Maria Lisa Polegatto May 2024
Nature is my happy place. From the moment I step outside into the fresh air, hear wildlife buzzing and chirping, see the clouds or clear blue sky, hear the water flowing in a brook or crashing on the ocean shore, in all seasons, it opens my view to the world of nature, and I feel more alive inside being outside.
I grew up akin to a “free-range kid” (O’Brien, 2016). My grandparents had a 200-acre property they worked as their family grew. They worked their land by farming with gardens and farm animals. They cut timber for the coal mines and my grandfather hand seeded the hay fields each year. As their children married, they then built and raised their family. I had lots of cousins in our snug community. We called it our own little Italy. We would go outside in the morning, come in for dinner and supper but otherwise, we would spend most days in nature. There was never any shortage of having a friend to play with. Nature was our playground with its free tools and activities fishing, smelting at night in the brooks and climbing trees.
We were in, on, under and near the water of the Mira River. We had bonfires in the evenings with marshmallows and wieners. We would swim, go for walks, sit for hours in the fields and forage blueberries for mom to bake cakes, muffins, and pies with nature’s bounty. We would also go for drives to the ocean for the day. We spent time in the back woods on the biking trails and in the winter, we would snowmobile for miles.
Nature taught me how to use all my senses and see the interconnectedness of everything learning many ways of being. When my son was growing up, we did much the same thing. With his golden retriever he would spend days outside playing, teaching his dog tracking, ice skating and having fun outside. We did not have “nature-deficit disorder” as we took full advantage of the benefits of nature in all seasons (O’Brien, 2016). Attachment “to the natural world” develops “in childhood through moments of attunement” and influences “decision-making” as adults (Jardine & Lange, 2024).
Unfortunately, not all children now have a desire or ability to spend time in nature. I think they do not even know what they are missing. The current lack of knowledge of species is a direct effect of nature deficit disorder along with a lack of knowledge of nature’s interconnectedness (O’Brien, 2016). Due to the increasing need for parental protection of children outside, there is less play in nature for children leading to a loss of “wonder, discovery, adventure, connection, and happiness” nature provides (O’Brien, 2016). This can lead to instead excessive technology screen time in the blue light losing track of time instead of learning survival skills in nature and how the earth’s ecosystems work and connect (O’Brien, 2016). Killing of species is evident today when humans disrupt the natural ecosystem and then try to fix their wrongs with animal culls such as bears, moose, owls. I advocate for animals that keep the earth alive simply by being on this planet and contributing in ways we as humans can not (Roman, 2023).
We need an “abundance of human creativity, culture, and productivity” to leave a delightful past for future generations to enjoy (O’Brien, 2016). To delight in our environment is to be outside enjoying the ambience of natural elements (O’Brien, 2016). We need to interact with nature to appreciate it which leads to our protection of nature – our home, and increase our understanding of how nature teaches us about life. While the busy life of the concrete jungles is necessary for the economy, the relaxing life of nature is necessary for us for our resilience, creativity, and ability to think clearly to innovate.
We were in, on, under and near the water of the Mira River. We had bonfires in the evenings with marshmallows and wieners. We would swim, go for walks, sit for hours in the fields and forage blueberries for mom to bake cakes, muffins, and pies with nature’s bounty. We would also go for drives to the ocean for the day. We spent time in the back woods on the biking trails and in the winter, we would snowmobile for miles.
Nature taught me how to use all my senses and see the interconnectedness of everything learning many ways of being. When my son was growing up, we did much the same thing. With his golden retriever he would spend days outside playing, teaching his dog tracking, ice skating and having fun outside. We did not have “nature-deficit disorder” as we took full advantage of the benefits of nature in all seasons (O’Brien, 2016). Attachment “to the natural world” develops “in childhood through moments of attunement” and influences “decision-making” as adults (Jardine & Lange, 2024).
Unfortunately, not all children now have a desire or ability to spend time in nature. I think they do not even know what they are missing. The current lack of knowledge of species is a direct effect of nature deficit disorder along with a lack of knowledge of nature’s interconnectedness (O’Brien, 2016). Due to the increasing need for parental protection of children outside, there is less play in nature for children leading to a loss of “wonder, discovery, adventure, connection, and happiness” nature provides (O’Brien, 2016). This can lead to instead excessive technology screen time in the blue light losing track of time instead of learning survival skills in nature and how the earth’s ecosystems work and connect (O’Brien, 2016). Killing of species is evident today when humans disrupt the natural ecosystem and then try to fix their wrongs with animal culls such as bears, moose, owls. I advocate for animals that keep the earth alive simply by being on this planet and contributing in ways we as humans can not (Roman, 2023).
We need an “abundance of human creativity, culture, and productivity” to leave a delightful past for future generations to enjoy (O’Brien, 2016). To delight in our environment is to be outside enjoying the ambience of natural elements (O’Brien, 2016). We need to interact with nature to appreciate it which leads to our protection of nature – our home, and increase our understanding of how nature teaches us about life. While the busy life of the concrete jungles is necessary for the economy, the relaxing life of nature is necessary for us for our resilience, creativity, and ability to think clearly to innovate.
