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!
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