LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

"One might argue that a computer, with its near-infinite coding possibilities, is histories deepest box of loose parts. But binary code, made of two parts --X and O-- have its limits. Nature, which excites all the senses, remains the riches source of loose parts."

LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

"Children live through their senses. Sensory experiences link the child's exterior world with their interior, hidden, affective world. Since the natural world is the principle source of sensory stimulation, freedom to explore and play with the outdoor environment through the senses in their own space and time is essential for healthy development of an interior life. . . . This type of self-activated, autonomous interaction is what we call free play. Individual children test themselves by interacting with their environment, activating their potential and reconstructing human culture. The content of the environment is a critical factor in this process. A rich, open environment will continuously present alternative choices for creative engagement. A rigid, bland environment will limit healthy growth and development of the individual or group."  

- Robin Moore

LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

The Rise of Cultural Autism

In the most nature-deprived corners of the world we can see the rise of what might be called cultural autism. The symptoms? Tunneled senses, and feeling of isolation and containment. Experience, including physical risk, is narrowing to about the size of a cathode ray, tube or flat panel if you prefer. Atrophy of the senses was occurring long before we came to be bombarded with the latest generation of computers, high-definition TV and wireless phones.

A FaceBook Note from Susan Welsh: CELEBRATE LIFE!!!

It seems the grass is greener on the other side to some of us. While others, think that they are the only ones with intelligence, wisdom, or good looks. But what would it be like, if we could truly walk in other people's shoes. I remember when I was younger, it was a big thing to take a slender, attractive woman and put her in a "fat-suit."  After there was no visible resemblance; they followed her with a camera down the street. The first thing she noticed was not attracting the attention she was used to getting paid. So she would try to engage the people by approaching them. This lead to being ignored or openly ridiculed.

By the end of the day, her eyes were downcast and she was unapproachable; praying to take off the suit, and get back to normal. If life was that easy?  You can't change:the color of your skin, your birth place, or erase past experiences from your life. You can't even control others differences of opinion, how they view you, or even if they accept you. They only control you have is your thoughts. You should never be ashamed of your past, for it brought you to the here and now. Nor should you change yourself to be accepted by others.

The best way to end discrimination is to put on that "proverbial fat-suit", and forget the judgment mode. Once you put yourself in someone else's situation, understanding and acceptance evolve. We all have obstacles to face, day in and day out. We all feel outside the box, at times. We need to spread love and peace in the World. We need to shine our light while identifying with the oneness, and celebrating the uniqueness that is within each of us!

Citation: Welsh, Susan. Celebrate Life!!! Face Book Post. January 14, 2011. <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Welsh/140118259355754#!/notes/susan-welsh/celebrate-life/143504692373466>

Each Child Is Unique: Picasso's Message To Parents

“Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.” —Pablo Picasso

 Citation: ThinkExist.com. Pablo Picasso Quotes. January 14, 2011. <http://thinkexist.com/quotation/each_second_we_live_is_a_new_and_unique_moment_of/339726.html>.