To continue my favorite summer reading books, I’ve included Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell. I would add to the title “Children of all ages.” Nature can bring out the child in us and is part of the reason I love Mother Nature so much.

This summer, or any time, I invite you to try some of the exercises in this book. One of my favorites I used teaching a group of First Graders is “feel the heart beat of a tree.” Another very popular one is “meeting a tree.”

Today, I’ve also included another short YouTube video of Muir Woods. It was filmed just last week, so you will receive the summer feeling. Also a ride across Golden Gate Bridge is included. The park is now currently open for visitors.

The Japanese term for a walk in Nature is “forest breathing.” Breathing in nature makes me feel part of this miraculous creation and part of all that is.

I’ve included here an excerpt about John Muir from Sharing Nature with Children:

“John Muir would sometimes become so engrossed in his wandering in the Sierras that a one-day outing would become a trek lasting several days or even weeks. And in his travels he had none of the ‘essential supplies’ like food, warm clothing or even sleeping blankets. He was sustained by his love of beauty and solitude. Listen to his description of the inspiration that nourished him in wild places:

‘Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer… Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energies, while cares will drop off like Autumn leaves.'”

That’s how I feel when I have only been walking in the woods for a few minutes. Wonderful.

My dad told me a story of his experiences with his dad growing up. His dad would give them each two baked potatoes– one for each pocket– and they would walk in the forest for the entire day into the evening. He loved those times.

We are made out of Nature and are part of Nature, not separate. A friend once told me that if I was lonely to make friends with a tree. I have done that and have realized we can make friends with any part of nature and feel whole. 

We, humanity, are growing in the understanding that our Love and stewardship of our dear Grandmother Earth cannot be delayed any longer.