anoop interprets nature :)

ENVS*3000 interpretive nature blog

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Unit 07 - Nature Interpretation through Music

Having previously talked about the entwinement of art and nature on this blog, I was excited to write this week's blog post about a specific aspect of art that has been historically inspired by nature - music! As a lover of a multitude of music genres, to get inspired for this week's blog post I pressed shuffle on my playlists and listened closely, paying attention to song titles inspired by nature, lyrics mentioning natural phenomenons, or even songs containing sound bytes from nature. I encourage you all to try this activity, as I had previously not realized how many artists pull inspiration from the natural world in order to create their art.

After exploring my playlists for a while, I came to a seemingly simple conclusion - nature is within music the same way music is within nature. From the rhythmic singing of humpback whales to the melodic bird songs that many of us wake up to every morning, nature is inherently musical (Gray et al., 2001). If one were to stand in the middle of a forest for ten minutes, the sheer multitude of sounds emanating from both the flora and fauna would likely be astonishing. The wind blowing through the trees, the singing of a brook, and even the pattering of rain are a type of music, if one is only determined to tune in!

It is the nature of humankind to get inspired by our surroundings when we create art, and thus nature can be found everywhere within music. One of my favourite songs, Blackbird by the Beatles is quite obviously inspired by the blackbird, from the usage of metaphorical lyrics pertaining to birds to the actual warbling of blackbirds superimposed over the guitar at the end of the song. In this way, the artists were able to form a conduit between our species and another species, which I find absolutely beautiful and inspiring (Gray et al., 2001).

One song that immediately takes me back to a natural landscape is West Coast by Lana del Rey. Something about the instrumentals the producers decided to use and the music video reminds me of the way I felt when I saw the ocean for the first time (on the actual West Coast!). The heavy guitars and slow vocals remind me of the push and pull of the vast waves and the enormity of the ocean in general. As someone who has only seen the ocean a handful of times, I am and forever will be in awe of the magnitude of it all. I think this song perfectly captures what the ocean looks like at night, with the moonlight shining on the rising and falling waves. Give it a listen, but close your eyes and try to connect the imagery in your mind with the song. It's amazing how the artist was able to capture such a nuanced feeling within her work!

References: Gray, P. Krause, B. Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C. & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science. 291. 52-54.

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Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History

Preserving Memories of the Past

“There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.” ~Edward Hyams

This quote by Edward Hyams describes how the past as an individual unit holds no quantified goodness. Instead, there is goodness in integrity, which means to uphold pieces of the past and to bring forth these memories and concepts to the future. By ignoring the memories of the past, it is as if they never existed. 

Preserving memories of the past should hold high value as stories of the past can guide how lives are lived in the present. Both good and tragic memories of the past hold high importance and neither should be neglected—especially tragic memories. Tragic stories such as the struggle for equal rights for women, and civil rights movements for minorities, are important stories to tell as survivors are able to share their stories and become important figures in agents for change (Beck et a., 2018). For example, WWII Holocaust Museums and concentration camps around the world allow humanity to acknowledge the millions of victims lost, and help educate the world and prevent history from repeating itself. By preserving these experiences and memories, acts for change in social issues as described earlier are more likely to be conducted and acknowledged. 

An important factor in keeping the integrity of the past is through interpretation. Interpretation allows for past stories and artifacts to be shared with humankind. Without interpretation, artifacts are simply old objects, historical sites are ordinary pieces of land and traditional celebrations and ceremonies are purely sources of entertainment (Beck et al., 2018). Interpretation brings life and meaning into the past, where people may have not been able to acknowledge otherwise. It also provides us with explanations on why certain practices and traditions are prevalent in the present. With this knowledge and integrity of the past, ultimately it makes life more meaningful. 

My first experience with nature interpretation that focused on history includes Black Creek Pioneer Village, which is a history museum in Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in Vaughan, it was inevitable that my elementary school would make a trip to this site. This heritage museum contains 40 historic buildings, representing life in the 1860s (Smith, 2013). Some buildings in this attraction remain on their original sites, however many were brought over between the 1950s and 1980s to add to the preservation of the mid-19th-century rural and village life in Ontario (Smith, 2013). It was here where my class went through a walk-through of ‘a day in the life’ living in the 1800s. We were educated on mid-19th century artifacts, and were taken through the daily tasks and careers of a pioneer villager. With this experience, it gave me a better understanding of how individuals lived back then and how changes in technology greatly affected the world we live in today. With this experience, I recognized how important it is to educate children on the integrity of history and historical sites, which ultimately leads to a more educated generation and gives life purpose. 

