The arts, performance, have a way of creeping into the minds and hearts of all who participate. It creates a mindful way of engagement that has a permanency that outlives most means of educating. The Grand Falloons have recognized the beauty of how theatre can enhance in our minds and hearts the principles of science with pizzazz and beauty. Listen to their story...this should happen to you.
The melding of the images from photographer Gene Boaz and lyrics from John Denver is a fitting message to us all. It is a shame they never met; yet, in this blog post, they are introduced to one another and to all of us.
Richard Louv graciously shares a personal story with an emotional and physical connection to childhood, family, and nature.
As we age we seek to make meaning based on our early experiences in the world with nature, an impactful part of our growing and being. He speaks to us demonstratively and emotively to transcend merely the intellectual in "his garden," to make us feel the impact of nature upon our senses our personal growth and our relationships.
Affect is often underestimated in how we learn, how we remember, how we develop. Louv's words jump off the page because he speaks to us through his personal reflections that has impacted his life and his life's work. He reaches out for us to feel and imagine a garden that is there for all of us, if we would take the time to "learn to look and look to see."
Words of wisdom about discovering and rediscovering nature in a time of transition from summer to fall, from fall to winter, from winter to spring. Time in nature is healing and the resplendent colors and sounds of the seasons beckon us. In this post, Marghanita Hughes calls us to spend moments for renewal in nature.
"Taking the time to slow down and bear witness to the natural wonders surrounding us can provide a reassuring reminder we are not alone in this world." Russell Irving provides a recipe to remedy the current times, but it extends beyond the COVID malaise. We should find solace in nature because we are conditioned to need the peace nature provides, if we just would take the time.
Perspective is essential in these times when water is scarce in some places and too much in others. All life depends upon water to be sustained. Read Jeremy Solin's perspective on water as an environmental educator and a businessperson.
The data says...why does it say it? The following facts suggest to us the hows and the wheres, but we seldom ask why things are the way they are. When we are able to do that, perhaps we will be able to seek some remedies.
As environmental educators, we seek ways for participants to connect to the concept of working together. Learn about this activity that encourages groups to consider how our actions influence others' decisions.
Lady Bird Johnson had a love of the out-of-doors. She carried this into her actions as First Lady. Her efforts were an absolute and profound reflection on her love for the natural world. CBS Sunday Morning had a segment about her good work. She recorded many of her thoughts (more than 132 hours) while she was in the White House that is being published in a book Lady Bird Johnson: "Hiding in Plain Sight" by Julia Sweig.
Read and reflect on the importance of connecting to nature and feel spirited to, "Carry on my sweet survivor, carry on my lonely friend. Don't give up on a dream, don't you let it end," as these song lyrics by Peter, Paul, and Mary suggest.
