Tuesday, November 11, 2014
This past weekend I had the opportunity to help chaperon the 5K run around campus, which did not mean I just stood and watched to make sure no one got hurt. The team and I had volunteered our Saturday morning, right before our Alumni game, to have water stations set up and go through the course encouraging everyone in the 5K. We had also raised money by selling string bags with the logo on it for $10 to $20 each. Other than keeping a good attitude everything came naturally and wasn't really work but rather fun. What was most rewarding was probably seeing the people participating in the race finish, though I didn't run the race for them, something about being involved in the backstage where no one really knows what you did which gives a "similar" feeling to watching someone open their surprise present from their secret Santa. It's the overwhelming urge to tell them everything and the will to let it be and that being enough for you to do it again, whatever it is.
Antonio Grant
Freshman Seminar
Analysis Paper
October 31, 2014
In Richard Louv's book published in 2005, "Last Child in the Woods," Author Louv's hypothesis is that human beings, in particular children, are spending more time indoors and less time outdoors resulting in a wide spectrum of behavioral problems which manifests in mental, physical, and spiritual discord. Mr.. Louv calls this nature deficit disorder, which seems a bit excessive because in that case most of the world is suffering from this "disorder." Which then puts into question Richard Louv himself, when looking from the outside in it seems as though Richard Louv isn't any different from anyone else. Since he has published a book, we can assume he has received a sufficient education and because he is a writer, we can assume that he spends a lot of days and nights to himself. Further more since his thesis is on nature, he probably spent his time in the woods searching for inspiration, which can also explain the reasoning behind the title for his book, when he felt as if he were the "Last Child in the Woods." Finally using personal experience while referencing his previous education and the research he did himself, Mr.. Louv formulated a solid and safe theory. Logical enough not to stir up controversy and clear enough to seem to be the first to introduce this proposal by giving a label, nature deficit disorder. Now I'm not positioning myself against Richard Louv, it is important to analyze not only every detail of the intel but where this intel is coming from as well. To a certain extent Mr.. Louv is correct, the only correction that is necessary is the dissolution of the medical term nature deficit disorder.
The way I see it is that most people are so caught up with trying to find themselves in others on the same journey, when in fact one needs to create themselves from within. I realize giving something a label as Mr.. Louv did is necessary, but I say leave that to the doctors and in the medical realm. Once we talk person to person and not robot to person then labels are not needed in order to become a better version of ourselves. A lot of people are dying in this world, fewer people are actually living and this is because we as a species have created a variety of distractions from spending any time with ourselves. We all knowing very well that there is no everlasting fulfillment in these distractions, but many fool themselves anyway all for nothing. Mr.. Louv essentially is just saying the same thing, that we need to get in touch with our true selves which involves getting away from it all and completely change where you are so you can more easily change blossom into who you want to become. How convenient that the tools to do such as daring task can be found in nature, reminder that I said "tools" though it is not necessary to dive into the wilderness, participating with earth will make one's metamorphosis simpler, by no means will it be easier though. Basically the end goal is the same, what will make each one of us unique is how we get there.
Through out many of the readings in Biophilia, there are plenty of examples that show the enlightenment found in nature. "The physical surroundings inclined youngsters toward an awe of nature." (Wilson, The Serpent) In this small quote Wilson clearly expresses his belief in the beauty of nature and how easy it is to inspire that same love in children. "The Earth with its layers of land and water and air provides the space within which all living things are nurtured and the context within which humans attain their identity." (Berry, Evening Thoughts) Once again their seems to be a common theme with these authors, concluding that Earth has been placed here for us in order for us to become who we were always meant to be.
