Blue/Green Commute

In July there was an encouraging article in the Globe and Mail newspaper about the importance of intentionally making cities "green" for the health of inhabitants. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/how-green-cities-are-better-for-us-physically-and-psychologically/article19474393/?page=all While is was entitled Green Streets, it was actually just as blue as it was green. It featured a Carlton professor, Root Gorelick (in photos) who cycles and paddles to work, spending 25 minutes on the Ottawa River in a canoe as part of his commute. He was held up as an example of making a healthy choice in environments which can be psychologically unhealthy. Apparently even wintry weather doesn't daunt him!





The Globe article offered:

Cities are the main human ecosystem – 60 per cent of us now live in metropolitan areas with more than 100,000 people – but they also make us sick, depressed and anxious. By contrast, being around blue water, green trees and space makes us healthier, more productive, even more generous – a positive effect known as “biophilia.”

I haven't paddled to work but yesterday we drove five minutes from our home in Belleville  and put our kayaks in the Bay of Quinte for an hour-long jaunt. Visitors were coming so we had to keep it brief and close by, yet within minutes we saw osprey, kingfishers, turtles and a water snake. Today I cycled to work at Bridge St. church and again chose the longer route which takes me along the paved waterfront path. At times I am a couple of metres from the bay and find the trip along the water a great way to get my heart rate up and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. This is a form of prayer for me and along with being good exercise it puts me in touch with Creation and Creator. I am convinced that biophilia, love of the created order, is an expression of love for the God who brought all things into being.

My deep desire is that our congregation become more committed to both creation-care and celebrating the goodness of Creation. And if we can promote this in our urban environment, all the better.

Thoughts?