2023-01-31:
Reconnecting with Nature

January 31, 2023

RECONNECTING TO NATURE

As part of the curriculum for a 12-week course I am taking right now through the Gaia Education organization called "Cultivating Regenerative Livelihoods" we are asked to watch this video about "reconnecting to nature."

Until now, I had perceived Hacienda Domínguez & Chelenzo Farms's mission to facilitate an opportunity for all of us to "get back to nature" or "to experience nature and the great outdoors," but now I see it in a slightly different and better way, for one of our aspirations should be to teach, encourage and inspire all of us to reconnect with nature.

That said, it is a goal that will take time. We will not be able to accomplish this solely through one farm stay or an invitation to hike through the hundred-acre woods that we call our backyard. Indeed, it will take a cumulative effort to encourage one and all to reconnect through relearning what we have been programmed to do over the centuries: to be patient, to observe, to not disturb, to listen and feel and learn from all that likewise lives around us.

As the sage and storyteller Jon Young relays, "Colonialism has blinded us. We need to reconnect with nature." To do so, we need to build threads to beings around us, little by little, with each observation and story, until they become ropes. As a result we generate Love, Presence, Happiness, Vitality, Focus, Empathy, Visionary, and Aliveness.

I encourage you to take 17 minutes out of your day today to watch and hopefully likewise be inspired.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMWSvUp0CYk

Repairing emotional isolation by reawakening deep nature connection | Jon Young | TEDxGrandPark, April 23, 2020

Jon delivers a refreshing perspective on how we can expand our awareness of nature to reawaken ancient, hardwired skills to grow our connection with each other and create more harmony in the world.

Jon Young is a naturalist, wildlife tracker, peacemaker, author, storyteller, and a leader in the field of nature-based community building for 36 years.

Jon’s research on the significant impact of nature on wellbeing has influenced thousands of people worldwide.

Jon has authored and co-authored several books, including What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World (2013), Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature (2007), and contributed to Indigenous Sustainable Wisdom: First-Nation Know-How for Global Flourishing (2019).

In 2016, Jon received the Champion of Environmental Education Award for his innovative work inspiring positive developments in the field and for fostering the growth of the nature connection movement globally. Jon Young is a naturalist, wildlife tracker, peacemaker, author, storyteller and leader in the field of nature-based community building for 36 years. Jon’s research on the significant impact of nature on wellbeing has influenced thousands of people worldwide.

Jon has authored and co-authored several books, including What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World (2013), Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature (2007), and contributed to Indigenous Sustainable Wisdom: First-Nation Know-How for Global Flourishing (2019). In 2016, he received the Champion of Environmental Education Award for his innovative work inspiring positive developments in the field and fostering the growth of the nature connection movement globally