Image of building from Black Creek Pioneer Village 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

Smith, D. (2013, January 20). Toronto feature: Black Creek Pioneer Village. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto-feature-black-creek-pioneer-village#:~:text=Black%20Creek%20Pioneer%20Village%20contains,late%201950s%20and%20early%201980s. 

Image taken from: https://blackcreek.ca/

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Hey there!

I really enjoyed reading your unique interpretation of Edward Hyams' quote - it appears as if we have similar ideas about the overall meaning but had different ideas about how this quote applies in the field of nature interpretation. I completely agree with your ideas about the importance of learning from our history - particularly tragic stories that involve complex social issues. I remember learning about stories from Black History Month as early as first grade, and I remember my teachers tackling these larger themes in an age-appropriate way that still left an impact on the class. Hearing these stories throughout my educational journey provided me with greater social awareness and a better understanding of Canadian history.

Having also grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, I too have visited Black Creek Pioneer Village on a school trip, and I had completely forgot about this trip until I read your blog post! I remember being so amazed with how immersive the experience was, as you feel transported to the 1860s as soon as you step foot inside this heritage site. I remember learning about the pioneer days in class, but when we finally got to visit the village and see the clothes, tools, and overall culture displayed in the museum, I felt as if I had gained an even deeper knowledge of the pioneers (and a heightened appreciation for the luxuries of the 21st century). It's interesting how much of a shared experience this trip was for students within the GTA, and how for many of us it was our first nature interpretation encounter that focused on history.

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Unit 06: Nature Interpretation through History

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it."

For this week's blog prompt, we were asked to unpack this quote. Upon my first time reading it, I was entirely perplexed by what exactly the author's main message was. However, if we are to analyze it almost line-by-line, it becomes easier to understand just how impactful this statement really is.

"There is no peculiar merit in ancient things…integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole" is likely referring to the fact that specific aspects or artifacts of history hold no particular meaning unless we utilize interpretation to link these specific aspects together and form a larger meaning (Beck et al. 2018). Interpretation is able to metaphorically "breathe life" into these seemingly meritless ancient artifacts, stories, or events (Beck et al. 2018).

"If these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things" likely refers to the challenge of maintaining authenticity and accuracy when interpreting specific aspects of history. When parts of history are "scattered throughout time", it may become difficult to gather these scattered parts together into a cohesive piece of interpretation, especially because accuracy can change over time. As societal values change, the interpretation of an event or aspect of history may change to reflect these shifting values (Beck et al. 2018). Therefore, in order to maintain integrity within interpretation, an individual must ensure to include research or knowledge of the past or "memory of ancient things", which will assist them in understanding contextual aspects of these "parts" of history.

"To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it". I found this particular statement within the quote particularly impactful, as the metaphor involving the train was able to summarize an incredibly complex concept related to interpretation. An important role of an interpreter is to encourage and help the audience to completely immerse themselves within an experience, and feel like they are part of a living history, rather than just visiting or hearing about an aspect of history that has long passed. When a visitor is immersed in an authentic experience, such as a re-enactment of a historical event, it becomes easier to allow their imaginations to fully connect with the story being told (Beck et al. 2018). Instead of the metaphorical railway station being looked at as a thing of the past, it can be instead looked at as a piece of history that continues to exist in an impactful and relevant way.

References Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

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A Rainy Day...

Before I start, let me paint the picture of what I am doing at this point in time. So here I am, sitting at my desk at the time I have allotted to complete this blog post. I am on my computer staring at a blank word document for what feels like forever. It's raining outside, so I feel comfortable and a bit more reluctant to complete this task. Cars are passing by, but I haven't heard a single soul outside yet, which is strange because it's 1pm. I am reflecting on the fact that throughout the entire day, I always have what feels like 1000 different thoughts in my head at once that don't let me have a moment of silence. But right now. With all the power in the world to talk about anything I wish, my mind is blank and quiet.

