Quote:
Originally Posted by TarBaby";p="
I think a very serious problem in America, that is rarely discussed, is the so called "Nature deficit disorder." The concept is basically that spending time in nature has very tangible and rejuvinating qualities for people. Its a great way to relax, get healthy exercise, gain greater perspective, feel an increased connection and empathy with the Earth, and gain much needed skills, self assurance, and an improved attitude. However, out of the hundreds of psychological maladies one can be diagnosed with, a broken connection to the wild world is not even on the books. In my opinion this is one of the most dire problems facing the country, and I'm saddened to watch it happen without any sense of outrage or national attention.
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I'm wondering what your thoughts on the idea are? Do you think that are really suffering as a people by being isolated from nature? What are the effects going to be on our children raised in a suburban bubble, and how can we change this trend?
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"Its a great way to relax, get healthy exercise, gain greater perspective, feel an increased connection and empathy with the Earth, and gain much needed skills, self assurance, and an improved attitude."
except for 'empathy with the Earth' you could be talking about sex. while you enjoy the great outdoors, it appears you also presume others should realize the same enjoyment. that is probably a false premise. other activities, sex, as noted above would be included, as substitutes for the outcomes you describe. i fish, camp, hike, sail, paddle, bike, swim, surf, toss a frisbee, play sports, officiate sports, serve as a scout leader, walk the dog and generally enjoy being outdoors and in a natural environment. and if your question was 'isn't it unfortunate that more kids aren't exposed to outdoor opportunities to the degree they once were' i would probably echo your view. but we are each individuals and can find our own mechanisms to relax, stay fit, improve our disposition and acquire skills. for you and me, outdoors is THE answer, but i can appreciate that for many, they can easily substitute other activities and achieve those same outcomes without a trek thru the wilderness.
i will note, that as a scout leader, i find it disappointing that the boy scouts seldom expose inner city youths to the joys of outdoor adventures which many of us found only by being involved in scouting. i believe that is a missed opportunity on many fronts to be able to offer something of long-term value to those kids and to fail to do so. but again, that was not your question.