by supertwigs | May 15, 2011 | Books, Environment, Health, Nature, Parenting |
Yesterday I went to hear Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, speak in Vancouver. I picked up a few gems of information, and also picked up his new book, The Nature Principle. I’m sure his talk would have been even more inspiring had the event website given me the correct time (I did arrive in time to hear the last half).
Last Child in the Woods is a fantastic book about the way our children are missing out on critical experiences of nature. It changed and enlightened the way I want to parent my children. I am hoping the Nature Principle will further affect the way I want to live my life. So far, there is something fascinating on every page.
Like the study that found a 20 percent increase in a person’s attention span and memory after spending just one hour outside? Or the newfound condition called, “continuous partial attention.” Essentially, the effect of trying to do too many things at once – or focus on too many tasks, computer screens, thoughts etc. At least, that’s my interpretation. And I should know, because I’m pretty sure I’m in that state. All the time.
Like, right now. Typing my blog, thinking about what I read yesterday, listening for the alarm on the stove to go off (signalling that my chocolate brownies are ready to eat!), shoulders tight as I carry the tension of spending two hours trying to put my teething child to sleep… etc. My mind often feels like it is going in circles. Round and round and round. Full of ideas, but arrested by lack of time. There I am, listening to my child talking, and at the same time my mind is off, trying to figure out the latest WordPress formatting conundrum. If that isn’t continuous partial attention, I don’t know what is. (Luckily for both of us, my son rarely lets me get away with this. If I drop the ball, and neglect to respond appropriately, he’ll be sure to call me on it).
Louv suggests that the more time we spend with technology, the more time we need to spend in the natural world. To detox and reset. Put ours mind at rest. I, for one, am desperately in need of this.
Finally, he proposes that we need to develop a “hybrid mind” to thrive in today’s world. That is, a mind that is both good at technology (because who can really exist without computers these days? Rhetorical question, but I’m sure some of you can find an answer for that), and, immersed in the natural (substitute: real) world around us. That along with this techo-blitz we must strive to connect with nature in a way humans haven’t prioritized in a long time.
So, nature is the antidote to technology. And, if our minds can surf both waves, we will be uniquely positioned to thrive in this world.
I like these thoughts. They make sense to me. Because, although more than half of me wants to find a woodland hideaway and make it my glorious home, I have a feeling that I’d have to take my computer with me… Is that horrible?
by supertwigs | May 3, 2011 | Environment, Health, Nature, Photography |
It’s time write my post for Nature Connections this month. So, here are a couple of my favourite shots of us playing outside.
There is something so inviting about a picnic, and my son shares this sentiment. For a child who is a picky eater, and certainly doesn’t have a love affair with food, the lure of the picnic still holds strong. Just mention the idea and his eyes light up. True, he may not spend much time actually eating during said picnic, but, for him, it is always an adventure.
So, here he is. Check out the pride in his picnic-bench-picking abilities. This time we tried about 5 before we settled on the right one… We sat next to the lake, listened to the birds chirping. He explored, I fed myself and the baby. He even ate some himself. We both felt refreshed, and peaceful.
I truly believe time spent outside brings an aspect of calm to his normally “super-charged” personality. How do I know? The research, the evidence, and the fact that it does the same to me.
by supertwigs | Apr 1, 2011 | Health, Parenting, Photography |
I found this lovely idea on one of my new favourite blogs, Wonder in the Woods. Nature Connections is a fun way to share a love of nature and outdoor play. The idea: you post photos of kids playing outside, once a month. So, I have a new challenge, a new blog button, and here is my new post.
Nature Connecting in the Month of March
We have a running bike, and my son, Dylan, loves to ride on it. He’s very proud of his helmet.
This one was taken when we took it to the zoo on the first sunny day of spring.
I’ve posted this one before, but since it’s my favourite photo from March, here it is again.
Cousin Ronan’s laughter always makes us feel great.
We went to visit my sister, and the cousins, who are only a few months apart, had a fantastic time playing together, as always.
The two little angels are so dear to my heart.
These really are the priceless moments.
by supertwigs | Mar 25, 2011 | Goals, Health, Parenting, Writing |
When I was a little girl, we had a picture book called Animal Tales. One of those tales was about a pig. It professed that little pigs that went to bed early, and rose early would keep their tails curly. (Looking back, it sounds like a bit of a ploy to get one’s children to sleep early. Then again, no one wants their children to rise too early, do they?)
Yep, he’s another one of those proponents of early to bed, early to rise. He has 210,000 subscribers to his blog, so maybe he’s on to something. He’s also a man with six kids, so I figure if he can do it, maybe I can too.