It's amusing to me that no boundaries were set for this week, and I have the chance to be creative, but I am at a loss. When I really think about it, I am a bit fearful! Why can't I decide on one thing? Am I too reliant on others or my phone? Can I not think for myself? But then I take a step back and remind myself that we are in a challenging part of the semester. I have assignments like no other, midterms coming up, and my body has been wrapped in stress for far too long. So? It's okay that I couldn't think of something right away. I'm tired, and school has been a lot.

So instead of talking about things that stimulate the brain, let's talk about how powerful weather, seasons and conditions are to us. Because as I look outside on this cold rainy day, all I want to do is stay inside, close my school work and watch a movie. The act of leaving my apartment right now feels like the largest chore. It is so funny because yesterday it was 6 degrees Celsius and sunny, and I was so upbeat and wanted to stay out the whole day.

However, today, my day started completely different because I woke up to the sound of rain. I think that's pretty powerful, don't you think?

I don't know about you, but when the sun started setting at 4:30pm in late November to December, I was struggling. As someone who likes to get things done during the day, trying to get work done when it is dark felt impossible. My roommates and I found each other getting ready for bed at 6pm and would only realize once we checked the time. We felt so tired, and it ultimately affected all of our work patterns and mental states. Seasonal depression is so real. It's hard to stay so upbeat when the day ends so early. Nowadays, the sun is setting at 5:30pm, and things are starting to feel much better. Although I am still anxiously waiting for the warmth of summer and those long summer months when the day doesn't end until 9pm.

I guess I am trying to say is that sometimes you must take a step back to see how often we are affected by nature. It's okay if you wake up feeling down on a cold rainy day with no intention to move. Seasons and weather are so powerful! It subconsciously affects us every day without us even knowing sometimes.

Here is a picture that was taken at 9:07pm in June.

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Hey Alexia,

Reading your post made me laugh a little bit because I believe we may have very similar thought processes. I too, was unsure what to write about in this weeks prompt - I almost feel like when things are too open-ended, I struggle to complete a task and I think you may also feel the same way.

I completely agree with your perspective on how much the weather or seasons around us affects our mental health and overall motivation and well-being. I echo your sentiment - seasonal depression is very real, and living somewhere in which the winter season can be unbearably cold at times definitely doesn't help matters. I always wonder what life would be like if my parents had decided to immigrate somewhere warmer instead of Canada - would I be more productive or happier if the sun was always shining? I have a feeling that I would find something else to complain about, perhaps the humidity or constantly being sunburnt. I guess the phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side" definitely applies here.

Nonetheless, I understand what you mean when you say your motivation dwindles when it starts to become dark outside. It's hard to stay focused when the sky is pitch black at 7pm - it makes you feel like you should be in bed resting instead of studying. Looking at the picture you posted reminded me how excited I am for summer, when the days are long and the sun sets at exactly the right time.

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Free Write

Do you ever feel like you have so much on your mind, but when someone asks you what's on your mind you don't know how to answer them? That is kind of what this week's blog prompt feels like. I have a lot to write about, but I have no idea where to start! Something I find easy to write about is my life, so I suppose I'll use this blog post like a little diary entry.

One thing I've always enjoyed is taking myself on little adventures. As an introvert, the person who I enjoy spending the most time with is myself - however conceited that may seem. I find peace in solitude, especially when everything else in life feels unpredictable and uncontrollable. I like to put on a pair of headphones, play some music, and bus around the city until I find somewhere I'd like to study, or perhaps somewhere to shop or explore. In winter, the places I end up stopping are usually indoors, but when the weather is nicer I like to walk around downtown and take some time to stroll through parks or trails. When life starts to feel overwhelming, I always find solace in my adventures, no matter how mundane they may seem. I love the feeling of independence, even though as a 21 year old university student I am still very much dependent on my family and friends. These little outings make me feel like I have a secret life - something that is just for me to know about and nobody else. When I need a break, I just slip out of the house for a bit and it helps me put things into perspective. I spend a fair amount of time just people watching, and I find it oddly comforting. The thought of every single person who passes me by each having their own lives, relationships, worries, and bad habits makes me feel a little bit more human.

