‘Let nature be your teacher’- William Wordsworth. Everybody loves to spend time with nature, we learn a lot of things from Nature. Talking about Nature is like talking about our family.
The poets, the lyricists, the essayist, the story-tellers have derived inspiration from nature. But when it comes to defining nature, we all struggle. I am no less; I have been wearing this thinking cap for a long time to gather my definition of Nature.Peoplewho live in rural areas have grown up beyond the four walls. They have grown up like the plants, basking in the sun, nourished by the soil, nurture by the rivers and streams and indulged by the wind. Accessing the bounties of nature is nothing unthinkable in the rural areas or country side.Time to time there have been difference of opinion on formal outdoor education due to growing urbanization and the emergence of “Nature Deficit Disorder”.This phrase was first coined by author Richard Louv based on his observation that children of cities are towns are increasingly disconnected from natural environmentand spend more and more time indoors.
Speaking of nature brought me back to the memories of my childhood days. My father used to call me whenever he would spot any bird sitting on our window sill, hedges, front porch or boundary fence. I loved watching the birds and listening to their chirping and singing. Even today the soaring, gliding and hovering of the birds amuse me. The race of life has taken off so fast that people do not have the time to spare to look and cherish these little moments of delight.
It is very much called for to take children to the forest, streams, wetlands, crop fields in order to witness all of that nature holds. Spending time with nature is vital for children as well as adults as it is a form of self-learning. Nature education is not merely about knowing the names of species. I believe nature education is to feel, cherish, revive and being one with nature.Nature education provides children and adults the opportunity to break the monotony spending time outdoors. Outdoor learning fosters creativity and curiosity in children, increasing their observation skills. Also, people gain understanding of the local environmental challenges surrounding them and kindle the thought to resolve the issues.
Ever talked to the trees?Just come out of the concrete boundaries and spend time with trees, listening to the birds,it is the best therapy,nature therapy. As the old wisdom goes, trees possess a profound and enigmatic spirit. Spending time under trees reduce symptoms of anxiety and sadness, improves emotion well-being and wellness of the body.
(The article is solely the opinion of the author. The views expressed here are solely personal and not in any way connected to any organisation or any political party.)
Writer is Conservation Educator.