There is a growing amount of research citing the benefits of time in nature — of its restorative powers and calming effects. Of course, we talk about research at TGSG, but today I want to talk about my personal journey with the powers of nature and outdoor play. I think research is truly important, but I also believe that our personal connections to issues — our own experiences — shape thought patterns, decisions, and actions more strongly, or at least in equal measure.
Back when I was little more than a kid myself, I worked at a summer camp for youth and teens with disabilities. While many campers were relatively independent, many of our kids had intense medical and personal care needs. We had a beautiful campus with trails, several acres of woods, and a lake. In most ways, except for the accessible design elements and increased medical staff, we were like any other summer camp: Crafts, hiking, fishing, dances, sports, etc.
It was here that my love affair with education started, as well as my belief in the power of nature and play, and the enormous value of recreation. I saw kids truly delight in catching their first fish, learning to canoe, exploring the woods, or simply sitting around with friends on a grassy knoll, laughing and shooting the breeze. Real joy. True laughter.
I saw kids who were meek and anxious become bold as they got comfortable baiting a hook, mastering the use of binoculars, or simply holding a bug to examine it closely. I saw kids who were socially awkward learn to communicate and forge friendships as they worked on pitching a tent together or hiking a trail. In a small garden, I saw pride, awe, and wonder blossom in kids — some of whom couldn’t see the plants, but they could smell them, plot their growth over time via touch, and eat the veggies when the magic of harvest time came. Oh how excited they would get when they got to eat the fruits of their labor!
When a camper would get agitated or upset at dinner, I learned quickly that if I took them outside they would calm down much more quickly than simply leaving the room or the source of their agitation. The sights, the sounds, the smells — whatever it was, nature was a soothing balm.
I could go on and on with examples and anecdotes. During my professional career, I have worked with many different populations. I have worked with adults with traumatic brain injuries, schizophrenia, addiction issues, spinal cord injuries, and of course, countless children and adults without disabilities or medical issues. Universally, I have seen the power of nature and outdoor play in reaching and teaching everyone — whether it’s in the woods, a city park, or a garden. Mother Nature is the great equalizer. She offers each of us something deeply personal and rewarding.
I hope that you will take the time in your own life to notice the benefits of nature and outdoor play, and make sure that the children in your world get ample time outside. Not because the research tells us so, but because we see and feel the benefits and the way time outdoors enriches our lives and the lives of our families.
Speaking of nature — it’s time to unplug and go enjoy this beautiful day. How about you?
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
Nature can be a great stress reliever. I still vividly remember the day it finally hit me that my Mom probably wouldn’t survive the cancer she was fighting. The realization came courtesy of a home hospital nurse who probably thought she was being kind by ripping the band aid off rather than pussy footing around the topic. Still, it destroyed me. I didn’t want to scream and/or cry in the house in front of my Mom and Dad so I quietly excused myself and went outside. There is a path that leads into the woods behind their house and I followed it for a while until I was sure I was far enough away that I wouldn’t be heard. Then I cried and probably screamed a bit. After a while I found a seat on a convenient stump and watched the leaves rustle and small animals run about and listened to the wind. Somehow, sitting in those woods, I found a sense of peace.
Mom ultimately passed away, and I spent a lot of time in those woods while it was happening. They helped immensely. I’m not much on organized religion, but for me those woods became a kind of cathedral. It was there that I talked with the Universe, and it was there that I always felt someone talked back.
I couldn’t agree more about the power of Mother Nature. Even when it’s cold outside (yes, it does get cold in San Diego) I find that a walk on the beach, with my toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing, is the most restorative thing I can do in the middle of a busy day or at the end of a long week.
Nature serves to remind us that peace and creativity are what we need most in life, and that realization goes a long way toward maintaining a sense of calm amidst the hectic life we often lead.
What a beautiful story GSG! Not surprising given the source. Yours in such a real voice in this important dialogue. Thank you for sharing such important stories…most notably your very own.
Thanks for sharing this lovely personal story.
I do believe that if we all stopped for a few minutes and gave ourselves a chance to smell the flowers and listen to birdsong, the world would be a better place, and we’d also be more careful with its stewardship.
Thanks for taking us outside!
@balmeras: Sent URL to a few friends that aren’t on Twitter … Very nice post. http://bit.ly/Ftsoz
I was never an outdoors person until I met my husband. Our first fishing trip together I soon realized how much I truly enjoyed fishing. But it wasn’t just about the fishing; it was being surrounded by the peacefulness of the water. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
Enjoyed your post and Kristine’s comment was very powerful.
Reading “Finding My Path-Naturally” http://bit.ly/lBOwF Great post to remind us to unplug and go outside.
Bethe;
Growing up in the mountains of WA, OR, and N. CA I was exposed to the great outdoors daily. Old school dictated: “Play outdoors” and I passed it on to my sons.
Our family vacations were spent camping, fishing and hiking; enjoying nature was always the main attraction. It’s such a peaceful and refreshing recharge for the entire family.
I enjoy your spin on this encouragement!
I hope more people educate themselves to the benefits of wide open spaces filled with fresh air in the great outdoors.
Loving nature, appreciation for our planet and it’s environment come when we expose our children to outdoor activities, it’s then that we pass on a postive focus for life.
Sandy Guerriere
Great post by @balmeras at TGSG about nature’s calming effect. http://is.gd/q9SD
Thanks for sharing your story with us. It is a great reminder as spring approaches to unplug and get outside. Walking on the treadmill is so much harder for me than getting outside and releasing the stress of the day. Great inspiration as spring unfolds.
I could not agree more. While Mother Nature throws us curveballs with her weather choices lately, she never ceases to feed my soul with her beauty. I’ve always taken comfort in nature and I am so glad to see my sons enjoying and craving it like I do.
You all are so amazing. Your comments are so special.
Kristine, thank you so much for sharing the beautiful, and personal comment. Nature offers us something every day — good times and bad. I am glad it helped give you peace when you most needed it.
- Bethe
The benefits of being outdoors for all kinds of youths: The Grass Stained Guru http://is.gd/q9SD
@solargroupies Thanks for the RT. Sadly, #dork meforgot the link! Adding – http://bit.ly/Ftsoz #playoutdoors #ecnc
Bethe,
one of your best posts yet. well done! you write beautifully about such an important topic!
#twitter4vg Tuesday topic: kids and the garden!! Follow special guest @balmeras for ideas/ask questions. Her blog: http://bit.ly/Ftsoz
@acacamps Because of going 2 camp as a kid, I became a camp counselor as a teen. There & then I found my path in life: http://bit.ly/Ftsoz
@acacamps Because of going 2 camp as a kid, I became a camp counselor as a teen. There & then I found my path in life: http://bit.ly/Ftsoz
RT @balmeras: Because of going 2 camp as a kid, I became a camp counselor. There & then I found my path in life: http://bit.ly/Ftsoz
RT @balmeras: Because of going 2 camp as a kid, I became a camp counselor. There & then I found my path in life: http://bit.ly/Ftsoz