We live in interesting times. People have lost connection with Nature-the natural rhythms of life. As our disconnection from the natural world deepens so our lives and relationships are diminished. Our disconnection from the natural world has devolved to the point that astute observers alert us to the emergence of a new phenomenon-NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER afflicting most people though most evident and INSIDIOUS in our children-- the first generation to grow up without some meaningful connection to nature.
Nature Deficit Disorder is real, it's symptoms are visible, worsening....and the prognosis isn't looking so good at the moment. The antidote to lack of time in nature is quick simple: start spending time in the woods, the ocean, mountains, local parks, back yards, and the rest. It works well to spend 5-10 minutes sitting in your backyard, paying attention to the phases of the moon, check out the stars from time to time. Gradually, you'll find yourself just nationally wanting to be outside more. It is all common sense and nothing the least bit mystical. I've been working on it myself for years and taking my kids along.
spending time in nature and reconnecting with animals.
It also helps to have pets, plants, and other living things around the house. Historically, we have been a family with dogs and cats. A few years ago I discovered that I really enjoy hanging out with horses. They have a way of being extraordinary teachers and certainly help people re-connect with Nature. With that preface I thought I'd pass on a story involving my son, his thoughts about animals and his first real encounter with horses
Since he was old enough to talk my son has insisted that animals have souls, that many species are smarter than people, and most are easier to get along with than people. He has listened to his father make frequent references to horses and the difficulty I have finding words to describe my experiences with them. Recently, he joined me for the first time on a weekly visit to a local horse farm. We spent some time hanging out with the horses in the stables before moving out to visit the horses in the fields.
About 90 minutes into the visit, while sitting on a rock in a field, with horses moving around, some stopping to visit, I asked him if he 'got the horse thing' Without missing a beat, an inspired smile appeared on his face and he nodded. We shared this special moment in time, entering a different realm. We're no longer just dog people.
We've grown fond of a humorous horse saying:
"I'd rather have a goddam horse. A horse is at least human, for God's sake. ~J.D. Salinger,
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