Maybe. Not sure it’s something I want to work on yet. But, the article tempts me with it’s promise of a glorious hour of sipping tea and reading a book, watching the sunrise.
When you think about it that way, who wouldn’t be tempted?
by supertwigs | Mar 16, 2011 | Goals, Health |
My sorry excuse for a running shoe
Today was day two of my introduction to running. I can’t recall ever having set myself a running goal. I have always professed myself a non-runner. Scoffed at those who tried to tell me it was the best way to get exercise. Thought: there must be something more fun I can do. Anything is more fun than running.
Well, I’ve done it now. Actually started a running program, and followed through for not one, but two days! Here are my observations and experiences thus far:
Monday morning I woke up gung ho. Ready to go from the “Couch to 5K.” Psyched. Found my window to run at 8:30am, and headed down the stairs to shoot out the door. Only to discover that I don’t own a pair of running shoes. It was a bit of a shock to me, too. I figured they must be there, hiding in the back closet or something. No luck.
So, I chose the next best thing, a pair of sporty walking Clarks, and was off. The walk/jog combination of this particular running program appealed to me. It actually felt great to be out there, moving my body, breathing fresh air (with the cars whizzing by on my busy road, the quality of this air is in question, still…). Twenty solid minutes. I was pretty proud.
Later that day, I felt it. Not horrible, but achy. Like I had asked my body to do something new, and somewhat horrible. Which, I suppose I did.
Today, I went for my second run. I was a little less enthusiastic, having had a horrible night (babies can do that to you) and waking up with a sore throat. Still, out I went. Still no runners. I got halfway down the block when the trouble started. My pants started slipping. Apparently, I have lost weight since the last time I wore my yoga pants (I was pregnant). So, there I was, running down the street, constantly yanking on my pants. Hoping they would hold up. I think they did. I hope so. Otherwise, I pity the aforementioned cars whizzing by.
Oh, and about those non-runners. Apparently they gave me a blister. Which I burst today. While running.
But, complete with limp and droopy pants, I made it out. And I made it home. Clearly, I still have a few kinks to work out. But, the fact that I am working them out feels great. In fact, I actually enjoyed both runs. Which was a surprise. So, am I thankful that I don’t have to run tomorrow? Absolutely. But, am I looking forward to Friday’s run? You bet.
I’m as surprised as you are.
P.S. Got a pair of runners you love? This non-runner would love to know.
by supertwigs | Mar 13, 2011 | Books, Goals, Health |
I have been thinking today about positivity. Thinking and being a positive person. I spent the day feeling low. Down and void of energy. And I started to wonder how much of it was related to my post yesterday. Here I am, living in the suburbs, which I have just declared I hate. How satisfying are my days going to be if this is my attitude? Constantly looking for escape. Secretly wishing I could go and hide away in the wilderness, living in a yurt (which, albeit, would be awesome).
Instead, I think I will make the best of things. After all, that is why I started this blog. To chart my progress in accomplishing my goals. Dream big, and go for it. Maybe, today, I was coming down from the high of finishing my novel. Whatever it was, I think tomorrow I will do better. Keep that negative voice in check, and power on.
Thinking of this, I have decided to take my friend’s advice, and take the Couch to 5 K Challenge. It’s a fitness challenge that takes you from the couch to running 5 kilometres in 9 weeks. It scares me. Immensely. I have never enjoyed distance running, although I used to love sprinting. However, what scares me even more is the sedentary beast I have become these days. Being the parent of two young children, sure I am constantly moving. Hardly ever really sit. But, I hardly ever really move either. Get my heart racing. And when I do, I usually regret it. So, it’s time to put a stop to this.
I’m thinking regular exercise is going to fuel my mind and body. Energize me for what is to come. Whatever that happens to be. So, yes, I’m pretty excited. And, because I just did the unthinkable and wrote a novel in 30 days, I’m thinking I can do this, too. Now that I’ve confessed it to you. And now that I’ve set my mind to it.
Because I only have one life, and I intend to make the most of it.
—
Lastly, since this blog is also about the books I read, and how they are changing me:
Not long ago, I read a fantastic book, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. If you’ve ever been interested in running, you should read it. If you haven’t already. I never had any interest in running (actually, was a professed hater of running), but after reading that book, I found myself really wanting to run. Even fantasizing about being an ultra-runner (which is nuts, but admirable, too). It has some pretty amazing stories and facts on our bodies, and what we are capable of.
Hi! I’m Kelly Woods, writer, mother & librarian. I write about beauty, creativity, green living and lifestyle design to help others live a life of inspiration, too.