Reflections on the Nature Walk and Louv readings

Last week we explored the campus Food Forest and Nature Trail, as well as discussing some of the sustainable design features incorporated into various campus buildings.  I feel that this experience greatly enhanced my understanding of my sense of place as a student at Florida Gulf Coast University; I have known since coming here that this university values the environment, but what we saw on this field trip solidified this notion for me.  Learning that the Food Forest was a student initiative encouraged me by giving me a sense of how I could potentially contribute to sustainability.

Some of the plants in the Food Forest.

A different view of the area from the image to the left.

 

Moreover, the Nature Trail gave me a glimpse of what our natural environment is really like, and helped me attach more than just conceptual meaning to sustainability: it's what we need to protect the treasures that nature offers us, such as this one.  An interesting experience I had in the Nature Trail was that of the wet walk; I am normally very reluctant to put my feet in the water, but having prepared for this occasion in advance by purchasing a pair of galoshes, I found it was actually quite pleasant!  My only struggle in this regard was that of trying to stay upright, though maintaining balance eventually proved to be a fun challenge.   It was also relaxing to be immersed in nature in this way, which ties into the Richard Louv passage on Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment.  In particular, I believe it may have been my fascination with my surroundings that helped me feel at peace and somewhat rejuvenated, despite being a bit worn out from the earlier parts of our walk, and running on below-average sleep (without coffee).  While I do not believe I was suffering from any directed-attention fatigue on this trip, I do recall multiple instances where, metaphorically speaking, my brain would be "fried" after a difficult class, and going for a walk outside helped soothe my mind afterwards.  None of these walks were as immersive as this one though - perhaps I will have to go for a walk here (or somewhere like it) the next time I am mentally tired!  Normally, when I need to relieve stress I pour myself a glass of soda or coffee and listen to some music, but after this experience I feel I ought to spend more time in nature when I am stressed out.  Even if it involves distancing myself from what I am working on (which coffee/soda/music do not), the extra clarity of mind just may be worth it.


References:

Louv, R. (2011).  Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment. University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future, pp. 4-7. Cospley Custom Textbooks.