#connection to nature

[justalittlesolarpunk]

Eating fresh berries off the bush is really such a primal joy. Like not only is it delicious but you feel close to nature, and you’re part of this endless line back to your ancestors before they were even human. We really have always been grabbing delicious fruit to sustain ourselves. In the northern hemisphere now is the perfect time to go blackberrying and I highly recommend! They are p much impossible to confuse with anything inedible so it’s a very easy foraging intro

[a-disaster-piece]

“By my intimacy with nature, I find myself withdrawn from man. My interest in the sun and the moon, in the morning and the evening, compels me to solitude.”

—Henry David Thoreau

(via @agharthha)

[reportsofagrandfuture]

This dude gets it

[mamaindia]

The Legacy of Ayurvedic Wisdom: Women as Custodians of Healing Traditions

Unveiling the Essence of Feminine Ayurveda: Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom Before the colonisation of India, Ayurveda thrived not merely as a medical system, but as a sacred journey intertwining medicine and spirituality. Healing was viewed as a holistic endeavor, where body and spirit coalesced seamlessly. However, with the advent of British rule, India’s approach to medicine underwent a profound…

[kdcenvs3000w25]

Finding My Role as a Nature Interpreter

As this course wraps up, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be an environmental interpreter and where I fit into that picture. I think that I've had some great discussions about what it takes to really connect with our audiences and the responsibility that comes with helping people appreciate the natural world. One of the biggest takeaways for me is that nature interpretation isn’t just about sharing facts. It’s about inspiring people to take action, igniting curiosity, and creating experiences that stick with someone long after they’ve left a park, hiking trail, or classroom.

My Personal Ethic as a Nature Interpreter

For me, being a nature interpreter is all about nurturing a love for the environment. I truly believe that people protect what they understand and cherish. If I can help others feel a sense of wonder and respect for nature, I’m playing a part in the bigger picture of conservation. I was really impacted by Richard Louv’s thoughts on Nature-Deficit Disorder in Last Child in the Woods. His insights reminded me of my own childhood adventures in nature, where curiosity really shaped how I saw the world. I want to share that sense of exploration with others, especially kids! It’s so important to encourage them to engage with their environment in a fun and meaningful way. I think environmental education should come from a place of hope rather than fear. While I think it’s crucial to talk about the serious issues our planet faces, I aim to approach these topics in a way that empowers people, not overwhelms them.

My Responsibilities as an Interpreter

Being an interpreter is a meaningful role that should be taken seriously, as every choice an interpreter makes from the words chosen to the themes highlighted has an impact. I would focus on sharing clear and engaging information, making science relatable for everyone, regardless of their background. Building emotional connections is key, as facts alone often don't inspire action; I'd aim to connect people to nature through captivating stories, personal experiences, and hands-on adventures. I'd also strive to encourage curiosity and critical thinking, empowering my audience to ask questions, think critically about environmental issues, and explore solutions collaboratively. Recognizing that not everyone has had equal opportunities to engage with the outdoors, I am dedicated to making nature accessible for all, ensuring everyone feels invited to explore and learn about the environment. Lastly, I embrace lifelong learning, understanding that environmental science is constantly evolving, and I must stay fresh, relevant, and effective in my role.

"Being an environmental educator in today’s world feels like you are asked to stop a rushing river armed only with a teaspoon.” - Jacob Rodenburg

Who Is My Audience?

One of the exciting yet challenging aspects of my role is that I don’t have just one audience. Every group and person I engage with brings their own unique experiences and interests, and that’s what keeps things interesting! Flexibility is key for me. For kids, I want to spark their curiosity and encourage them to learn through play. Research shows that positive experiences in nature during childhood can lead to a lifelong love for the environment. Simple activities like turning over rocks to discover insects or listening to bird songs can leave a lasting impression (Louv, R. 2005).

For adults, especially those who may not be too familiar with environmental topics, my approach shifts a bit. Many adults come to the conversation already holding certain beliefs about nature and conservation. My job is to gently challenge misconceptions and help deepen their understanding of complex ecological issues. Storytelling and real-life examples are great tools for sparking engagement and interest (Suzuki & Louv, 2014).

Overall, I’m all about making connections and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around us! I want to make sure my work is more than just a job for me and more than a way to pass time for my audience. It all comes down to intention; every program, every interaction, and every story I share should have a clear purpose

Here’s how I plan to make my work more meaningful:

I genuinely believe that people learn better when they're actively involved rather than just sitting back and listening, so I focus on interactive learning through hands-on activities, guided observations, and storytelling that engage and inspire fun (Beck et al., 2018). It’s also important to connect our interpretation to local landscapes and cultural histories, as understanding our environment fosters pride and responsibility for local ecosystems and builds a meaningful bond. Additionally, incorporating Indigenous knowledge is essential since these communities have cared for the land for generations, and their perspectives contribute to a well-rounded understanding of sustainability and conservation. Ultimately, I aim to encourage stewardship actions that extend beyond our interactions, inspiring participants to take action, whether that means planting native species, reducing plastic waste, or simply spending more time outdoors, ensuring we maintain that momentum together.

The "So What?" of This Course

When I started this course, I thought of environmental interpretation mainly as an educational tool. But now, I see it as so much more—it’s a call to action, a way to reconnect people with the natural world, especially in this time of disconnection. Creating experiences that set off a ripple effect is what it's all about (Suzuki & Louv, 2014). Jacob Rodenburg’s analogy of trying to stop a rushing river with a teaspoon really resonated with me. The environmental challenges we face can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it seems like our efforts don’t matter. But I’ve come to realize that every positive interaction with nature can spark change, no matter how small (Rodenburg, J. 2020)

This course has shown me that hope is a key ingredient in environmental education. If we want people to care, we need to help them fall in love with the world around them first. And if we want them to take action, we need to give them the right tools and a sense of confidence.