Observing nature on these adventures also makes me feel a little bit more human, but in a different way. I think it helps me feel appreciative for the small things, and gratitude for the life I have been given. Watching a family of ducks swim around in a pond, or a rabbit dart across the grass, or a squirrel dig for nuts is a lot more interesting than it sounds. Once you start watching these things, you notice that nature is constantly in motion. And yet, when I sit on a park bench and really try to observe nature, it feels like time has slowed down.

It might sound weird or uncomfortable, but I encourage everyone to spend time alone once in a while. Something as small as an hour-long walk around the park can help change your perspective on things. It is important to remember that there is a key difference between being alone and being lonely. When you feel lonely, you may feel disconnected from others. But when you're alone, you may find that your connection to the world around you only deepens.

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Unit 04: Nature Interpretation through Art and Planning for “All” Scenarios

In my personal opinion, the “gift of beauty” is based on the most essential guiding principle of nature interpretation. Possessing the ability and desire to truly understand the beauty in one’s surroundings, creating a spiritual connection with these surroundings, and allowing that connection to guide one towards resource preservation is absolutely fundamental (Beck et al. 2018). This is a gift that one must develop over their lifetime, and is oftentimes overlooked due to the way modern society’s emphasis on nature interpretation as a whole seems to be diminishing. Whether this is due to rapid urbanization, the rise of technology’s prominence in society, or just an overall lack of accessible nature interpretation resources, it almost seems as if possessing the gift of beauty is now more of a rare privilege rather than an attainable objective. In fact, I would venture as far as saying that the gift of beauty is something that many individuals will not possess in their lifetimes, as it is not deemed an important societal value. This is why I feel like the field of nature interpretation as a whole would benefit from both increased accessibility and prioritization in general, whether this be through the education system, the media, or the government. 

The way I interpret the gift of beauty is heavily based upon my upbringing and surroundings, which is likely a common theme amongst my peers. The religious and spiritual beliefs I hold also play a part in my interpretation, as I consider myself a spiritual person who feels a strong, innate connection to nature and this connection has given me possession of the gift of beauty. Whether it be through listening to religious hymns about nature, meditative walks, or even just simply watching the snowfall on a winter’s day, nature’s beauty is constantly on my mind. This appreciation for nature’s beauty has also led me to prioritize nature conservation so that future generations may also experience the world in the same way.

In my eyes, nature and art are forever entwined, as one cannot exist without the other. Whether it be through visual arts, music, storytelling, poetry, theatre, or dance, mankind has relied on nature as a muse since the beginning of time (Beck et al. 2018). The way I interpret nature through art takes many forms, as I consider myself a creative person who is heavily inspired by the world around me. Visiting art museums and being in awe at the way an artist has captured something as ordinary as a sunset is my attempt at seeking meaning and interpreting another individual’s interpretation of nature (Beck et al. 2018). This activity which may only last a few hours and doesn’t necessarily involve me interacting with nature itself has a way of strengthening my connection with the world around me and creating a newfound appreciation for the field of nature interpretation (Beck et al. 2018).

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

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Unit 03: Risk versus Reward in Interpretation

My definition of privilege is one that stems from my personal experiences. Growing up in a neighbourhood where the majority of my friends and acquaintances stemmed from a similar background as me, it was almost like living in a bubble. It had never occurred to me that being a woman of colour or coming from a lower-middle class family were attributes that would contribute negatively towards my privilege. Similarly, it had also not occurred to me that being able to receive free healthcare and education put me in a position of privilege over others. Naively, I had classified the world into two different categories: those who had it far worse than me and those who had it far better than me. Now that I have grown up, moved to a city outside of my hometown, and have generally matured, I understand that privilege is an incredibly nuanced topic. This is why it is difficult to constitute an exact definition for the word privilege, and it is something that I believe is highly individualized. In general, I think it is essential to recognize the privileges we have been given, however small they may be, and be appreciative of what they may be. Although I do believe that some individuals are inherently privileged in terms of the resources, abilities, or advantages they have been given, I also understand that those individuals may not understand that they are in fact privileged – they may see these as rights rather than privileges.

