By Hadassa Ferreira, Arts & Culture Editor
March arrived and brought back the long-awaited time of spring! After months of winter chills, people will be able to get outside, breathe fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, and explore the environment and all the blessings nature can give them.
Mainly for Floridians who were born in a state that is surrounded by nature everywhere, having the opportunity to enjoy nature is a crucial factor in their lives since their emotional connection to it is huge. For someone who has great memories of spring, surrounded by their feet on the sand, collecting rocks and leaves, or even observing cute animals, spring is a special moment.
However, not everyone has this special connection to nature. Some people who grew up in big cities, amid concrete everywhere, might not see the same value in nature or find it harder to feel a deep emotional attachment to nature.
Some people might see nature, specifically in the spring, as an inconvenience: a lot of bugs, intense hot weather, high humidity, undesired animals that are everywhere, such as those little lizards and frogs you see all around pathways in Florida. Therefore, they find it harder to get emotionally connected to it and see its benefits.
It is a fact, though, that nature is very special and brings several benefits to people’s lives. For instance, according to an article by UC Davis, human bodies can relax in natural environments since nature provides breaks to the intense and exhaustive routine and helps physical wellness by decreasing cortisol levels. This is why it is important for those who do not have a connection with nature to find good ways to bond with the natural environment.
A good way to connect with nature is by recognizing its spiritual value in human lives. For those who are religious, nature is a good way to perceive God, for example. Nature, as a creation of God, tells us about Him all the time.
As stated in Psalms 19:1–4, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.”
Art is another great way of connecting with nature. Those who need creativity to develop beautiful artwork can find in nature an infinite number of inspiring sources and elements that can help in the creation process. Nature provides a variety of colors, textures, essences, and sounds that can raise people’s creativity.
“One of literature’s great roles is connecting us through our common humanity. But we also get to connect to other species, geographies, natural features, the elements, etc., through stories, essays, poems, and other forms of art. Besides educating us, art and literature broaden our knowledge, compassion, and empathy. As we understand our place in the web of life, our values can evolve towards respect for all creatures and natural places,” stated associate professor of English and creative writing Gianna Russo.
Finding an emotional connection with nature is also a great way of perceiving yourself. Humans are part of nature; we are natural beings, and slowing down to feel the environment around us is an effective way of perceiving our emotions and understanding our purpose on this planet on a larger scale.
Travelling and experiencing new natural places is also a good way of finding a deep connection to nature. Many people, when choosing a destination for their trips, think about historical sites or even places with a lot of technological entertainment. However, the United States is full of natural sites, such as national parks, where people can enjoy beautiful natural views. Camping in natural parks offers one of the best ways to truly experience nature.
Florida is a state full of options for eco-tourism, and Saint Leo University is the perfect campus to enjoy some of those. Our campus is full of natural beauty everywhere you look. It is a nice place to take a walk, fish, and swim.
“Living and working at Saint Leo allows us to enjoy nature if we just take the time to do so. We can appreciate the azaleas that are blooming right now, the visits by sandhill cranes, the soft sounds of the lake, the peacefulness of the grotto, and the wide, open lawns where we can relax, read, visit, or simply reflect,” added Russo.
One of the best advantages of being a college student is that this phase is perfect for learning and developing new habits. Often, in a place like Saint Leo, people who have not been used to enjoying nature or connecting with it have the opportunity to do so.
Do not lose the opportunity of finding the best way of connecting with nature. Always keep in mind that everyone is different, and you can do what is best for you and what works more in your routine. At the end, what matters is to stay naturally connected!
