According to research, people are more likely to care for the environment if they have a connection to nature, rather than just knowing facts about wildlife and the environment. And lots of people don’t have this connection.
I have a deep connection to nature. I find it hard to imagine that it’s possible not to be emotionally involved with the natural world, not to care about it, not to need to spend time outdoors.
My day can be transformed by the sight of a robin outside my office window, by the dark silhouette of a tree against a winter sky, by the play of light on water, by the glimpse of a flower growing amongst concrete.
I’m connected to landscapes too, I greet my favourite mountains like old friends, and certain landscapes make me feel deeply at home even if I’ve never been there before.
I don’t always love being outdoors. I’m happy to get inside to escape wind, rain and cold. I’m not a fan of wasps, ticks or other bitey insects. I like to have a cosy indoors to retreat to.
I’ve always felt that being outside and spending time in nature is good for me, not just for the physical exercise, much more than that; good for my whole being.
There is now lots of research that shows that spending time outdoors, in green spaces, helps improve health and mental wellbeing. It certainly makes me feel good.
Not everyone feels a strong connection to nature, to the outdoors, as this blog I read today explains.
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Have you connected with nature today ?
Life in the Fresh Air 