In the Louv's excerpt
Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment, he emphasizes the importance nature has on children with mental conditions, such as ADHD. According to multiple studies, those that have trouble focusing or learning will improve drastically if they are exposed more to nature. This also stands true for those without disorders, but that nature can promote a more positive demeanor.
The effects of nature can be wondrous; it provides tranquility, serenity, and awe. For example, Louv mentions that in a survey of state workers, those that had window views of tress and nature were less frustrated and more happy than those workers that had no windows (Louv, 6). I agree with Louv and this study that nature can have a positive effect on stress reduction. I also find that when I am outside doing homework I am more content. Being at FGCU, I've been given more of an ability and more opportunities to be outside and do work. In South Village I would love to sit on the gliding swings, or in North Lake and West Lake I would bring out textbooks to the waterfront or pool. Having the ability to balance free time and homework can be made easier by bringing work outside, while it also provides for a more enlightened mood.
North Lake Waterfront. Photo by Angel Chiaracane and Brianna Logano
West Lake Village Pool, perfect place to study. Photo by Angel C.
Louv further stated that some other studies also emphasize the positive effects of nature. This time, he mentioned that children's proofreading skills peaked after a backpacking trip, and that day care children had better motor skills after playing on the playground (Louv, 6-7). For me, this is a bit of a stretch. Yes, they may have better motor coordination but I think that is more of a factor of the toys that they are playing with outside rather than the fact that they are in an outdoor environment. Also, some feel there is a correlation with nature and the influential effects it has on children. More specifically, it was stated that when a girl has a better view from their home they will be more prompted to make better decisions when under peer pressure, and avoid problematic behaviors (Louv, 8). Decision making, in my eyes, is more of a trait that is emphasized through parents' actions and ways of teaching and reprimanding, not necessarily what nature 'sways' them to do. With these examples, I still do not believe that being out with nature will enhance learning performances but I do feel that nature solely benefits the mind and attitude.
Towards the end of the passage, three misfit teens and their venture to a small village in Alaska were mentioned. They had been through a few bad times and were sentenced to an alternative punishment by being exposed with nature. While the passage claims they were changed for the better, it also mentions of an interaction a girl had with a young native boy who tells her she can touch the sky but she hasn't even tried (Louv, 14). To me, I feel that there is more to this line than just explaining an interaction with two drastically different people. He didn't go into this line, but I believe it was placed for the reader to interpret. When thinking more into it, I feel that perhaps Louv is trying to emphasize that if you try to be in contact with nature or if you try to delve deeper into nature, it will expose you to more eye-opening experiences.
Tying in, I really appreciated the fun fact of Central Park and that it was a designed urban park to help benefit the city's "civic consciousness and public health" (Louv, 11). This was something I did not realize New York had done and I think it's great that it was built for that reason! Having not had the opportunity to go there, I've seen beautiful pictures that really set it apart from the rest, and it must be great to have a touch of nature in the middle of a busy city. This also reiterates how nature impacts the mind and attitude and serves as a bit of a getaway from the hustle and bustle of an overwhelming day.
http://myonlinedestinations.com/new-york-central-park/
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