Moving Forward

As I continue my journey as a nature interpreter, I’ll carry with me the lessons from this course: the importance of emotional connection, the magic of storytelling, and our duty to future generations. I’m committed to using my knowledge wisely, my privilege thoughtfully, and my voice effectively.

Recently, this has become even more personal for me. My dog passed away not long ago, and returning to the trails where we used to walk together has been difficult. Those places, which were once filled with companionship and routine, now feel different, quieter and heavier. Initially, it was hard for me to go back. However, as time has passed, I’ve begun to see the beauty in those familiar paths again.

I want to make every experience count. I believe that nature interpretation isn’t just about spotting trees, birds, or lakes; it’s about uncovering the complex connections that maintain life and helping others see them too. If I can inspire even one person to view the world with a little more wonder and responsibility, then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job well. And so, the journey continues! I’m really looking forward to seeing where it takes me.

My baby Roxy, that passed away

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world. Sagamore Venture Publishing.

Louv, R. (2005). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Algonquin Books.

Rodenburg, J. (2020). The big book of nature activities: A year-round guide to outdoor learning. New Society Publishers.

Suzuki, D., & Louv, R. (2014). The nature principle: Reconnecting with life in a virtual age. St. Martin’s Griffin.

[miamaimania]

"Untitled" (2014) by Nguyễn Hoàng Nam ☀ Child in purple áo dài claims her persimmon kingdom

[beccawise7]

Yosemite. 💜🖤

[gpstudios]

Embracing the Empress: Nurturing Growth, Abundance, and Creativity

Embrace the nurturing energy of the Empress! 🌿✨ Discover the profound symbolism of this Tarot card, and learn how its wisdom can guide you towards personal growth, abundance, and creativity in your life.

The Empress is a powerful and nurturing figure in the Tarot, symbolizing fertility, growth, abundance, and the creative force of nature. She embodies the essence of motherhood, the beauty of the natural world, and the nurturing spirit that fosters life and creativity. In this blog post, we will explore the deep meanings and symbolism of the Empress card, how it can guide us in our daily lives,…

[gigivas]

1K GIGI Prompts Collections 'Vibrant Bust Collage: Colorful Characters in Contrast' 5886 Free 10 pages out of 1000 pages

Get Free 10 pages MTMEVE00560G_149_0001 – 1K GIGI Prompts Collections – Vibrant Bust Collage, Colorful Characters in Contrast 5886 10PagesDownload 1K GIGI Prompts Collections ‘Vibrant Bust Collage: Colorful Characters in Contrast’ 5886 series provides two documents, one document is 10 pages of prompts in 1000 pages, available for free download. One document is the complete 1000 pages of…

[marthajefferson]

human brain angiogram, 2023 young bare-branched oak, 2016

[suntails]

love will truly live

[harmandip]

"The Joy of Playing with Soil: Why It's Right for Children"

As adults, we often underestimate the power of simple joys, like playing with soil or mud. However, for children, this type of play isn’t just fun – it’s essential for their development and well-being. The Sensorial Experience Playing with soil engages all the senses. The earthy smell, the cool texture, and the squishy feeling underfoot provide a rich sensory experience that can’t be replicated…

[helengie]

Grounding: The importance and benefits

Grounding is the practice of connecting with the earth's energy. It can be done by walking barefoot outside, sitting or lying on the ground, gardening, holding a grounding crystal, or taking a grounding shower.

Benefits of grounding

Grounding has many benefits for both physical and mental health. It can help to:

Reduce stress and anxiety

Improve sleep

Reduce pain

Boost immunity

Improve mood

Increase energy

Enhance creativity

Improve focus

Strengthen connection to nature

Promote overall well-being

How to ground yourself

There are many ways to ground yourself. Some of the most common methods include:

Walking barefoot outside: Walking barefoot outside is one of the best ways to ground yourself. The direct contact with the earth helps to transfer electrons from the earth to your body.

Sit or lie on the ground: Another way to ground yourself is to sit or lie on the ground. This allows you to connect with the earth's energy and feel more grounded.

Garden: Gardening is a great way to ground yourself. When you work in the garden, you're directly connected to the earth and its energy.

Hold a grounding crystal: Holding a grounding crystal, such as a black tourmaline or hematite, can help to ground you. These crystals help to absorb negative energy and promote grounding.

Take a grounding shower: Taking a grounding shower can help to ground you. The water helps to wash away negative energy and promote grounding.

Grounding is a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being.

T-shirts, sweatshirts and various gadgets with this design and related to permaculture and living in harmony with nature can be found in my store. Click below!

https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/58525463-stay-grounded-gardening-plant-lover-cat-lover-meow?store_id=2653754

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Stay-Grounded-Gardening-Plant-Lover-Cat-Lover-Meow-Funny-Soil-by-HelenGie/159393066.FB110

[earthangeal]

A mural of a forest in the South Bronx, New York. Captured by Thomas Hoepker, 1983

Mural Art by Alan Sonfist, 1978. The building still exists, however the mural is no longer there

[webweabings]

TO RETURN TO MY TREES

“The Overstory” (2019), by Richard Powers; // “Wild Fruits: Thoreau's Rediscovered Last Manuscript” (2001), by Henry David Thoreau; // Kim Novak; // Chinese Proverb; // “To the lighthouse” (1927), by Virginia Woolf; // Santosh Kalwar; // Albert Szent-Gyorgyi; // “Cosmos” (1980), by Carl Sagan; // “Timeline” (1999), by Michael Crichton