IDEAS 

PRACTICES 
Are you ready to feel more alive and connected to the world around you? Cultivating a sense of oneness with nature is an important part of a playful and vibrant life! Let's start by acknowledging that we humans are not separate from nature, we are part of it. We're biological organisms that have been shaped by our natural environments, depend on nature for our basic needs like oxygen, food, and water, and return to nature when we die. So, it makes sense to embrace our connection with the natural world, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, for a long time, many people have believed in the human-nature divide. This idea that humans are superior to nature and that it's here just for us to use and abuse has led to some serious ecological and social problems, like deforestation, pollution, and environmental injustice. The truth is that we are all interconnected and interdependent, and what we do to nature, we do to ourselves.

One of the easiest and delightful ways to connect to the natural world is to play in nature. When you're surrounded by nature, you're free to move around and explore, with no walls or structures to confine you. It's like a big playground just waiting for you to enjoy! The best part is that playing in nature doesn't have to be structured or planned. You can climb trees, run around, and explore without any rules or guidelines. It's all about being spontaneous and letting your imagination run wild. And let's not forget about all the sensory stimulation you get from being in nature. The sights, sounds, smells, and textures are all around you, just waiting to be explored and experienced.

The benefits of playing in nature go beyond just having fun. It can also help you relax and reduce stress, which is crucial for maintaining a playful and vibrant life. So, next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, why not take a break and go play outside? Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Remember, we're all part of this big, beautiful world, and we're in it together. 

CASE STUDY 

Jeanne was completely consumed by her phone and work. She spent her days staring at her screen, responding to emails, and scrolling through social media, with little time or attention left for the world around her.

One day, as she was walking through the city, her phone died. She was suddenly cut off from her digital world, and found herself in a part of the city she had never seen before. As she wandered, she began to notice things she had never paid attention to before - the sound of birds singing, the smell of blooming flowers, and the beauty of the world around her.

Overwhelmed by the sensory experience, Jeanne sat down on a bench in a park and closed her eyes. She breathed deeply, taking in the fresh air and the sounds of the natural world around her. As she sat there, she felt a deep sense of peace and calm.

In a flash of knowing, she realized she had been living her life completely disconnected from nature, consumed by technology and work. But in that moment, she felt deeply she was one with nature, and that the natural world was an essential part of who she was.

With a newfound sense of appreciation for the natural world, Jeanne decided to celebrate by building a fort out of sticks in a nearby clearing. She gathered sticks and twigs, arranging them into a cozy little shelter that she could sit inside and enjoy the beauty around her. As she sat inside her fort, she felt a sense of childlike wonder and joy that she had not felt in years. She realized that by disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature, she had rediscovered a part of herself that she had long forgotten.

From that day forward, Jeanne made a conscious effort to spend more time outside, exploring the beauty of the natural world around her. She still used her phone and worked hard, but now she did so with a newfound appreciation for the world around her, and a deep sense of connection to the natural world that had been there all along.
  • Spend time in natural environments, such as parks, forests, beaches, or mountains. Take walks, hikes, or bike rides to immerse yourself in nature and connect with the natural world.
  • Practice mindfulness in nature by bringing your attention to the present moment and noticing the sensations, sounds, and smells around you. This can help you feel more grounded and connected to the natural world.
  • Use your senses to fully experience the natural world. Smell the flowers, feel the leaves, listen to the birds, and watch the wildlife. This can help you connect with nature on a deeper level.
  • Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the natural world by appreciating its beauty and the many benefits it provides us. This can help you feel more connected to nature and more motivated to protect it.
  • Engage in outdoor activities, such as gardening, camping, or fishing, that allow you to interact with the natural world and feel a sense of connection and purpose.
  • Educate yourself about the natural world by reading books, attending classes or workshops, or joining a nature group. 

RESOURCES 

BOOKS
  • Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of AfricanAmericans to the Great Outdoors by Carolyn Finney
  • The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
  • The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham
  • The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food by Janisse Ray
  • Mindful Thoughts for Walkers: Footnotes on the Zen Path by Adam Ford
  • The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
  • My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir
  • The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate - Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben