Recently I attended a lecture at the Dallas Arboretum given by Richard Louv, author and expert on connection between family, nature, and community. Louv is the author of “Last Child in the Woods” and the recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal given by the National Audubon Society.
Last Child in the Woods
In his book, Louv states that back in our childhood, our days were filled with afternoons roaming through the woods, climbing trees, and playing in parks. But for today’s generation of kids, that is not always the case. He argues that children in America have largely lost their connection to nature and wilderness. This lack of direct exposure to nature is linked to children’s obesity, attention deficit disorders, and depression.
Louv’s book is about the importance of getting our children back out into nature, yet this message is equally important to adults as well. All too often adults are insulated from the natural environment. We go from our homes to our cars to our enclosed office environments. Getting outside is important to our physical well-being, stress reduction, and greater creativity.
Broader Perspective of Life
I loved the futurist message that Richard Louv sends as he passionately explains that nature gives us a broader perspective of life. By walking through the woods, watching the stars at night, playing in the leaves, or digging in the dirt we understand that we are part of something larger. Nature sparks curiosity within us about how life works, who we are in the scheme of life, and how science works. When we go outside in all sorts of weather we feel the seasons, awaken our senses, and feel more alive.
With the stress of our changing economic climate, recent unsettling news events, and pressing financial concerns, it’s more important than ever to get ourselves outside. Nature touches our spirit and reminds us of something larger and more important than our immediate problems. Instead of being so intensely focused on recent headlines, we can lift ourselves into a larger perspective and make decisions that positively impact our future. Nature brings us out of fear and back into the wholeness and goodness of life.
When we connect with nature we realize that we are made from the elements of earth, it is not something separate from us. As such, it is our personal responsibility to discover how to participate with life in a joyful, satisfying way. When we know where our food comes from, how it grows, then our eating patterns change…not out of guilt but born out of new relationship with the plants and animals. Our connection with the biological world expands outward as we awaken an inner desire and new creative solutions to move beyond reliance on non-renewable resources of oil and non-fuel minerals.
Importance of Getting Outside Today
Getting outside in nature can have a profound effect on both our psyche and our health. It’s important to make time in our busy week to be out in nature, alone wandering through the woods, walking through the park, sitting by a creek, or smelling the wind. Sometimes we need to feel the earth under our feet, to bury our toes in the grass, or walk in the woods and feel the sacred energy of very old large trees. Today, go outside and notice a bird, a butterfly, or the rustle of the wind through the leaves. Reawaken your own quiet fascination with life.
What role does nature play in your life? How are you affected by nature? Do you find comfort in it? Share your experiences and let us know how nature has led to a transcendent experience in your life!
Richard Louv is an author and journalist focused on nature, family and community. His most recent book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, has stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between children and nature, and has helped spawn a movement that is now moving into the international sphere
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I can honestly say that I see this in my classroom every day. The children I teach have virtually no experience playing in, with, and enjoying nature. With no recess allowed, even THAT opportunity to just play outside is taken away from them. The things we did on a daily basis as children are foreign to them. Yet when they are young, they are fascinated by nature and all that happens in the world outside. But for various reasons that connection is closed off at an early age and as they grow older, the disconnection grows greater. Sadly, their lack of experience in nature often translates into a lack of respect for nature and consequently, all living things.
Haven’t read the book, but it sounds interesting. We need some good ideas for encouraging parents to bring their children out into nature more often. (Not to mention the benefits for the parents!) I saw a quote this morning that caught my attention….perfect timing!
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, thru which God speaks to us every hour” ~ George W. Carver
Marsha, I can’t imagine having made it through childhood without being in nature. Being outside offered a sense of being a part of this beautiful world.
When we’re in nature, nothing feels “wrong” about who we are. We can laugh, cry, feel alone, and yet it’s all okay. The earth calms and soothes and brings us closer to spirit. We realize there is something bigger and grander that we are a part of.
And nature awakens our sense of exploration. There are distant hills to explore, trees to climb, creeks to peer into. Some of my fondest memories are of walking alone at night through the cold snow and hearing the snow falling on the pine trees. It was the most beautiful music my ears had ever heard. Like angels signing privately for me alone.
This same need for nature applies to adults as well. As you stated so beautifully above, “when our connection from nature is closed off, we end up with a lack of respect for nature, and consequently, all living things.”
Hi Annette,
If all goes according to plan, we will be back to rural NS by Christmas! Have a house picked out which is what we definitely want……land and room for a garden! Yahoooooooooo!
Have to get away from this city living……back to Nature!
Will keep you posted, K.
Amazing as always