In the late afternoons, I often go out for a stroll—a well-deserved break from my monotonous routine of staring at a computer screen all day long. I visit the park, sit on the grass, walk barefoot, or lie down and gaze at the sky.Â
Oh, the simple pleasures of life.One day, while I was in such a state of bliss, a young girl walked past me along with her caregiver. She was surprised to see me lying on the grass and whispered to the woman, “Why is that man lying on the ground? Is he crazy?” The woman smiled but didn’t correct the girl and somehow seemed to agree with the girl’s perception.
I was not upset by her comments. I was simply amused and couldn’t help but ponder about it later on.
I realized that in urban middle-class families, it’s becoming common for parents to discourage their children from playing in nature. They are taught that playing in the dirt is wrong, that sitting on the floor is unacceptable, and that running around barefoot is unclean. They are being brought up in a world where everything is sanitized and controlled, where being “civilized” means being removed from nature. Cocooned in their high-rise apartments, living in a bubble of security and comfort, they are missing out on the beauty and simplicity of the world that is out there to be explored with childlike curiosity.
This disconnection is concerning as it can lead to a lack of appreciation for the environment and the world. Children who spend time in nature are bound to develop a long-lasting connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility for its preservation. This connection to nature can shape their values and attitudes towards the world and help them to become environmentally conscious and responsible adults.
It thus becomes vital to encourage children to connect with nature, explore and appreciate the world around them, and maintain this connection throughout their lives. However, as we grow up, this connection with nature and the simple joys of life can sometimes fade away. It’s easy to get caught up in our routines and responsibilities and forget to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.Â
Luckily there are still idiots like me who embrace the simple things in life, who find joy in playing in the dirt, walking barefoot, and lying on the grass. And to that little girl who called me crazy, I would like to share with her one big secret. ‘Come on, give it a try. Once you discover the joy in lying on the grass, running carefree, trust me, there is no going back. You will not care anymore if people call you a lunatic ’cause you are lost, away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, away in the clouds…’
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This is really a subject that we grown up feel but then restrict the young ones to be so called tidy.
This is the reason for which we take a break and love to be among the nature.
Thank you again
Exactly, Sir. I understand why adults do it, but they mostly go overboard roping in their kids. They forget their own childhood, how they had found joy in the simplest of things.
I totally agree that we need some level awareness to be connected to nature. It is a social issue!
Question- The young girl passing by with caregiver sounds like she has some physical challenge’s however nothing mentioned in the narrative. Is this correct?
Yes, a bit of awareness can mend us; remind us to balance our place in nature with the economic prosperity we are so busy chasing.
No, the young girl seemed fine. Perhaps the word ‘caregiver’ misled you. I was not sure about the relationship of the woman accompanying the girl; she could have been a maid, a nanny or a relative. I didn’t want to draw conclusions, so I used the word ‘caregiver’ instead.
“caregiver” in this part of the world is only used for special needs. Apologies for the confusion caused. I appreciate your inclusive writing style.
No worries. Thank you once again for your kind words.
Have you read my other blog posts? If not, do read them when you have the time. I would love to know your thoughts.
I enjoyed your awareness on this type of relaxation. There are so many benefits to literally and physically connecting to our natural environment. So many, even young ones, are connected to electronic devices and not their natural environment.
Keep leading by example, you might start a trend.
Thank you so much, Marie. Your encouragement means a lot.
Whenever you have the time, do read the short stories and other articles on my website.
Anyways, how was your Trip to India?