Our five and two-thirds year-old grandson (precision is important to him) went for a walk with his grandparents yesterday. He is an active little guy, more than ready for the rough and tumble of the soccer field and the playground. He was pretty excited by the big puddles on the rode and wanted to see a dead frog twice. At the same time he enjoys solitary moments and said "I love the quiet" as he ambled along. His three-year-old brother and one-year-old cousin also really enjoy being outside, looking and listening and exploring.
This all does my heart and soul good, because I'm committed to being what I like to call a "be-wildered outsider," finding those places which nourish both both body and spirit. I am a more complete and whole person when I'm out-of-doors and I often experience God in an ecstatic way, filled with wonder and awe.
It happens that the results of a survey about Canadians and nature was reported yesterday. The Toronto Star offered this:
A survey for the Nature Conservancy of
Canada indicates Canadians feel happier when they are connected to
nature, but fewer are making the effort the get out of the house. The
online survey of 2,000 Canadians found 87 per cent of respondents felt
happier, healthier and more productive when connected to nature.
But 74 per cent say that it is simply easier to spend time indoors and 66 per cent say they spend less time in nature than they used to. It also found more than 80 per cent of respondents are concerned that accessible natural areas will not be there for future generations and that 94 per cent of Canadians are aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.
There is nothing overtly religious here, yet it's evident that Canadians are aware of the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of being outside. It's a matter of getting off our butts and out there. We'll support our adult children as they raise their children to appreciate the natural world. I'm delighted that they are limiting screen time and making regular efforts to be outdoors with their kids.
But 74 per cent say that it is simply easier to spend time indoors and 66 per cent say they spend less time in nature than they used to. It also found more than 80 per cent of respondents are concerned that accessible natural areas will not be there for future generations and that 94 per cent of Canadians are aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.
There is nothing overtly religious here, yet it's evident that Canadians are aware of the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of being outside. It's a matter of getting off our butts and out there. We'll support our adult children as they raise their children to appreciate the natural world. I'm delighted that they are limiting screen time and making regular efforts to be outdoors with their kids.
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