NATUR(E)ally

Fast, fast, fast … no time, no time, no time … shortness of breath, pressure to succeed … We live in a fast-paced world, a reality that many share.

In the course of industrialization, companies considered Nature as a pure supplier of raw material. More and more efficiently and mercilessly our planet is being explored. Sustainability, environmental protection … these global responsibilities are now the watchwords in the media. But sustainable action is slow.

In a society where the focus is too much on consumer goods, success, competition, technical progress, an imbalance is created. The temptations of the digital world are great. The technical-media globalization is changing our union.

Who does not know this phenomenon today: heads bent on smartphones, iPhones and tablets. The world around him falls into a veil of oblivion and the precious time flies past by those who are trapped in it. The light and shadow of the day, the fresh wind, the sunbeam, the tweaking of the birds, all may have gone unnoticed.

Internet, FB, Instagram, Twitter and Co pretend to be connected to EVERYONE but they severely limit the connection with EVERYTHING! A second-hand experience between work and everyday life, we use the time we have to talk through text messages. Instead of caressing a tree, the fingers run through the touch screens. But this technological hip-hype comes at a great price! More and more people are disturbed that they are always available.

In our fast world, full of constant sensory overload (noise information, etc.) we feel exhausted at night when we go to bed. To survive, only selective perception can be the life-saving remedy. But in the “nature” of the selective is the delimitation in us, our nature. The daily rotation, avoidance of the important, occupies so much in our mind that no pause, no rest can arise in which the feeling has time.

But important aspects of the human being, such as creativity, take time and energy healthy. Creativity is knowledge and it is growth. A walk in the countryside, a hike, the observation of nature can work wonders. But what happens when man has no more room for this (inner) nature? Some may feel the lack of contact with nature very clearly.

According to the Youth Report Nature annual report, children are increasingly losing touch with their natural environment. This change in the consciousness of nature leads to a strong change in childhood.

The reality of most is a city life. Due to an external world with traffic and dangers, children now spend much more time inside the house where the physical perception of the environment with all the senses is practically impossible. The anattended experience in nature, with all its possibilities of experiencing the environment and engaging in creative games, is severely limited and experiences with plants, with nature, wildlife is hardly possible. Instead, a large part of children immerses themselves into their fantasy worlds of technology.

Obstruction of ways to actively and physically experience the environment leads to compromised child development. The lack of possibilities of processing the constant influx of stimuli, the restriction of movements and experiences in Nature lead to the increase of behavioural problems, nervousness, depression, physical vulnerabilities, etc… Meanwhile, a fancy term was found for the lack of contact with the nature. : „Nature Deficit Disorder“.

Technology can not be stopped and demonization is not the solution, a responsible approach and the revival of the relationship with nature creates a more balanced relationship but the alienation of Mother Earth leaves us isolated and divided.

Overflowing with norms, foreign values, haste, time pressure, pressure to succeed, expectations … it takes our breath away. How can you still sink into yourself and feel the connection?

Humanity suffers because it is removed by nature! But nature brings the consequences to our own alienation. Despite what we know about what harms the Earth, we exploit it, polluting all habitats as if there were no tomorrow.

In principle, we know that we are a puzzle piece of the big whole.  Therefore, it is essential to take a deep look at yourself to see the true nature. We carry all the knowledge within us and in this little seed of understanding, Man, Nature, the whole world, and the whole Universe are found and invented.

Nature is miraculous, a system that integrates everything in perfect harmony. So great that the most brilliant mind can not grasp all the connections. For the sake of the earth, as well as for our own will, it is important to quickly and radically strengthen healthy habitats.

Being in contact with (their) nature is important for children: to see and feel, strengthen awareness, stimulate creativity and awaken the spirit of adventure. The result: a sense of freedom, feeling secure and connected. How exciting, when there is a chance to recognize nature in your changing dress. A garden that is changing every season, with every passing year… nothing can be held, everything is in motion and flow and the most beautiful lesson, is the perception of the present moment – what a gift! A world of healthy stimuli that awakens and alerts. To feel in a system means to understand its importance – then, the action will be focused on acting in a sustainable way.

A moment of rest, of reflection in nature is a source of energy, to breathe deeply and let everything go; sink and reach for yourself is to heal the body and soul.

Therefore, take a little break as often as possible and see all the little details, enjoy all that nature has around you. The breeze, a scent, the twittering of birds … Indulge yourself with this NATURAL moment and feel connected!

A world in which people understand the impact of their actions in a greater competition – a world in which nature, as the basis of all being, is understood as the greater good – a world in which we see ourselves as a small building block of this world with great responsibility that one can understand healthy.

NATURAL DECISIONS related to NATURE need to be taken.

We simply and very urgently need a strong NATURAL ethic!!!

By Fatima Kutzschbach