In recent times, the connection between humans and nature has substantially declined. It seems like Mom was right, it’s that dang phone! Most of the current generation have become screenagers, unable to go five minutes without having to check their phone. However, instead of endlessly scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, what if those five minutes were spent outdoors exploring the beauty of the outdoors?
“I think everyone should connect with nature to some extent, since we all need nature to survive. Nature is often related to being calm and peaceful and I definitely think I need to be more of that,” said sophomore Khushi Parikh.
Parikh’s statement highlights a concept many people tend to overlook, exploring nature more than one already does is something that others should strive for. Having a moment alone with nature, completely unplugged from technology, creates a strong bond, providing a natural sense of calmness.
Now, this begs the question: how does one really bond with nature? “I think if money were not an issue, I would buy a second house somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina. That way I can enjoy the water and paddleboarding and saltwater and snorkeling here in Florida and then hike and enjoy the outdoors a little more,” said the Environmental Club sponsor Mrs. Carew.
Whether the activity is paddling along the Gulf of Mexico or hiking in the mountains, Carew’s vision really emphasizes that creating this bond is about actively engaging in the environment, showing that no matter where you are, there is always means to further engage oneself with nature.
When interviewed, 100% of students said that they would like to have a better connection with nature; They all added as well, when asked to rate how connected they are with nature on a scale of 1-10, that it was below a 5. These responses illustrate a decreasing engagement with teenagers and nature.
Relative to this decline, we also asked whether students feel that our community has become more or less bonded with nature in recent times. “People don’t appreciate the beauty in [nature] anymore,” said senior Maya Raj. When saying this, Raj pins down a key principle. Elaborating further, she speaks on the simplicity of appreciating and soaking in what nature has to offer.
Nature can be a vague term sometimes. Whether it’s all of the forest or a vibrant ladybug on the leaf, the fundamentals remain the same, and so do the effects. Further engaging with nature is impactful primarily due to the emotions it emits when you give it the chance to. It’s about that time that our community began giving Mother Nature that chance.