“Delightful places are best incorporated into routine experiences and not once in a while
places to enjoy. Relaxation in a city needs to be almost like routine treatments—once
a year is helpful but not lasting. A little pleasantness almost every day starts to have
a cumulative and positive effect” (O’Brien, 2016).
places to enjoy. Relaxation in a city needs to be almost like routine treatments—once
a year is helpful but not lasting. A little pleasantness almost every day starts to have
a cumulative and positive effect” (O’Brien, 2016).
Delighting in nature does not mean you need to go far. You can plant a garden in your yard or on your balcony, go to a community garden, help a neighbor with their garden, start a community garden, create edible landscapes, go to your local farmer’s market, enjoy cultural activities, walking/hiking/biking, clean up projects (O’Brien, 2016). Imagination and creativity are the only requirement to develop your natural paradise (O’Brien, 2016). I feel the urge to get my hands in the dirt to plant each spring. It is a call from nature to spend days outside again like we did as children for sustainable happiness (O’Brien, 2016).
| Nature’s Way of Being The birch bark clings to the tree trunk Unsure if it wants to let go to touch the ground Dash, dash, dash the deer dances in the leaves As he moves through the trees with fawn in tow Nature’s morse code is heard by those who listen The birds chirp each sequence in song Silky are the velvet milkweed leaves As the monarch flutters about its clusters Smooth as butter is the buttercup The glow of its reflection on my skin Soothing is a day in nature as I climb into bed I fall fast asleep, thankful for the delights of nature. Maria Lisa Polegatto |  |
We are a part of nature and nature is an integral part of us (O’Brien, 2016). The activities we enjoy in nature can be passed down to future generations for a sense of belonging developing our ways of being through exploring, interacting, connecting with landscapes (University of Saskatchewan, 2019). We are connected to the land, the spirits of our ancestors who walked this land before us, and our Creator in nature (University of Saskatchewan, 2019). Our intuition is heightened as we contemplate the changing world around us (University of Saskatchewan, 2019). We need only be still and use our senses, be present in each moment (University of Saskatchewan, 2019)., forgetting about the busy world’s desire to pull us back into it.
Meditation can be done in many ways from sitting, walking, standing. Even falling asleep while meditating is your bodies way of taking time for itself. You will find your creativity expanding in nature as the freedom of thoughts brings forth delightful thoughts. You will see the interconnectedness of all ecosystems blending through many lenses (University of Saskatchewan, 2019). Nature allows you to be yourself. No judging, no marginalizing.
Find your path, step forward and tell stories (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). Stories, poems, and art can build emotion, strength, empathy, compassion, and knowledge (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). Telling stories allows future generations to appreciate struggles and successes as they find their ways of being in the world through the foundation of their ancestors and are necessary and beneficial across transcultural collaboration (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). We need to appreciate “etuaptmumk” (two eyed seeing) to perceive the different views of peoples of different cultures (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016) who can teach us cultural and sustainable ways of being and we in turn are also responsible for reciprocity of knowledge. By working together, we can be creative and innovate for sustainable ways of being and learn for the benefit of the earth and us with it.
“First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have not benefitted” from formal knowledge systems in Canada with the overshadowing of “assimilative and punitive practices” aiming to extinguish languages, cultures, and holistic relationships integral to knowledge traditions (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017). I am part French Acadian. It is time “Indigenous content and epistemologies” are included instead of trying “to invisibilise Indigenous peoples from the history and current-day colonisation” (Riley et al, 2024).
I recall my mother helping my son with his French homework and her comparing her Acadian French with the French my son was learning in school. She thought her French was not good French as it was frowned upon when she was a teenager.
Despite the Expulsion of French Acadians between 1755 and 1763, my ancestors survived despite being removed from fertile land, having their homes burned, sent to sea on ships of which same sank, and their horses, spoils of war, which are kept for conservation on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Many of the French Acadians were assisted by the Indigenous peoples during the Expulsion. My heritage fits in with my well being. Knowing the strength of my ancestors helps me move forward with a sense of self and identity (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017) giving me the strength to endure and ensure the survival of family.
Meditation can be done in many ways from sitting, walking, standing. Even falling asleep while meditating is your bodies way of taking time for itself. You will find your creativity expanding in nature as the freedom of thoughts brings forth delightful thoughts. You will see the interconnectedness of all ecosystems blending through many lenses (University of Saskatchewan, 2019). Nature allows you to be yourself. No judging, no marginalizing.
