As evidenced by the decline in National Park visits, increased screen time, and virtually empty backyards across America, it is not a stretch to say Americans are spending less and less time outdoors.
In his thoughtful and movement-inspiring book, Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv terms this disconnect from the natural world as Nature Deficit Disorder, and suggests that many of today’s children are dealing with this issue.
If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to read Louv’s book. Even if nature “isn’t your thing,” I suspect you will find the points he makes about childhood and society quite relevant.
So, I’ve been thinking: What if nature isn’t your thing? What if you don’t consider yourself an “outdoors” person? Often, outdoor proponents can seem like their message is meant for a very specific group of individuals — campers and kayakers, or people who really KNOW a lot about nature and the environment.
Now, it must be said that they don’t mean to exclude folks, but it’s easy for people to feel like they are on the outside looking in, or that a message isn’t relevant to them and their lives. It happens to us all.
But let me let you in on a little secret: Nature IS your thing. Enjoying nature can be as simple as a picnic in your backyard or potting beautiful flowers on your balcony. Blue skies and puddle jumping. Of course, it can be much deeper than that, like taking up birding, going white-water rafting, or fishing. Nature does not exclude anyone. It has something to offer everyone — children and adults alike.
I hope that you will explore nature YOUR way and be open to new experiences, and make sure that the children in your world have the same opportunities. Have never tried camping? You just might like it. Can’t remember the last time you noticed the sights and sounds of nature on a walk or a trip to the park? Slow down and take note. You’ll be glad you did.
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
RT @balmeras Nature YOUR Way http://bit.ly/34gLVG
RT @balmeras: New post at The Grass Stain Guru: Nature YOUR Way http://bit.ly/34gLVG Switch off Twitter and get outside!
RT @balmeras New post at The Grass Stain Guru: Nature YOUR Way http://bit.ly/34gLVG Please RT!
RT @balmeras New post at The Grass Stain Guru: Nature YOUR Way http://bit.ly/34gLVG Please RT!
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RT @balmeras Speaks to the whole issue of nature & what it means to all. http://bit.ly/34gLVG
Thanks for bringing these issues to light in such an engaging and interesting manner. I will def. be reading this book. I know I get myself and the kids out way less than I’d like.
I like the concept that anybody can enjoy nature, not just the serious-minded kayaker or straight-uphill mt. climber. Nice to think that a picnic in the park can be had by one and all! Thanks for sharing this simple, but profound, idea, Bethe!
RT @balmeras New post at The Grass Stain Guru: Nature YOUR Way http://bit.ly/34gLVG
I’ve never been the outdoors kind of girl until I met my husband. I never thought I would enjoy fishing but I love it. You are so right, the outdoors is for everyone.
I believe it is an ESSENTIAL for all of us to return to nature. We’re working on a children’s project here in Guatemala and it will be an essential part of the children’s childhood-experiencing nature and developing an appreciation for it. Will check out the book-thanks!
Thank you all so much for reading the blog, and leaving your thoughtful comments. I’m glad this issue seems to be resonating with people. Let me know what you think of the book, and Heather, keep up me posted on your project in Guatemala. I checked out your site — you’re doing really important work. Thank you for that.
Now, let’s go fishing with The Hunter’s Wife.
Cheers- Bethe
I put this book on hold at the library on Saturday. Seems it should be required reading and I think it will definitely resonate. Ever heard the song “Outdoor Type” by the Lemonheads? Thought it would be a good soundtrack for this post.
Of course outdoors is for everyone. You make a good point. We all don’t have to be Grizzly Adams but we can all take a little time to go outside and “play.”
So true GST. Nature is often thought to be something “out there”…when really that connection begins ” in here” … in our hearts… in our backyards… in the crack in the sidewalk. Recently took a group of kids from the most urban, under-resourced, neighborhoods in Seattle out on their playground armed w/binoculars to practice field investigation skills before we took them to the park up the street the following week. One young lady saw her first sparrow with the binos and screamed with excitement. A few moments later she said “BIRDS!! They are EVERYWHERE”. As we headed back into the school building she turned to my colleague and said…”I’ve never been this close to nature before”. Lesson learned….Nature IS everywhere.
Thanks for sharing that story, Stephanie. Sounds like a fun day! It’s amazing how many kids (and adults!) don’t understand that nature is just that — EVERYWHERE.
Keep up the great work!
Cheers- Bethe