When it comes to the field of nature interpretation, I believe that recognizing one’s inherent privileges while simultaneously taking the time to understand their audience's privileges (or lack thereof) is fundamental to being a successful interpreter (Beck et al. 2018). As an interpreter, you want to be able to put yourself in the perspective of your audience to be able to connect with them on a more meaningful level, and oftentimes this means thinking deeper about the audience’s background. For example, to understand why an individual is attending a specific nature interpretation program, it is beneficial to think about what privileges may have allowed them to attend in the first place (Beck et al. 2018). Perhaps they are privileged enough to have free time on a weekend to attend a guided nature walk, or perhaps they are privileged enough to have a vehicle to reliably transport them to a remote conservation area. Similarly, understanding why an individual due to a lack of privileges may not be able to attend or spend time at a nature interpretation program can help break down barriers and increase accessibility (Beck et al. 2018). For example, if the fees to attend a specific nature interpretation program are relatively high, there is an entire niche of people who will be unable to attend the program and therefore unable to access opportunities that could potentially be very meaningful and strengthen their relationship with nature. Taking these lack of privileges into consideration can help eliminate barriers and prioritize accessibility within the field of nature interpretation.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

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Week 2:- Teaching Learners

Interpretation, of any kind, is the process of simplifying complicated ideas, making connections and teaching others about your findings. Nature and environmental interpretation is no different. The main goal of an environmental interpreter is to help people better understand nature with the hopes of aiding in the development of a positive and sustainable relationship with the environment. Overall, as an environmental interpreter, you are a teacher of the environment.

As a teacher, it’s important to not only know how your audience learns but also how you as the interpreter learns and teaches best. Upon completing the learning style quiz in our Unit 2 content, I found that I was 50% a visual learner, 30% auditory learner and 20% tactile learner. This means that learn best by reading and seeing pictures, which is totally true. I love to use flashcards, colour code and draw diagrams or charts to aid with learning. I’ve always known that I am a visual learner, but I’ve never thought about what kind of teacher I am. After pondering this question, I realized that I am also a visual teacher. I begin by trying to explain using words and go on to make illustrations to aid in my explanation. A funny example that came to mind as I was thinking about how I teach and explain, was when my boyfriend asked me to be his girlfriend. I was so nervous and could barely talk, so I drew a diagram to explain that I did in fact want to be his girlfriend.

Another crucial part that comes with the job, is not only being knowledgeable but also passionate about your teachings. I believe that passion really shows through when you’re talking or explaining something. We’ve all had teachers or professors who seem very uninterested in the material they are teaching, which leads to a bland and boring learning experience. I’m sure we’ve also all experienced teachers and professors who are very enthusiastic about the material they are teaching, who are happy to answer endless questions and who are able to explain the topic in many different ways to ensure everyone understands. Though all teachers and professors are knowledgeable about the topics they are teaching, their passion is what sets them apart.

If I was to take on the role of an environmental interpreter, I would choose a location that is rich in animals, plants and breathtaking scenery. The place that comes to mind is Banff Nation Park in Alberta. I got the opportunity to visit Banff for the first time this past October and it was absolutely stunning. I saw so much wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, coyotes and so much more. It was so nice to see so many majestic animals in their natural habitat. I don’t think I could ever get tired of looking at the beautiful views at Banff, which is why this is the area I would choose to interpret. As an environmental interpreter, I would make sure to use lots of pictures and diagrams to aid with the verbal explanations my findings while also ensuring the audience is able to get some hands-on experience when possible. I will also plan for question periods to clear up and misunderstandings whenever needed. With all these techniques in mind, I believe this would make the most ideal environmental interpreter.

Banff National Park, Alberta. Taken October 18th, 2022.

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Hey, I really enjoyed reading this post as I felt like we share a lot of similarities in the way we consider the field of interpretation and teaching as a whole. In fact, in my post I wrote about how my ideal role of an environmental interpreter would be working as an elementary school science teacher! I agree with what you wrote about the importance of having passion as a teacher. There are a few teachers I have encountered throughout my years of schooling that have taken the extra step to provide an enthusiastic and encouraging environment, and this is something I would hope to achieve if I were to work as an interpreter. I especially thought that your mention of the different learning styles was fascinating. Understanding the ways that you and your audience may learn and process information is key to providing a satisfying and enriching experience for both parties. 