Time is definitely the most valuable currency out there, and we are all running out of it. In order to be successful in all aspects of life people need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Their are 24 hours in a day and a third of that time is spent looking at a screen whether it be for work, school, media, that's time that could be spent on yourself because no one is coming to save your life from you. Richard Louv has generously given the world another reminder of what's important, and if we come together on this rather than waiting for another external reminder, then we can without a doubt overcome many issues that nature deficit disorder ties into. The solution to this are our children, the sooner we are able to integrate "nature" into there lives the better, we can prevent this issue from even rising, abolishing the term, nature deficit disorder, from the medical books. Unfortunately it's harder to teach an old dog new tricks, this proves not only biologically but in everyday audiences. That's why it's to change the minds of people to see something the way another does because at a certain age people only want to hear what they already believe, no matter right or wrong, good or bad. This is part of their journey in realizing themselves and what they stand for and why, once someone knows their why and are willing to die for it then comes acting upon it, but this will never come to reality unless Richard Louv's proposal of more outdoor experience comes to be a standard for everyone.
Louv, Richard. Interview by Steve Inskeep. Saving Kids from 'Nature Deficit Disorder'. May 25, 2005. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4665933. Accessed October 23, 2014.
Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2009.
Wilson, Edward O. Biophilia. The Serpent. October 31, 2014.
Freshman Seminar
Analysis Paper
October 31, 2014
The Human Race for Humanity
In Richard Louv's book published in 2005, "Last Child in the Woods," Author Louv's hypothesis is that human beings, in particular children, are spending more time indoors and less time outdoors resulting in a wide spectrum of behavioral problems which manifests in mental, physical, and spiritual discord. Mr.. Louv calls this nature deficit disorder, which seems a bit excessive because in that case most of the world is suffering from this "disorder." Which then puts into question Richard Louv himself, when looking from the outside in it seems as though Richard Louv isn't any different from anyone else. Since he has published a book, we can assume he has received a sufficient education and because he is a writer, we can assume that he spends a lot of days and nights to himself. Further more since his thesis is on nature, he probably spent his time in the woods searching for inspiration, which can also explain the reasoning behind the title for his book, when he felt as if he were the "Last Child in the Woods." Finally using personal experience while referencing his previous education and the research he did himself, Mr.. Louv formulated a solid and safe theory. Logical enough not to stir up controversy and clear enough to seem to be the first to introduce this proposal by giving a label, nature deficit disorder. Now I'm not positioning myself against Richard Louv, it is important to analyze not only every detail of the intel but where this intel is coming from as well. To a certain extent Mr.. Louv is correct, the only correction that is necessary is the dissolution of the medical term nature deficit disorder.
The way I see it is that most people are so caught up with trying to find themselves in others on the same journey, when in fact one needs to create themselves from within. I realize giving something a label as Mr.. Louv did is necessary, but I say leave that to the doctors and in the medical realm. Once we talk person to person and not robot to person then labels are not needed in order to become a better version of ourselves. A lot of people are dying in this world, fewer people are actually living and this is because we as a species have created a variety of distractions from spending any time with ourselves. We all knowing very well that there is no everlasting fulfillment in these distractions, but many fool themselves anyway all for nothing. Mr.. Louv essentially is just saying the same thing, that we need to get in touch with our true selves which involves getting away from it all and completely change where you are so you can more easily change blossom into who you want to become. How convenient that the tools to do such as daring task can be found in nature, reminder that I said "tools" though it is not necessary to dive into the wilderness, participating with earth will make one's metamorphosis simpler, by no means will it be easier though. Basically the end goal is the same, what will make each one of us unique is how we get there.
Through out many of the readings in Biophilia, there are plenty of examples that show the enlightenment found in nature. "The physical surroundings inclined youngsters toward an awe of nature." (Wilson, The Serpent) In this small quote Wilson clearly expresses his belief in the beauty of nature and how easy it is to inspire that same love in children. "The Earth with its layers of land and water and air provides the space within which all living things are nurtured and the context within which humans attain their identity." (Berry, Evening Thoughts) Once again their seems to be a common theme with these authors, concluding that Earth has been placed here for us in order for us to become who we were always meant to be.
