Interconnectedness is part of the terminology of a worldview which sees a oneness in all things.
- Wikipedia
Interconnectedness
I have found that the theme this week surrounded the notion of connection. We are connected to each other and to nature at the most fundamental of levels. While completing the chapter reading from Learning Gardens and Sustainable Education I was particularly taking back by the quote “Man did not weave the web of life; he is but one strand. What man does to the web of life, he does to himself.” Although, the language is clearly dated, it got me thinking about how connected we truly are. I often speak with my students about “choices” and how each choice we make has a consequence. The consequence could be positive or negative or sometimes both. As mentioned in the previous quote, we are interconnected in so many ways that we need to be more mindful of the consequences of our choices and actions towards each other and nature. I chose to reflect upon a few tasks or activities that I took part in this week by completing the following nature affluence chart. The following activities are what I believe are ways in which I connect with nature and allow for a more positive sense of well-being for myself and my surroundings.
Nature Affluence Chart
Connecting with Nature |
Impact on my Happiness and Well-Being |
Increasing my Nature Affluence |
Evening Walk with the Dogs |
Good exercise and a connection with nature while reducing stress. |
Try to maintain a consistent and regular walking schedule. |
Working in the Main Garden |
Connect with nature and spend time with my children. Good source of stress relief. |
A better understanding of how plants grow and the requirements for maintaining a healthy garden and lifestyle |
Watching the Hummingbird Feeder |
A new source of connection to nature that was inspired by my daughter |
Appreciation for the living organisms that surround my habitat. |
Annual Herb Garden |
Contributes to my healthy living. A good sense of working towards elements of sustainability |
Working on contributing to a healthy lifestyle by consuming fresh herbs that were organically grown |
Nature and Human Connections
We were assigned a selection of videos to review this week. I select the video "The hidden beauty of pollination". Based on the title I was expecting a video related to bees but, I was impressed to see the addition of several other species that contribute to the process of pollination. I couldn’t help but dwell on the process of time lapse film and the incredible tool it is for capturing the world at different speeds. Although this video represents a version of our world slowed down for viewing there are many other films in which time has been sped up for viewing purposes. One such film is “Chasing Ice” that shows the dramatic decline in Global ice reserves and the impact it is having on the environment.
“Two-Eyed Seeing” was a great video to demonstrate the importance of recognizing different ways of interpreting the World around us. Dr. Bartlett presents a good overview of the merging of ideas of overlap in both Western science and the indigenous perspective. She elaborates on the idea of compare and contrast while educating young minds about concepts that involve both a western perspective and an indigenous view. Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall has used the term “Two-Eyed Seeing” as a way for approaching views from the two Worlds of understanding. I agree with the concept of approaching the world and nature as we know it through the lens of multiple perspectives. I believe it is beneficial for all to maintain a pedagogy that respects and employs the world views of all contributors.
“Two-Eyed Seeing” was a great video to demonstrate the importance of recognizing different ways of interpreting the World around us. Dr. Bartlett presents a good overview of the merging of ideas of overlap in both Western science and the indigenous perspective. She elaborates on the idea of compare and contrast while educating young minds about concepts that involve both a western perspective and an indigenous view. Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall has used the term “Two-Eyed Seeing” as a way for approaching views from the two Worlds of understanding. I agree with the concept of approaching the world and nature as we know it through the lens of multiple perspectives. I believe it is beneficial for all to maintain a pedagogy that respects and employs the world views of all contributors.
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Holistic Lifelong Learning
This week’s theme of a nature and the interconnection we share has left me reflecting on how I connect with my environment. Once I completed the 2nd chapter in the book Indigenous perspectives on education for well-being in Canada I was left with a little insight into the importance of the environment and nature in the indigenous holistic teaching models. I was particularly intrigued by the close relationship of the different holistic lifelong learning models of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. I examined each of the three models and drew upon a relationship with nature and community as a core in the success of the learning process. It is clear that that the process of education is rooted in Nature and the importance of a sustainable environment.
My Connection with Nature
My final reflection is centred on my ability to connect with Nature. Every summer for the last 15 years, my family and I have headed out to a provincial park on the eastern side of the province in order to do a little camping. We have become creatures of habit as we rarely venture from the same camping spot. We have come to know the area quite well and have even located a familiar swimming spot of a rock ledge tucked away along a private section of the lake front. As our family grew, each member has come to love the annual trips to the park. Both my daughter and one of our family pets are at home up at the lake and the both become excited when I start packing the van. For us, this is the way we connect with Nature and we are all aware of how delicate the environment can be. We are sure to leave little or no impact by using bio-degradable soaps and limiting the trash we leave behind by removing our recyclables. Over the years we have seen wind storms and forest fires alter the face of the park. We are doing our best to ensure we don’t leave a lasting impact short of many memories. This week’s reading really hit home on how connected my family and I are to Nature at our favorite camping location. A connection we would like to keep for many years to come.
References
Deer, F., & Falkenberg, T. (Editors). (2017). Indigenous perspectives on education for well-being in Canada. Winnipeg: Education for Sustainable Well-Being Press.
O’Brien, C. (2016). Education for sustainable happiness and well-being. Basingstoke: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Images
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C177S78XEAAm4xt.jpg
http://ineducation.ca/ineducation/article/viewFile/196/764/1879
Mays Archive
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqsXc_aefKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZTMVNBjc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CY-iGduw5c
Deer, F., & Falkenberg, T. (Editors). (2017). Indigenous perspectives on education for well-being in Canada. Winnipeg: Education for Sustainable Well-Being Press.
O’Brien, C. (2016). Education for sustainable happiness and well-being. Basingstoke: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Images
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C177S78XEAAm4xt.jpg
http://ineducation.ca/ineducation/article/viewFile/196/764/1879
Mays Archive
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqsXc_aefKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZTMVNBjc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CY-iGduw5c