As someone who dreams of traveling across Canada, I found your video of Banff National Park inspiring. Working in this environment as an interpreter sounds like a dream job! The use of pictures and diagrams is a great way to engage with audiences of all ages, and would definitely supplement your verbal explanations in a meaningful way. I also like that you mentioned having a question period, as this is one of my favourite parts of any interpretation experience I’ve partaken in. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I hope to hear more from you soon!

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UNIT 2: Teaching Learners

Prior to enrolling in this course, I had never really considered being an environmental interpreter. In fact, I believe I had a misconstrued view of the field of interpretation as a whole. In my eyes, partaking in the role of an interpreter was a simplistic task. A tour guide was just that - someone who gives people tours of a national park, for example. Passionately connecting with the audience, increasing their appreciation and understanding of the world around them, and overall providing enrichment to their experiences are just a few of the roles an interpreter may be responsible for (Beck et al. 2018). This means that a successful environmental interpreter is an individual who is capable of wearing many hats simultaneously, so to speak. You have to be a teacher, a storyteller, an environmentalist, and much more to really build a lasting connection with your audience and truly fulfill the role of an interpreter (Beck et al. 2018).

At first, considering my ideal role of environmental interpreter seemed overwhelming. After learning about what this job really entails, I started to think about my passions, interests, and skills, and where they may intersect within the vast web of environmental interpretation. Thinking about my previous interactions with environmental interpreters helped guide my understanding as to where I may fit in best, as there are a few standout interpreters I have encountered in my life who significantly contributed to my understanding of the world around me. The majority of these interpreters I had encountered during my childhood, through field trips throughout Southern Ontario whose memories I still hold dear to my heart. Therefore, I think my ideal role as an interpreter would be someone who works with children and helps them appreciate the beauty of nature in a local sense, whether it be at a conservation area in their city or a national park a few hours away.

As someone who didn’t grow up going on many vacations or traveling with my family, learning to appreciate the environment that I lived in every day helped foster a love of nature for me and that is definitely something I would aspire to instill in the children I work with. Perhaps this role could be fulfilled being an elementary school science teacher, who often takes their children on local field trips within their municipality. One skill that would be essential to possess and hone is patience, as working with children requires one to be able to understand their behaviour, and possess a great deal of both tolerance and composure when it comes to connecting with the audience. However, the one attribute that I would consider paramount to my success in this role is love. Love of the place and love for the visitors or audience is a key principle that I believe would translate very well when working with children, as I believe that when children can sense one’s passion for the work they are doing, they are more likely to feel engaged (Beck et al. 2018). As an interpreter, I would hope to positively impact the lives of each and every child I get the privilege to work with, and create long-lasting memories full of love and wonder.

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

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Developing a Sense of Place in a Transient Urban World

A person's relationship with nature can vary widely depending on their individual experiences and background. Some may have grown up spending a lot of time outdoors, in natural environments, and may have developed a strong connection to and appreciation for nature. They may participate in activities such as hiking, camping, or rock climbing, and may have a deep understanding of the natural world and its ecological systems.

Others, like myself, may have grown up in more urban environments and have had less exposure to nature. They may not have as deep of an understanding of or connection to the natural world but may still appreciate its beauty and importance.

It's important to note that everyone's relationship with nature can be different and constantly changing as they go through different life stages, exposure, and personal experiences. After spending my first summer in the city of Guelph this past year, I found that my relationship with nature blossomed. I worked on self-discovery with a major focus on practicing mindfulness, a concept that was foreign to me.

Mindfulness practices can be done in many different settings, not only in nature. However, exposure to nature can serve as a facilitator, providing an environment where mindfulness can be practiced more easily, and have a more profound impact. My time in Guelph helped me see that nature can serve as a distraction-free environment, which can help to focus the mind and reduce the constant stream of thoughts and distractions that can make it difficult to practice mindfulness. Exposure to nature has been linked to improvements in the ability to practice mindfulness. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can have positive effects on mental health and well-being, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and increasing feelings of relaxation and calm. In the text, Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World, a "sense of place" is described as an emotional or affective connection to a specific place or environment, and it can be nurtured by different agents, such as parents, teachers, community leaders, or personal experiences.

