I really enjoyed reading your essay, your passion comes across so strongly. It is a mixture of the two approaches through book learning and experience that I think is the most effective. But what comes first...
For me I think it's the wonder of what I see in nature that nudges me to books or the internet to learn more about the flowers or trees, birds or insects that have brought me moments of delight. It's experiencing them that inspires me, and in that way I think the outdoor forest schools for young people now are wonderful teaching methods compared to the old way of learning latin names by rote in order to pass exams. That old way certainly didn't instil the love I now have for nature. Now I love reading nature writers, including those historic ones - Gilbert Whites Natural History of Selbourne was wonderful, but haven't read any Thoreau - I'll be putting that on my wishlist, so thanks for the recommendations.
Thank you Lin, I appreciate the thoughtful comment. Yes, I agree, it's the wonder that inspires curiosity for me too. I do think it's a good exercise to resist the urge to learn sometimes and remain satisfied with the emotional connection...I've not read any Gilbert White so thanks for that too!
Thank you Tony. I like the term Earth Watcher - I can definitely relate to that. How wonderful to have knowledge passed down to you from an older generation; I hope as much as possible to pass on my own knowledge to my young son, but there is a great deal of distraction vying for his attention.I have visited Norway several times and am always awed by the scale and majesty of the Nature there...what a great place to be an earth watcher!
A wonderful post , and I feel it to my core because I have since early age ( in Norway, I am Norwegian) had a deep connection to Nature. I am an Earth Watcher in my heart and soul💚🌿I grew up with a lot of knowlegde given to me from my grandparents especially my grandfather Kasper. I am interested in foraging, animals, trees, plants, herbs. This have shaped me. My bonds to Nature is also highly spiritual. Ancient history is also a big interest. Nature is my medicine and relgion. Its my home❣️
A child needs no knowledge of a dandelion to love it at first sight. An explorer needs no knowledge of the ocean to be fascinated by the sheer vastness of the relentless waves. Sure, as an adult, some level of awareness is helpful for understanding nature, but the gentle care and nurturing of the Earth comes from the heart - not the mind. Just my humble opinion from what I've noticed among the two-legged creatures that roam around the world. Some see the whole picture, others simply see the sights.
I find I take joy in nature first; seeing it, admiring it, watching movements, changes etc,and if possible, photographing it. But then curiosity leads me to find out more about it.
Thanks Sheryl, same here I think. Although there have been times where I've read something about Nature and then gone out to try and see it for myself...curiosity is key!
I really enjoyed this piece! For me, it’s not an either/or. Academic knowledge of the ecosystem can powerfully enhance understanding, awareness, and engagement. Yet, we can get lost in it. It’s the experiential understanding of the land that leads to connection, meaning, and awe!
For me as I am part of nature so is nature part of me, we inter-are. Direct experience and experience via knowledge are all part of that process but approaching with a beginners mind and an acceptance of not knowing are also vital. Catching which modality I am in opens up the possibility of non competitive choice.
I struggle with the same thing: being out in nature, connecting and seeing, learning practical skills and being creative" that's easy! The biology, science and data? Comparably I find it so difficult to understand and remember.
I do believe a good balance is key. I've read braiding sweetgrass and I feel Kimmerer found that balance for herself. I also think it's important to translate the science and data into a more easily digestible, inspiring, maybe even visual language, for all the 'everyday people' not engaged in academia. Because we need them to understand how everything is connected, how we are a part Of nature and it's importance to us.
This is why I have applied for a three year course to change my profession, I want to work more with this and communications of science and nature to the general public.
Thanks for an inspiring read, putting words to what I've been feeling and for a great list of reading suggestions! I've already ordered three books this month though 🙄
Thank you Rania! Absolutely, balance is key. It's taken me a long time to reach that understanding, but I think the middle ground is where true connection lies. Best of luck with the course and profession change - sounds super interesting. Of course photography can help with this too and I think you do a great job of creating images that inspire awe for the natural world. Cheers!
I think so too! My hope is that I can combine photography and visual communication within my new pursuit 🤞🏽 time will tell if it works out, but thanks - trying to use that here to inspire about nature feels good and is a step in the right direction at least!
I really enjoyed reading your essay, your passion comes across so strongly. It is a mixture of the two approaches through book learning and experience that I think is the most effective. But what comes first...
For me I think it's the wonder of what I see in nature that nudges me to books or the internet to learn more about the flowers or trees, birds or insects that have brought me moments of delight. It's experiencing them that inspires me, and in that way I think the outdoor forest schools for young people now are wonderful teaching methods compared to the old way of learning latin names by rote in order to pass exams. That old way certainly didn't instil the love I now have for nature. Now I love reading nature writers, including those historic ones - Gilbert Whites Natural History of Selbourne was wonderful, but haven't read any Thoreau - I'll be putting that on my wishlist, so thanks for the recommendations.
