The autoethnographic nature of this research combines my personal experience and reflections as the primary participant in a qualitative analysis on reflection and identity development. This research paper will explore the use of reflective journaling, combined with natural history practices, as effective tools in developing an ecological identity. The literature review will explore experiential learning, reflection and reflective journaling, and natural history practices and methodologies which, when combined, form a holistic understanding of this research. Biophilia and ecological identity will also be explored to further the understanding of what constitutes a meaningful relationship with the natural world and how we see ourselves in relation to it. I will analyze two journals that I wrote over an eight month period to attempt to identify development of reflective ability and the existence/development of an ecological identity within myself. This research is significant in demonstrating value of qualitative research, and will ideally assist me in understanding how I can address the crisis of perception between economy and ecology within myself, and in turn, how I can promote this understanding in others.
