Experiencing Nature

This week’s discussion will be about the different ways that we experience nature; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We will talk about what it means to truly “experience” nature, as well as different means of doing so.

There are two readings for this week (listed below). While reading those will certainly be helpful, another way that you can be prepared for this discussions is by taking some time to enjoy nature. Sit on the quad, go on a hike, explore a park or a forest. Think about how you’re experiencing nature, how you interact with your surroundings, and how it makes you feel. Take some time over the course of the next week to do this.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2013/11/06/experiencing-nature-makes-us-more-forward-thinking/ – This one is dubiously scientifically accurate, but it’ll make you think.

http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/13-essential-first-experiences-in-nature/ – knock off buzzfeed style article because I now you don’t really want to read a 10 page scholarly article.