and ecosocialisation theories. We collected qualitative data from 51 adults participating in six group dialoques, each commencing with a guided-walking mindfulness exercise. We then studied the data using thematic content analysis. Our findings reveal a nuanced understanding of human–nature interconnectedness, describing planetary belonging as an experience within a holistic ecosystem characterised by interdependency among living organisms. Participants perceived the alienating effects of urban environments and inorganic materials on their sense of belonging and the complex power dynamics shaping the relations within social-ecological systems. The article highlights the need to re-examine urban environments. It also emphasises the necessity for lifelong ecosocialisation as a crucial element of contemporary social pedagogy that can support individuals in understanding their everyday life on Earth as affirming, alienated or disruptive.