Reconnecting to Childlike Wonder and Awe in Nature
Clouds reflecting off lake- view from a dock
We have been having great fun at the blog talking with people both near and far about how they refuel this month. One consistent theme is the clear role nature plays as a partner for each of us to refuel, reset, and reconnect.
After hearing blog guest, Alice Hortop, speak about how transformative her time in the sea was, we decided to try it out more intentionally for ourselves. The OT students who have been part of launching the blog, and I have all had opportunities to notice just how beneficial water can be. In addition, I have been paying attention not only to how my body feels while in a local lake, but how my children respond to me while spending time in the water as well.
Feeling a little disconnected
Have you ever heard of first puberty at age 6? They say that at that age children go through changes as they become increasingly independent. They can be moody, no longer interested in things like hugs and snuggles because they feel they are too grown up— turns out I have a child who seems to be experiencing this stage so I’m sure thankful to realize such a stage exists.
Water— the ultimate parenting partner for the win
Well, you’ll be happy to know I’ve done an experiment of sorts this week— 20 minutes or more in the water with my children and the connection and joy we share is palpable. I hear things like, “My body feels so relaxed. This is the best day, mom.” And— I got 7 hugs in one day and the biggest sincere smiles I have seen when I asked for a photo to capture how great this time with them felt. And— I feel more relaxed too, at ease, settled. peace filled, reset. This sensation also stays for several hours following our time in the water. I can’t say I felt unsettled before I went in for a swim either, only that I noticed my body felt noticeably more settled after being in the water. It was not a fluke experience either as three days in a row, I recognized the distinct sensation that being in the water brings— and I want to experience that more and see that for my children as well.
Water pairs well with adults too
The OT students and I also spent our final day of their fieldwork experience enfolding their research finding presentations with wading in the lake. It was glorious— I’m incredibly proud of all three of them, their willingness to expand their understanding of occupational therapy in community practice, and step fully into their unique gifts they will bring the profession.
In occupational therapy, we joke that we have been around for over 100 years and still no one knows what we do. The students and I take changing that very seriously. We talk about one of the best ways for people to know what we do is not just talk about what we do but show how occupation influences our well being in health by our own actions as well. We recognize the importance of ongoing adaptation and commitment to live well occupied lives ourselves.
And how can you beat applying OT knowledge and the findings of research to wrap up a formal learning experience by having that conversation in the water. Nature did not disappoint— it was every bit as powerful as we’ve been talking about the past two weeks.
Friday’s lessons from near and far— Bronwyn Paynter of Australia
We start the weekend with a conversation with occupational therapist, Bronwyn Paynter. She further makes the case for nature and how it influences our health and wellbeing. And, she reminds us just how simple that can be. She makes a strong case for occupational therapists assessing nature in all our assessments and offers ideas of how weaving nature into our practice can look.
This brings us to this week’s reflective questions:
What are you noticing about your own relationships with nature this week?
Looking for a suggestion? How do you feel if you place your bare feet in sand, water, or grass for 20 minutes?
When is the last time you experienced childlike wonder and awe in nature? What might inspire that feeling again?
