Connecting to Nature: Short Ideas and Reflections

by

Richard Louv

 "After an up-close, personal and extended encounter with two golden eagles, I told my son: “Whoever I say I am, I’m not. Who I was in those moments, that is who I really am — and I have no words to describe it.”

(This is an excerpt from a new book that will be published in the near future by Richard Louv)

Brief Bio: Richard Louv has published a number of books that connect to Sharing Nature and the critical part of how nature shapes us. Last Child in the Woods, and The Nature Principle are well known in many circles because it confirms what we all surmised. Nature impacts us deeply and is critical in the growth of children and adults alike. 

(JB) I listened to a presentation Mr. Louv gave at a conference. He shared how his life, the life of his family, his mother and father were postively impacted by being outdoors while he was younger. As they moved into the city and as his father become more office bound, there was a profound impact, it changed all of their lives. There was less outside time. As he recounted what was an ordinary part of going outside as a youngster evolved to not having those kinds of experiences. From his personal perspective one could see how his books became a passion to make us think about the importance of nature upon all of us. HIs message about the need for providing free-play to children in the out-of-doors and in nature, is not merely a entreaty based merely on a writer's suggestion, it is rooted in deep held feelings and experiences. As such, he has shared his frustration in how there are so many stumbling blocks that impede experiences children and adults both need in nature. 

As the folk singer Josh White Jr. says in his song it is all such a

Delicate Balance: 

"Deep within there's a vision

Time is nothing but space

And between every minute

And mile that is in it

Somehow its such a beautiful place

And its all such a delicate balance..."