In today’s society, it seems as if more people are on depression and anxiety medications more than ever. What is the cause of this? Could it have something to do with new societal standards, or the fact that most people spend time indoors instead of spending time outside connecting with nature? Why are children more obese now days? And why are video and computer games becoming a main source of entertainment?
With the rate technology is taking, all we have to do is look at our iPhone to check movie times, buy a Kindle and read books electronically, or simply flip on the television and be instantly entertained. Our society has become one that wants constant entertainment and seeks to be told what to do instead of finding out our own individual interests and hobbies. The truth is, as human beings we need a connection with a nature. Nature is part of who we are and what holds the earth together.
One night after coming home from work, I started reading The Environmental Blog, specifically an article called Nature Activities for Everyone. The article spoke about how today’s society has changed according to the limited amount of time people spend outside with nature. It specifically stated that obesity and lower education levels have come from time not spent with nature. I found the article to be quite interesting and intriguing.
The way to reconnect with nature is to spend time outside. It can be something as simple as sitting on a bench or going for a bike ride. To test the theory, I decided to spend more time outside to see how my mood would alter accordingly.
In order to follow what the article recommended, I set up an art studio in my backyard. I positioned it perfectly so that as I did my artwork I could look out and see all the flowers and plants in my backyard. I put music on and created art pieces in synch with the music.
The more time I spent outside, the more I was able to incorporate nature into my artwork. I took an old shirt that I had not worn in years, and sewed leopard print onto it. After I sewed the print, I came to realize that I really enjoyed the scenic view of the flowers in my backyard. I then took old wrapping paper, painted it, and arranged it in the shape of a flower. With this intact, I sewed the flower onto the shirt. Voila! A new nature-friendly shirt! It wasn’t a masterpiece (I am no fashion designer), but it was something fun I had created through the time I had spent outside. Now if I had been inside watching television or playing on the computer I don’t believe I could have come up with an idea like this. I believe that my creativity would have been hindered.
I strongly believe that by connecting with nature outside, we are also connecting with our soul. We are able to spend time with ourselves and truly learn what are own interests and ideas are instead of watching TV or searching the internet (listening to what society tells us to do). If you are feeling bored, depressed or uncreative, spend some time with nature and see how your mood changes. Don’t hold back. The world is waiting for you!
Madelene Spinella is a recent graduate from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. While attending USF, she wrote for the school paper, The Oracle, which included articles about local fashion and entertainment events in the Tampa, Florida area. She currently works as Pharmacy Technician and enjoys hobbies such as salvage art, reading, traveling, and promoting a vegetarian lifestyle.
