Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity.
— Pope John Paul II
Evaluating Our Connection with Nature
Each of the ten statements below is a statement related to our use of water and waste water. Try to describe your current choices.
Answers range from:
| 1 | 5 | 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Never | Sometimes | Always |
Read the 10 statements below. In the adjacent box, write the number corresponding to your answer. E.g. ‚ 1= Never. When you finish, add the numbers to get a score.
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| I spend time outdoors every day. | 1. _____________ |
| I keep a plant(s) or garden. | 2. _____________ |
| I enjoy watching birds, butterflies, and other animals. | 3. _____________ |
| I take time to watch the sunrise and sunset. | 4. _____________ |
| I enjoy observing the stars and phases of the moon | 5. _____________ |
| I spend time reflecting on the gift of nature. | 6. _____________ |
| On vacation I find ways to experience nature. | 7. _____________ |
| I take time to appreciate the gift of water. | 8. _____________ |
| I belong to one or more groups dedicated to protecting wildlife. | 9. _____________ |
| I read books and/or listen to tapes that add to my appreciation of nature. | 10. _____________ |
Score of 20 -69? See tips.
Score of 70+? See resources for ongoing learning.
Tips for Living More Lightly
- Spend at least ten minutes a day appreciating the natural world–even if you can’t go outside.
- Tend at least one small plant as a way to appreciate the oxygen-gift of the plant world.
- See birds and other animals as a reminder of life’s basics needs–food, water, shelter and friends. Be a friend and provide what you can.
- Reflect on the sun, our star, the source of all the life energy on planet Earth. At sunrise and sunset, we are especially reminded of beauty.
- Participate in the natural rhythms of the Earth as it rotates and shifts on its axis. The moon and the stars remind us of our earthly roots in a vast universe.
- Take time each day to reflect on the free and generous gifts of nature. Practice gratitude.
- Watch the sun rise and set, take a walk, learn the birds in the area, and follow the night sky. These free activities reconnect us with nature and ourselves.
- Take time to imagine your life without water, without clean water. Take time to appreciate and care for Sister Water.
- Join Sierra Club, Audubon Society , World Wildlife Federation, or local organizations that foster our appreciation of the natural world.
- Begin with the above links and the resources listed below and follow your heart.
Resources
Reconnecting With Nature: Finding Wellness through Restoring Your Bond with the Earth, ISBN 0-9639705-2-6
Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature, Joseph Cornell, ISBN 0-916124-35-5
