by Marianna Lamare

Created on: August 13, 2008

Nature is within us and outside of us. We are so fortunate to have city parks inhabited by squirrels, birds, and plants (some that may be native to specific areas) that grow in the full sun or under the gaze of ancient redwoods or ancestral oak trees. You see, even in the city, we ARE nature. We live in a world of human-created streets that cover up the dirt but wear down in time, and sidewalks that cannot hold back the weeds, and we have the blue sky above us in spite of all the wires that hamper our view.

The outdoors are, well, literally just outside our doors, or windows. We are a part of nature, all of us. The notion that we are disconnected to nature is a delusion: how can we be separate from something we are? It is the awareness of this connection that is the problem. Even just looking out my window, I can feel a joy and connection to what is out there'. It touches something very authentic and real inside of me and creates a feeling of peace. The leaves of a giant sunflower plant subtly breathe as I observe them in the shadows beyond my white curtains. Through the flower's yellow petals in the background, playfully wriggle the verdant leaves of an apricot tree. The walls that separate us seem rather insignificant.

I am grateful for the four walls that shelter me from intense sun and drenching rain but I also know this house is made of the wood from trees and beneath my floors all kinds of wondrous bugs and worms make their homes in another world. I also realize that what is out there' is perceived by what I have within me. If I am never given a chance to explore nature as a child, never know what it's like to play in mud puddles or look up at a brilliant summer sky at night, then I can't claim those mysteries in my inner world, either. Children who aren't given the chance to connect with nature grow up bereft of loving the very thing that gives us life: "Mother" nature. There is a saying, "we cannot save what we do not love" and I wonder how in the world we can save' this earth if we cannot save' ourselves. By letting love unfold between humans and the world outside, by giving children (and adults) opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, we can save the earth' quite effortlessly, without mandates and curriculums and laws. With our great love, decisions by countries, states, cities, and individuals to use solar power, recycle, reuse, and so forth will come naturally and without any question. We will do the right thing.

Let the children fall in love

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