Nature Journal 10: Why I Need Wild


Why DO I need the wild? This question led me to reflect deeply on each of my nature excursions. I thought of multiple reasons why I need the wild but narrowed it down to five. First, I feel better during and after spending time outside, specifically with improved mental and physical health. I’m more productive due to increased focus and improved sleep. My second reason relates to the first since I’ve actively explored the environment in most of my nature excursions. Rather than staring at my laptop or sitting in a lecture hall all day, I went outside and moved. Third, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about various plant and animal species. By using apps to identify specific types, I have broadened my knowledge and understanding of flora and fauna found in nature. It’s incredibly interesting how biodiverse a simple park can be. As for my fourth reason, my nature outings became bonding experiences with friends and family. I reached out to them when I decided it was time for a blog entry, and we’d share unique outdoor experiences. Although we could’ve gone anywhere to catch up and bond, there was something about enjoying each other’s company while outside that enhanced each relationship. Fifth and finally, spending dedicated time in nature this semester has allowed me to ponder the world as a whole: my place in it, how living things interact, the interdependence of humans and the environment, etc. By focusing on nature in each outing, I realized that I’m a tiny part of a much larger universe. This shifted my perspective to concentrate on the meaning of the wild as well as my responsibility to care for it. I have always enjoyed hiking, playing sports, swimming, and walking outdoors, but this class has opened my eyes to the benefits of dedicated and extended time outside. I hope to maintain my nature excursions after this class is over because of numerous advantages I’ve described above. The wild holds immense knowledge, significance, mystery, and potential; therefore, it’s clear to me that I need it!

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