Journal Entry #2 Leopold

Kamilah Van
IDS 3920 CRN 10140
Journal Entry Two

Aldo Leopold offered some extensive insight on how the land we live on can be treated better for greater use in the future. Believe it or not we add value to the land that we live on but we also have the ability to diminish that value. It is important to pay close attention to what Leopold offers in the text and still be able to come to your own conclusions. What I enjoyed most about this text was the constant relation to what could be done to help the land and also the explanation of different concepts that are being used. In the opening of the excerpt Leopold speaks about the concept of right and wrong in Greece time. This brings about and important question: What is determined right or wrong in regards to land treatment?  Taking a look into the evolution of the human environment it can be clear that different cultures have their own preferences to how they interact with their environment.

Photo Credit: http://www.tibetanbuddhistaltar.org/our-nature-is-love/

I found the community concept to be an interesting set up because how it includes a sense of belonging in an environment in a competitive form. It also shows that knowing your environment is important in how you interact with it. It's important to think about how we interact with our environment in both negative and positive ways. I believe there should be balance between a person and there environment. The resources that we us and the way we care for our environment says a lot about who we are as people. “No important change in ethics was ever accomplished without an internal change in our intellectual emphasis, loyalties, affections, and convictions” (Leopold). With this statement it adds to the author’s emphasis of conservation and how it is a part of our philosophical and religious beliefs. Together we can make sure that the land health is still a continuing value that is incorporated in our way of living as time goes on. Love the land, love each other and watch the wonders it can do.

 

Journal Entry One: Louv

Kamilah Van
IDS 3920 CRN 10140
Journal Entry # 1

I really enjoyed the text by Richard Louv. His research and included examples was insightful and was an excellent way to start off the subject matter for this course. I admired how he included multiple examples on the effect of nature and human interaction. Though his focus was on ADHD and ADD and the statistics associated with children, I find the reading was able to capture the essence of why interaction with nature is a must with everyone. A lot of people have grown up or currently reside in areas where much of the natural environment is depleting and it is pleasing to see how beneficial interaction with the natural elements can alleviate some of the medical challenges that exist today. In the opening of the text Louv stated "She doesn't understand why P.E. is so limited, or why the playground can't be more conducive to natural play." (Louv, Page 1). Through this description of a teacher commenting on her kindergarten class it shows the changes of the time and how P.E. or time set aside for outside enjoyment during school hours is constantly evolving. Though this example was just the opening to the extensive research and explanation that was done for other topics I find this to be most relatable to myself and I'm quite sure others will agree. Time has changed in regards to the amount of outdoor opportunities has depleted from when I was in elementary school. In today’s society many students don’t have the opportunity to experience the joys of nature whether on the blacktop playground or out in the protected forest areas. Somewhere along the line it is my hope that all children, teens, and adults will have the opportunity to interact with the natural environment whether it is at a park, beach, or campsite.  The benefits of outdoor pursuits would do some if not all of those age groups some good.

 

 

Later on in the text Richard Louv goes on to explain “The fascination factor associated with nature is restorative, and it helps relieve people from directed-attention fatigue" (Louv, Page 6). With the efforts of the Kaplan’s and their take on psychology and the involvement with nature, it was very interesting to see how their research and exercises were able to be a beneficial form of therapy in a way. Through this restorative relief it was very apparent that the connection between traditional treatment of ADHD and this take on environment interaction provides more options for children and possible adults that are going through a nature deficit. The remainder of the text speaks volumes for itself but I truly enjoyed this reading. I will take away from it that there are a lot of benefits to outdoor involvement and also nature therapy can do a world of good especially to those who are not able to get as much outdoor accessibility. So whatever the interaction I can see where nature holds it mysterious wonders and remains a constant in human interaction and involvement. I know that whenever I am feeling out of touch with the elements or stressed star gazing or reflection on the beach (or FGCU Waterfront) always does well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sXHWXCsoaE