Creek Felt
As children, many of us naturally adopted a ‘special spot’ somewhere outside where we felt peaceful or playful, or maybe it was place we went to when we needed a little solace. Throughout my years of teaching college, I asked my students about their special childhood place. Nearly every student fondly recalled their ‘special spot.’ For me, my special spot consisted of playing in the creek that ran through my neighborhood and spending countless hours floating ‘leaf boats’ down the stream until my mother called me in for dinner.
In a nature journal assignment, students are asked to spend 6 separate occasions in nature, preferably finding for themselves a special spot. Each time, they spent a minimum of 20 minutes alone in nature, without the use of their cell phones, or iPods. They are also asked to keep a journal and are questions to guide them.
Anyone can find a special spot. Individuals or families can enjoy time outside and let nature help them reduce stress in their lives. Students in a class of any age can also engage in this project and use the journal questions to enhance their experience.
Here are three easy ways to let your special spot in nature help you reduce stress:
1) Find your own special spot: a place that you like to go outside in nature, maybe it is simply in your own backyard; maybe your special spot is at a local park; maybe you are lucky and you can still visit your special childhood place. You can also create an alternate special spot indoors, a cozy corner in your bedroom, or a place with a nice view of the outdoors.
2) Promise to go there once a week for the next several months and spend at least 20 minutes there, preferably alone and without any technology. You don’t have to do anything; Just BREATHE.
3) Explore the “Wilderness Within,” contemplate the following questions: What about your ‘spot’ evokes special appreciation in you? How does your body react after 20 minutes in nature or in quiet? How does your mind react? Explore your answer. What is your emotional reaction to spending time in nature or in quietude? Trace the changes in your emotional state over time. Does the weather/climate have an effect on your mood today? What kind of weather & what kind of effect. How does it feel to spend 20 minutes or so away from all technology? Do you miss it? Do you feel relieved? Investigate your reaction. Think about what you value in your life while in your ‘spot.’ Now think about what you actually spend the most time doing during the day. Do these lists match/overlap substantially? Explore your answer. How has spending time in nature changed you, if at all?
How can this undertaking help you and possibly reduce stress? Well, for one thing, it may help you by giving you a consistent place of peace and repose. Secondly, the terrain in our own minds and bodies can mirror our experiences in life, so you can use these journal questions to get to know your inner landscape a little better and help you navigate the circumstances of life.
JoAnn Foley-DeFiore, Ph.D.
Last year, I ‘retired’ from teaching environmental sociology and cultural diversity at the university-level to concentrate on living all the lessons that I taught for 15 years through mothering, writing/singing/ songwriting and community service. My blog will bring you some practical ways to reduce stress, and “help other people and the earth,” including yourself! http://www.livinghopeproject.blogspot.com
It felt like love – Pacey & Joey (Dawson’s Creek)
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