When Nature Calls, Answer (Amie King)

When Nature Calls, Answer

 I’m a naturalist. -At least that’s what my parents called me the other day as we walked down a park trail with me extolling the virtues of plant-based eating and reminding my father that he actually knew all about it and had tried at various times in my young life to impose certain, shall we say, eating styles on our family. (Just ask him about our very ’organic’ gardens.)

“I’ve taken on a new way of eating,” he laughed as he agreed that indeed he had done his research long ago and knew the facts but was currently choosing to “live it up.” The conversation moved on to being outdoors and how important it is to conserve natural places for the next generation(s).

My family enjoys science, and we have opinions. We appreciate research backed by reasonable sources and we enjoy exploring both sides of an issue in order to form our own ideas.

I’ve been told I have biases. We all do. This week two equally passionate people ‘lectured’ me from different sides of the climate change debate. I can now quote articles and scientists from opposing sides who think their opponents are wrong.

he fact remains, I love being outside, working in my garden, watching my children explore the woods and seeing their imaginations bloom. My parents do, too, and since I was tiny they have taken (dragged) me all over the place. We’ve hiked up mountains, crawled through caves, waded in spring-fed streams, hunted countless fossils, and even attended an archeological dig. This is a legacy I am proud to pass on because when you’re engaged with nature, time is no longer linear. You’re transported to a different plane, one closer to the creator, the universe, and that experience offers the most amazing sense of connection to your spiritual self and those around you, a true sense of soul calmness.

We could all use more inner peace in this current state of mud-slinging. You know, mud can be pretty fun, too. I dare you to put down your phone, make a new start and go outside right now for an adventure!

(Taking your phone along for the trip might be a good idea, though.)