As the Children and Nature conference for 2023 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the lessons learned and how they can be integrated into our Educated by Nature programs, and the organisation as a whole.
So what were the standout thoughts from the conference? For me, the following themes emerged.
- The inclusion of indigenous voices when connecting to nature.
This is Mother Earth and her first inhabitants hold so much knowledge about how we take care of her, how we heal the damage done and how connecting with her means connecting with all people because we are nature. - The disconnection to the earth and nature has a huge impact on our mental health.
Zoe Jack, Director of Center for Nature Informed Therapy explained that if 10 people stood in a line to represent humankind on earth, the amount of time humans have spent living indoors would be represented by a fingernail on one of these people. We have removed a vital part of what makes us human and we are suffering for it. Re-connection to the outdoors and to nature is a remedy to heal and provides a path to restoration. - Welcoming versus a sense of belonging.
We need to provide more than welcome in regards to inclusion in a project, access to programs or getting people outdoors. We need to create spaces that create and foster a sense of belonging. Our use of language, understanding of trauma and knowing when to step back, help to create an environment where everyone feels they have a voice and a purpose. Regardless of a person’s socio-economic status or if we are talking about children, victims of systemic abuse, elders in the community or educators – no true change will occur until people feel they truly belong in a space or a system or a conversation. - We need to stop being a well oiled machine and become a thriving meadow.
We can be individuals that are working to our full potential without being machines. A thriving meadow allows rest when needed, faster growth in certain seasons and encouragement that uplifts those who grow near us. We can collaborate and stop competing. The earth has enough for all of us if we do our part to take care of ourselves, others and the planet.
So what does this mean for the work that we do?
We need to seek more authentic connections with the indigenous people of our country and learn from them about the way to care for the land. We need to continue to increase our advocacy for outdoor classrooms and nature connection in the realm of mental health, and we need to listen to the communities we serve to ascertain and advocate for their needs.
Huge goals, but so worth it.
The Children and Nature Network Conference was held from 12-15 June 2023 in Colorado.
Picture above: Fay Baudains (Educated by Nature), Richard Louv (Author and Children & Nature Network Co-founder), Daniel Burton (Educated by Nature)