Nature Child

There is something about nature,  about being in the natural world that resonates with the soul. Sadly, in this busy modern world, too many of us get lost in the concrete jungles. As a result, our souls rarely reaps the benefits of the natural world's nourishment. Being out in nature is crucial for one's mental, emotional and spiritual health and development.

Nature is not always peaceful. There is trauma and chaos just as there is in the man made world. However, there is a complicated order in the natural world. The natural order that is connected to the Divine. Even in the mists of perceived madness, there is rhyme and reason to the cycles of the the natural world.

In our family, being outdoors is as important as food and water. Even on rainy or cold days, we make time to hike, play or even work in the yard. Breathing in fresh air and discovering the many surprises outside make the girls lives richer, fuller, deeper.

Some years back, I read a spiritually focused parenting book that suggested when children go outside, to not supply them with toys. Instead, allow them to find their playthings in their natural environment. I tried that during that years annual camping trip (with some reservations of having two bored children). To my delight, two days passed without with a complaint of boredom. Rather, we heard endless laughter, witnessed the most creative stick concoctions and the sound of feet in constant motion. Less was definitely more. We have often repeated this on camping trips,  during hikes, or in the backyard.

During our recent adventure looking for the monarch butterflies, the girls made a new friend with whom they spent almost two hours collecting vines to weave together and leaves to decorate their new pals scooter. When it was time to call it a day it was like herding cats. Despite the 46 degree weather, the girls just didn't want to go. There was too much to explore; the natural world providing endless possibilities for their vast imaginations.