My sense of place developed through my experience growing up in various locations across the city of Toronto. This made it difficult to form any sort of real connection with other kids my age because I never had the opportunity to establish deep roots in any one location. Luckily, growing up with three sisters made it possible for me to develop a sense of place despite the circumstances. I am at my happiest when they are around me as we adapt to different environments and find a sense of belonging in different places, through our strong connection and ability to share these experiences.

[akbenvs3000w23]

Hey Anisa,

Your post really resonated with me as I feel like we have had very similar experiences in terms of our relationship with nature and how it has evolved over time. Growing up, I always felt like I was missing out on opportunities to experience nature through activities such as hiking or camping, as I would hear my peers describe these activities which helped them personally create a sense of place. However, I think people like you and I have the potential for building that strong connection with nature and developing our sense of place through traveling and experiencing new environments that are contrasting to the ones we grew up in. 

I also felt like moving to Guelph helped me rediscover my relationship with mindfulness, and I was pleasantly surprised to read that you felt the same way. I agree that nature can assist with serving as a distraction-free environment, and when I am feeling overwhelmed with school I feel like even taking a short walk around Guelph has an immensely positive impact on my mental health and concentration levels. It’s interesting that a city less than two hours away from Toronto can have such a drastically different environment, and subsequently such a drastic impact on your world view and sense of place. Taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature in a more rural city has quite literally changed my life, and I am happy to hear that you also feel the same way.

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UNIT 1: Launching Into Nature Interpretation

Growing up as the child of immigrants, I always felt like my relationship with nature paled in comparison to the rest of my family’s. While I was born and raised within the GTA, my father was born in rural Kenya, my mother was born in England, and both my maternal and paternal grandparents were born in Punjab. Growing up, I heard stories about the rain pattering down on the roof of my father’s veranda in Kisumu, where he used to sit and watch over the vast expanse of farmland, perhaps catching a glimpse of an elephant or hyena fleeing to hide from the weather. Being part of a culture that heavily revolves around farming, I felt like I was missing out on a huge part of my heritage or identity growing up in a typical suburban neighbourhood. My relationship with nature was limited, confined to my little world that included my backyard, the field behind my school, and the local playground. I would make “homes” for ants I captured and futilely wave my butterfly net in the air in an attempt to capture a nimble dragonfly. Although my interactions with nature weren’t awe-inspiring, or necessarily out of the ordinary, they helped me build a fundamental appreciation of nature. In fact, the mundanity of these experiences made me yearn for the chance to further explore my connection with nature in the future.

My family’s farm in Kenya, sometime in the 1960s

When I moved to Guelph for university, I felt like I had been given the opportunity to further my relationship with nature. I began taking long walks while listening to podcasts, noticing all of the abundant wildlife that I had never encountered back home. Even being able to look up at the stars at night, unclouded by pollution, provided a deeply fulfilling feeling I had never experienced before. Recently, I went on my first trip outside of the province in almost ten years, to visit family in British Columbia. This trip was life changing for me in the way it deepened my appreciation for the beauty of nature in a way that will stick with me forever. For the first time, I experienced the ocean, the mountains, and the fresh forest air that felt cleansing on a cellular level. On the airplane ride back from the trip, I made a promise to myself that moving forwards, I would make an effort to experience and appreciate the nature all around me every day. I hope that this blog can help me keep that promise to myself. 

My first picture of the ocean!

According to the text, an interpreter can help an individual gain a sense of place and assist them in responding to the beauty of their environment (Beck et al., 2018). Someone who has helped me in interpreting nature throughout my childhood and even to this day is my father. Through emphasizing the importance of his own personal experiences with nature, and encouraging me to pursue my own individualized relationship with the world around me, I have been able to create my own sense of place in this world. Learning about my family’s history and heritage has also helped me see the metaphorical “bigger picture” in life and has inspired me to both connect with my past and plan for my future. 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

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Disclaimer

This blog was created for ENVS 3000, University of Guelph. 

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph. 

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog.