Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Children and Nature

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life." ~John Burroughs

I'm not one of those moms who feels that idle time leads to boredom or trouble. On the contrary, I feel that idle time is a necessary part of self-discovery, as well as discovery of the world around us. I don't like to keep my children so busy with planned activities, that they don't have ample time to just "be." Maybe that sounds a little existential, but I guess that's my brand of spirituality.

I wan't my children to feel like free spirits. Someday, when they have grown, I hope that they are empowered by and can connect with nature...with themselves. I want them to learn how to reflect on and admire the beauty and strength of nature. I think it's important for them to feel humbled by it and at the same time learn to embody it's stillness and it's strength.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ~John Muir