Thank you Lin, I appreciate the thoughtful comment. Yes, I agree, it's the wonder that inspires curiosity for me too. I do think it's a good exercise to resist the urge to learn sometimes and remain satisfied with the emotional connection...I've not read any Gilbert White so thanks for that too!
Thank you Tony. I like the term Earth Watcher - I can definitely relate to that. How wonderful to have knowledge passed down to you from an older generation; I hope as much as possible to pass on my own knowledge to my young son, but there is a great deal of distraction vying for his attention.I have visited Norway several times and am always awed by the scale and majesty of the Nature there...what a great place to be an earth watcher!
A wonderful post , and I feel it to my core because I have since early age ( in Norway, I am Norwegian) had a deep connection to Nature. I am an Earth Watcher in my heart and soul💚🌿I grew up with a lot of knowlegde given to me from my grandparents especially my grandfather Kasper. I am interested in foraging, animals, trees, plants, herbs. This have shaped me. My bonds to Nature is also highly spiritual. Ancient history is also a big interest. Nature is my medicine and relgion. Its my home❣️
You have put to words so much of my own thoughts. Really enjoyed your writing!
Thank you, much appreciated!
A child needs no knowledge of a dandelion to love it at first sight. An explorer needs no knowledge of the ocean to be fascinated by the sheer vastness of the relentless waves. Sure, as an adult, some level of awareness is helpful for understanding nature, but the gentle care and nurturing of the Earth comes from the heart - not the mind. Just my humble opinion from what I've noticed among the two-legged creatures that roam around the world. Some see the whole picture, others simply see the sights.
Thanks Cheryl, I appreciate your thoughts on this. I agree, a heartfelt connection is necessary if we want to encourage care and nurturing...
I find I take joy in nature first; seeing it, admiring it, watching movements, changes etc,and if possible, photographing it. But then curiosity leads me to find out more about it.
Thanks Sheryl, same here I think. Although there have been times where I've read something about Nature and then gone out to try and see it for myself...curiosity is key!
Agreed!
I really enjoyed this piece! For me, it’s not an either/or. Academic knowledge of the ecosystem can powerfully enhance understanding, awareness, and engagement. Yet, we can get lost in it. It’s the experiential understanding of the land that leads to connection, meaning, and awe!
Thanks Erik, yes, I completely agree - it's not an either/or. A balancing act of the two is what works for me.
A really thought provoking piece of writing.
For me as I am part of nature so is nature part of me, we inter-are. Direct experience and experience via knowledge are all part of that process but approaching with a beginners mind and an acceptance of not knowing are also vital. Catching which modality I am in opens up the possibility of non competitive choice.
Thank you Stuart, great comment and much appreciated. An acceptance of not knowing is very important.
Amazing post, posing some wonderful questions to ponder!
Thank you! Yes, always more questions than answers!
What you have said about Nature is a fundamental question for anything - why do we learn about it?
- To classify it?
- To explore it?
- To rejoice in it
- To share it?
Classification may bring joy to some or even many, which is OK, just like immersing yourself in nature whilst never knowing anything's name.
Thank you Tim - that's a good question to ask ourselves!
I struggle with the same thing: being out in nature, connecting and seeing, learning practical skills and being creative" that's easy! The biology, science and data? Comparably I find it so difficult to understand and remember.
I do believe a good balance is key. I've read braiding sweetgrass and I feel Kimmerer found that balance for herself. I also think it's important to translate the science and data into a more easily digestible, inspiring, maybe even visual language, for all the 'everyday people' not engaged in academia. Because we need them to understand how everything is connected, how we are a part Of nature and it's importance to us.
This is why I have applied for a three year course to change my profession, I want to work more with this and communications of science and nature to the general public.
Thanks for an inspiring read, putting words to what I've been feeling and for a great list of reading suggestions! I've already ordered three books this month though 🙄
Thank you Rania! Absolutely, balance is key. It's taken me a long time to reach that understanding, but I think the middle ground is where true connection lies. Best of luck with the course and profession change - sounds super interesting. Of course photography can help with this too and I think you do a great job of creating images that inspire awe for the natural world. Cheers!
I think so too! My hope is that I can combine photography and visual communication within my new pursuit 🤞🏽 time will tell if it works out, but thanks - trying to use that here to inspire about nature feels good and is a step in the right direction at least!