Find your path, step forward and tell stories (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). Stories, poems, and art can build emotion, strength, empathy, compassion, and knowledge (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). Telling stories allows future generations to appreciate struggles and successes as they find their ways of being in the world through the foundation of their ancestors and are necessary and beneficial across transcultural collaboration (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016). We need to appreciate “etuaptmumk” (two eyed seeing) to perceive the different views of peoples of different cultures (TEDx NSCC Waterfront, 2016) who can teach us cultural and sustainable ways of being and we in turn are also responsible for reciprocity of knowledge. By working together, we can be creative and innovate for sustainable ways of being and learn for the benefit of the earth and us with it.
“First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have not benefitted” from formal knowledge systems in Canada with the overshadowing of “assimilative and punitive practices” aiming to extinguish languages, cultures, and holistic relationships integral to knowledge traditions (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017). I am part French Acadian. It is time “Indigenous content and epistemologies” are included instead of trying “to invisibilise Indigenous peoples from the history and current-day colonisation” (Riley et al, 2024).
I recall my mother helping my son with his French homework and her comparing her Acadian French with the French my son was learning in school. She thought her French was not good French as it was frowned upon when she was a teenager.
Despite the Expulsion of French Acadians between 1755 and 1763, my ancestors survived despite being removed from fertile land, having their homes burned, sent to sea on ships of which same sank, and their horses, spoils of war, which are kept for conservation on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Many of the French Acadians were assisted by the Indigenous peoples during the Expulsion. My heritage fits in with my well being. Knowing the strength of my ancestors helps me move forward with a sense of self and identity (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017) giving me the strength to endure and ensure the survival of family.
“We have to recapture our peoples’ language, history and understanding of the world, take and live those teachings which will support us in this attempt to overcome oppression and reach mino-pimatisiwin – the good life. On a spiritual level, we must learn and understand the values and beliefs of our people and freely decide those which we will internalize. We must validate these values and beliefs through our spiritual expression and daily practices” (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017).
Mino-pimatisiwin (Cree) is the recognition and procurement of “healing, balance, and life-long learning” (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017). Principles of a “good life” include:
with core values of:
Nature for me is “mino-bimaadiziwin (living a good life)” as it offers all of the principles in collaboration for the benefit of others and self (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017). Nature allows us to be “innately curious” on our path of learning (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017) so we can tell stories so others can learn too.
What is your story? How do you plan to tell your story to others to learn? A story, poem, art, video? It is your story to tell.
p.s. Did you listen to the morse code message in the poem above?
- wholeness
- balance
- relationships
- nurturing
- harmony
- growth
- healing, and
- mino-pimatisiwin
with core values of:
- respect
- sharing and
- spirituality practices (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017).
Nature for me is “mino-bimaadiziwin (living a good life)” as it offers all of the principles in collaboration for the benefit of others and self (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017). Nature allows us to be “innately curious” on our path of learning (Deer & Falkenberg, 2017) so we can tell stories so others can learn too.
What is your story? How do you plan to tell your story to others to learn? A story, poem, art, video? It is your story to tell.
p.s. Did you listen to the morse code message in the poem above?
Additional Resources
Children and Nature Network. https://www.childrenandnature.org/
Neufeld, G. (2024, February 28). Why I capitalize Nature. Neufeld Institute Editorials. https://neufeldinstitute.org/why-i-capitalize-nature/
Neufeld, G. (2024, February 28). Why I capitalize Nature. Neufeld Institute Editorials. https://neufeldinstitute.org/why-i-capitalize-nature/
References
Deer, F. & Falkenberg, T. (Eds.). (2017). Indigenous Perspectives on Education for Well-Being in Canada. Education for Sustainable Well-Being Press, University of Manitoba. https://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/items/5e79d783-698a-46e4-a9cb-aa1806586269
Jardine, E. A., & Lange, E.A. (2024). Childhood Attunements to Nature Impact Adult Behavioural Patterns: The Importance of “Other-than-Human” Attachments. European Journal of Ecopsychology, (9) 38-73. https://ecopsychology-journal.eu/v9/EJE_v9_Jardine_and_Lange.pdf
O’Brien, C. (2016). Education for sustainable happiness and well-being. New York: Routledge. Chapter 8: Nature, Outdoor Learning, and Well-Being
Riley, T., Meston, T., Cutler, C., Low-Choy, S., McCormack, B., Kim, E., Nakar, S., Vasco, D. (2024). Weaving stories of strength: Ethically integrating Indigenous content in Teacher education and professional development programmes. Teaching and Teacher Education, Volume 142, 2024, 104513, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0742051X24000453
Roman, J. (2023, November 7). Eat, poop, die: How animals make our world . Eat, Poop, Die:
How Animals Make Our World eBook : Roman, Joe: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store. https://www.amazon.ca/Eat-Poop-Die-Animals-World-ebook/dp/B0BXL13CGF/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
TEDx NSCC Waterfront. (2016, June 13). Etuaptmumk: Two-Eyed Seeing | Rebecca Thomas [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA9EwcFbVfg
University of Saskatchewan. (2019, December 2). Multiple Ways of Knowing in Environmental Decision Making | MJ Barrett [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I2fGPMepsk
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