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Quote of the Week
"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." --John Muir
Rewild Your Mind: Can Nature Help Ease Modern Stress?
Rewilding isn’t just for conservationists; it’s a concept that can be applied to ourselves. Just as we can restore a wetland or prairie, we can also restore our interior landscapes—the parts of ourselves that have become de-natured, including our imaginations. Through rewilding, we can tackle the stressors of modern life and rediscover the joy, creativity, and balance that come through developing relationships with the natural world.
You don’t need to plan a wilderness expedition to begin rewilding. Start small: Take a walk through a local park and become more aware of your surroundings. Perhaps there is a tree that always feels inviting. Make the time to sit near or beneath it. Put away your smartphone and be fully present. Pay attention to how being close to the tree makes you feel. Take the time to touch the bark. Inhale the scent of the tree. Develop a relationship. The great outdoors is more than a backdrop; it’s a partner capable of supporting our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By embracing human rewilding, we reclaim our personal well-being and strengthen our connection to the planet that sustains us. Read more in this week's featured article from Psychology Today magazine.
Reading Corner
 Title: Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being
By Marc Berman
Ages: Adult
"Dr. Marc Berman, the pioneering creator of the field of environmental neuroscience, has discovered the surprising connection between mind, body, and environment, with a special emphasis on the natural environment. He has devoted his life to studying it. If you sometimes feel drained, distracted, or depressed, Dr. Berman has identified the elements of a “nature prescription” that can boost your energy, sharpen your focus, change your mood, and improve your mental and physical health. He also reveals how central attention is to all of these functions, and how interactions with nature can restore it. Nature and the Mind is both an introduction to a revolutionary new scientific field and a helpful guide to better living." --Publishers
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be The Change
Try out any or all of the "rewilding" tips for kids mentioned in this blog post: live seasonally, green your home environment, utilize your surrounding community, and make time for immersions. During this particular season, see what resonates with your family and make a pact to spend time in nature together. Adopt the Swedish attitude of "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" and make sure your dress for whatever weather comes your way! Immersing ourselves in nature during all seasons allows for a deeper connection to the eternal cycles and rhythms of life.
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