As I held my toddler daughter to my chest at the sound of thunder, I felt that visceral fear of the elements. We are so guarded in our homes, yet we have other fears in life. That visceral fear was refreshing—it is pure, evolutionarily programmed fear. Unlike the racing thoughts in my mind all the … Continue reading Fear Versus Anxiety: The Outdoors Reminds Us of Our Vulnerability
Tag: Nature
Reciting Morning Blessings in Nature
There is a sequence of Jewish prayers in the morning. I grew up saying them, continued into my young adulthood and then stopped due to having new responsibilities as a young professional as well as feeling a need to let go of my childhood religious rituals. But I still from time to time say these … Continue reading Reciting Morning Blessings in Nature
Squirrels in Nature
Last Sunday morning started off with me anxiously getting as much reading about emergent curriculum done as possible. Which is ironic, since a main point of emergent curriculum is to observe mindfully and feel the richness that life has to offer—while rushing to get things done feels the exact opposite. After a morning of anxiety, … Continue reading Squirrels in Nature
Connecting to Your Inner Rhythm: We Are Humans, Not Machines
At the end of my morning yoga session I lay in savassana. Lying in savassana (corpse pose) is a way to integrate all the physical benefits of the yoga poses, as well as a great tool for calming the nerves! As I lay in savassana, I heard something rhythmically pulsing in my house. And that … Continue reading Connecting to Your Inner Rhythm: We Are Humans, Not Machines
Healing Powers of Nature; Put Your Phone Down and Go Outside!
I spent more time outdoors than usual today since the weather was sunny and warm. At the end of the day I felt much lighter than usual. Almost giddy. And I had the following thought: It used to be that people spent A LOT more time outdoors. Now we are often cramped up indoors, add … Continue reading Healing Powers of Nature; Put Your Phone Down and Go Outside!
The Irony of Checking the Temperature on One’s Phone
This morning I was going to check the temperature on my phone. Again. But I've been trying to use my phone less this past year, since I don't want my daughter exposed to screens. Plus, I have a propensity to being hooked on technology and find it healthy to reduce my usage in general. So … Continue reading The Irony of Checking the Temperature on One’s Phone
Thoreau and the Sabbath
This past Friday afternoon I sat in a gazebo surrounded by trees and squirrels—immersing myself in nature to melt away the layers of effort and tension that formed during my workweek. I listened acutely for all the surrounding sounds—the birds chirping, the squirrels squeaking, the golf cart across the way beeping as it backed up … Continue reading Thoreau and the Sabbath