Time is definitely the most valuable currency out there, and we are all running out of it. In order to be successful in all aspects of life people need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Their are 24 hours in a day and a third of that time is spent looking at a screen whether it be for work, school, media, that's time that could be spent on yourself because no one is coming to save your life from you. Richard Louv has generously given the world another reminder of what's important, and if we come together on this rather than waiting for another external reminder, then we can without a doubt overcome many issues that nature deficit disorder ties into. The solution to this are our children, the sooner we are able to integrate "nature" into there lives the better, we can prevent this issue from even rising, abolishing the term, nature deficit disorder, from the medical books. Unfortunately it's harder to teach an old dog new tricks, this proves not only biologically but in everyday audiences. That's why it's to change the minds of people to see something the way another does because at a certain age people only want to hear what they already believe, no matter right or wrong, good or bad. This is part of their journey in realizing themselves and what they stand for and why, once someone knows their why and are willing to die for it then comes acting upon it, but this will never come to reality unless Richard Louv's proposal of more outdoor experience comes to be a standard for everyone.
Works Cited
Berry, Thomas. Evening Thoughts. Reflecting on Earth as Sacred Community. October 31, 2014.Louv, Richard. Interview by Steve Inskeep. Saving Kids from 'Nature Deficit Disorder'. May 25, 2005. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4665933. Accessed October 23, 2014.
Strayer, Robert. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2009.
Wilson, Edward O. Biophilia. The Serpent. October 31, 2014.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Last weekend, on a Saturday morning the team and I participated in helping an Elementary school setup their Halloween haunted house. This seems easier said than actually done because for some reason these children knew about movies like Annabelle and stories such as Jack the Ripper, all of which are top titles in their category and were all suppose to be features in their haunted school. We setup multiple rooms in different buildings, each having a different purpose. A place for snacking, games, toys, haunted house and the really haunted house. In the end we cleaned up, did carpentry, electrics, design, and imagination were put all into that school. knowing that they probably couldn't have done the whole thing if we hadn't helped makes everything cooler, but I did want to see the kids actually enjoy what we had created....yet it was still satisfying.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Antonio Grant
9/5/14
Fresh. Sem. Biophilia
Journey of the Universe
By: Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
Reflection Part 2
This half of the book was definitely the same if not worse to accept just because the material seemed like to be less about the journey and more about the science. Though not every chapter seemed to take that approach it was the last chapter “Rethinking Matter and Time” that I personally enjoyed and disliked. It was at the point when the book discussed that we’re all made of inert matter, which is mathematically sequenced and can be found in the most common as much as the most bizarre places. But ultimately we are all of the same branch of the same tree. Yet on the other hand what I wasn’t too accepting of was the predicting aspect. The whole idea of predestines, and future written in stone seems childish. Similar to a free pass, conveniently used and placed in certain circumstances as an excuse for failure or a reason for success. Yet the end of the book was rather satisfying, I stand by what I said in the previous reflection, this book is a great starting point for someone still searching for something more, whatever more he or she is looking for. Finally I would definitely recommend this book to practically everyone, you would have to be one ignorant/arrogant person not to enjoy this book.
9/5/14
Fresh. Sem. Biophilia
Journey of the Universe
By: Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
Reflection Part 2
This half of the book was definitely the same if not worse to accept just because the material seemed like to be less about the journey and more about the science. Though not every chapter seemed to take that approach it was the last chapter “Rethinking Matter and Time” that I personally enjoyed and disliked. It was at the point when the book discussed that we’re all made of inert matter, which is mathematically sequenced and can be found in the most common as much as the most bizarre places. But ultimately we are all of the same branch of the same tree. Yet on the other hand what I wasn’t too accepting of was the predicting aspect. The whole idea of predestines, and future written in stone seems childish. Similar to a free pass, conveniently used and placed in certain circumstances as an excuse for failure or a reason for success. Yet the end of the book was rather satisfying, I stand by what I said in the previous reflection, this book is a great starting point for someone still searching for something more, whatever more he or she is looking for. Finally I would definitely recommend this book to practically everyone, you would have to be one ignorant/arrogant person not to enjoy this book.
