Nature: Are you Getting Enough?

In 2005, the term “nature deficit disorder” was first coined by author Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods”.  Although not a formal diagnosis, what the author intended was to provide a term to describe the change in the amount of time children spent connecting to nature and the consequences associated with the decrease. In his book, Louv links the lack of meaningful contact with nature to the increase in childhood obesity, depression, and attention deficit disorder. You can read more about NDD here.

I became aware of this term several years ago and I was pretty sure that nature deficit disorder was not exclusive to children. From my own experience, I know how different I feel  (depressed, disconnected, and just overall blah) when I don’t get outside for a day. I know many people who have not truly been in contact with the natural world for years.Well, Louv has just this year released the book The Nature Principle that confirmed my suspicion; he proposes that adults need nature, too. “A reconnection to the natural world is fundamental to human health.” He asks, “What would our lives be like if our days and nights were as immersed in nature as they are in electronics?”

Louv writes about how tapping into the restorative powers of the natural world can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds.

So how can you add more nature to your own life and that of your family? Since 2000, the Robert Bateman Get to Know Program has worked to inspire youth to discover the natural world. The website  has a number of great idea targeted at kids and youth.

For adults, here are my top 3 tips to increase your dosage of nature:

1. Go for a slow, intentional walk in a green space in your community. Use you senses to identify three smells, three sounds, and three sights that you appreciate about nature.
2. Go exploring with your camera in your community to capture a photo of nature that is energizing to you. Print and frame the photo and then locate it near your indoor workspace. When you are feeling stressed, take a moment to look at the photo and imagine being at that place.
3. Make your own composition of nature sounds using this easy and fun tool. Here’s the link.

Explore Life Coaching is commited to providing opportunities for adult women to connect with nature, themselves, and each other. It’s a commitment to Nature Abundance to offset nature deficit.

The Play Passport will always include outdoor activities and there are several in May’s list of events.

Explore Your Province Discovery Your Spirit Retreats

Four retreat opportunites will be offered throughout the summer. Three days and two nights exploring some of the great natural areas of Manitoba. Join Adventure Life Coach Patti Phillips for an all-inclusive road trip to various provincial parks. What better way to be close to nature than staying in a yurt (a Mongolian style permanent tent)? Hike in a forest, walk barefoot in sand dunes, swim in a lake, sit by a campfire and reflect on the day. Connect to nature and the women you are sharing it with. Engage in personal exploration with consciously chosen activities and discussions lead by experiential learning expert, Coach Patti. To keep the retreats intimate and focused, only 4 spots are available.

1. June 26-28 Spruce Woods Provincial Park (yurt)
2. July 22-24 Hecla Island Provincial Park (vacation cabin)
3. August 7- 9 Nutimik Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park (yurt)
4. September 9-11 Spruce Woods Provincial Park (yurt)

Additional information can be found here.

Any questions? [email protected]