On a recent walk with my children, my daughter picked up this nature object and began exploring it with the curiosity and openness that toddlers so eloquently model for us grown-ups. She asked many thoughtful questions and I did my best to provide answers. It was just a walk near the woods, and yet it is likely to become so much more in time. We all have an inner child, whether we remain deeply connected with them, or whether they’ve gotten lost amidst the grown-up tasks and responsibilities. I can remember being a child and playing in nature with a similar sense of curiosity, wonder, and even awe. Autumn leaves were (and still are) a pure fascination for me. I loved few things as much as I adored Autumn. The fall leaves are one of my strongest “threads” to nature. Nature is the best gift we can give to our children.
Nature as a steady presence
Throughout the many transitions and adjustments of my “grown-up” life, nature has allowed me to stay in touch with my inner child. The vibrant hues of fall leaves still stop me in my tracks. The first snow or spring blooms still warm my heart. The song of a cardinal brings me immense joy. I still pause to gaze at sunrises and sunsets. The sound of water running over rocks remains a lullaby that I purposely seek. I could name countless aspects of nature that my inner child and my outer adult are well attuned with. As you read this, I am sure some aspect of nature resonates with you, as well. What is your “thread” to nature? What aspect of nature is your inner child craving?
Our Inner child is our childrens’ guide
We (humans) co-evolved in nature, so it makes sense that we feel the pull to be outside, soak up the sun, and admire other living beings like plants and animals. Playing outside is thought of as a child’s activity, but we all carry our inner child within us, so we all need to play outside. Whether it’s observing nature, building creative natural settings, collecting objects, or any variation of connecting with the natural world, we grown-ups still need this. Our children’s inner children are forming at this very moment. We have a fantastic opportunity to allow those children to bond, in a way that only children do. In ten, twenty, thirty years, your child will remember their “thread” to nature. They will remember how you played with them, delighted in their curiosity, and joined in their sense of presence, wonder, and awe. Long after we are physically present, nature will remain a grounding, nurturing presence for our children, and their children’s children. So long as we exercise reciprocity and care in our environments, nature will continue to be one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children.
Easing distress with wisdom
Sometimes as adults we can become overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable obstacles on the path forward for our children and future generations. One means to ease our distress is to turn toward innate wisdom. A beautiful Native American proverb teaches us the importance of caring for the land and seas:
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
-Chief Seattle
Another means of easing our worries for our children is to simplify our expectations for what an acceptable solution may be. Many of us have heard of “take what you need.” Maybe you’ve seen this written on a colorful print out with positive words or affirmations. A small gesture like this can really brighten someone’s day and create ripples of reciprocity that you may not expect. When I visit local parks with my children, or by myself, I’ve adopted a “take one” approach to curbing the damage caused by litter. Even our two-year-old son picks up trash and finds a trashcan for it! If I only take one piece of trash, I make minimal impact. But, if each of us takes a piece of trash and disposes of it properly, we’ve changed much more than a moment–we’ve brightened our children’s futures.
Join the movement- take one to take care
I welcome you to join me in this initiative to share the gift of nature with our children, to reconnect with nature for yourself and your family, and to “take one to take care” of their future. You will be pleasantly surprised by the gifts you receive when you ask for nothing in return. If you’d like to participate in the Take One to Take Care initiative in community with others, head over to the Guided in Nature Instagram page Guided in Nature LLC (@guidedinnature), like, follow, and tag us in your #takeonetotakecare photos.
Looking forward to crossing paths with you soon!
<3 Lauren