Antonio Grant
9/3/14
Fresh. Sem. Biophilia
Journey of the Universe
By: Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
Reflection
In my own “journey” I’ve discovered many things about life both inward and outward, positive and negative, truth and what we tell ourselves to make sleeping easier. There are many correlations in what I’ve learned to be true and what is said in the book. I understand completely what the book in its entirety and trying to do and I do believe reading this book is a great starting point, among many others, when trying to find the inner you which may be lost, forgotten or just simply MIA. What I feel the book fails to do or just lacks is the ability to truly connect the reader to what is being discussed in the book, not that there is anything wrong with the approach the book takes, thus making it a starting point, but if the goal of the book to bring a sense of camaraderie among all people in this new and mysterious era then the scientific structure of each chapter can be loosened to make room for why this is even going to stick with you for the rest of your life and not something you forget in conversation a month later. Though there is also a side of me that is glad it was scientific heavy cause then that left a whole lot of room for interpretation but it would’ve been even better if I had something to compare it to. The book does illustrate, in beautiful detail, the beginning and workings of how life manifest itself in the universe. Personally I enjoy reading about the beginning of existence which involves the universe, galaxies, stars, and finally our own vast solar system, a spec of sand on the beach. What I find most fascinating is that though we are sexual beings with the ability to reproduce humans that have self-awareness without anyone giving us instruction to do so, we all come from a simple mixture of natural elements over a complex number of years. To truly understand the statement, “we are the universe experiencing itself,” is to also be on the right path to finding what it is that you can use your life for as it unfolds right before your eyes; eyes that are not your own rather the universe, hence the “Journey of the Universe.”
9/3/14
Fresh. Sem. Biophilia
Journey of the Universe
By: Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
Reflection
In my own “journey” I’ve discovered many things about life both inward and outward, positive and negative, truth and what we tell ourselves to make sleeping easier. There are many correlations in what I’ve learned to be true and what is said in the book. I understand completely what the book in its entirety and trying to do and I do believe reading this book is a great starting point, among many others, when trying to find the inner you which may be lost, forgotten or just simply MIA. What I feel the book fails to do or just lacks is the ability to truly connect the reader to what is being discussed in the book, not that there is anything wrong with the approach the book takes, thus making it a starting point, but if the goal of the book to bring a sense of camaraderie among all people in this new and mysterious era then the scientific structure of each chapter can be loosened to make room for why this is even going to stick with you for the rest of your life and not something you forget in conversation a month later. Though there is also a side of me that is glad it was scientific heavy cause then that left a whole lot of room for interpretation but it would’ve been even better if I had something to compare it to. The book does illustrate, in beautiful detail, the beginning and workings of how life manifest itself in the universe. Personally I enjoy reading about the beginning of existence which involves the universe, galaxies, stars, and finally our own vast solar system, a spec of sand on the beach. What I find most fascinating is that though we are sexual beings with the ability to reproduce humans that have self-awareness without anyone giving us instruction to do so, we all come from a simple mixture of natural elements over a complex number of years. To truly understand the statement, “we are the universe experiencing itself,” is to also be on the right path to finding what it is that you can use your life for as it unfolds right before your eyes; eyes that are not your own rather the universe, hence the “Journey of the Universe.”
Last week we had one of the sisters talk to us about her gardening stories, though I wasn't particularly interested in her story I admired more of her energy upon the subject. The passion she demonstrated though amusing was great to see, maybe because of her age which is not seen to often helping to the extent she has. The most important thing to me was recognizing her dedication to what she has done and is going to do.
A couple weeks ago I went with the team to clean up a trail for 3 hours. Though we only walked the trail with gloves and garbage bags, it was a flaming hot and bending over to pick trash up wasn't helping my back at all. But walking back was probably the most rewarding because we got to see how much cleaner the trail was because we were there. I enjoyed being in the front of the line and enjoying the scenery and learning more about the area. We also had a great time talking along the way so if I had a choice to do it again I would, only because my team would be with me.
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