"Wild Life"
I have just started reading this month's book for our "Wild Reads" book club. Only to page twenty-six and already it is in my head. The book we chose is, "Crow Planet", written by Lyanda Haupt and in it she talks about the urban wilderness that many of us take for granted. In many ways, us urban folks, think of our homes and the natural environment as two separate entities. Yet, Haupt appears to be delving into the edge where these two perceived bodies mix and mingle. One of the terms she has coined thus far in the book that caught me and won't let me go is, "wild life". She uses this in lieu of the more commonly used term, "wildlife", where the two words become one. This distinction is significant.
Instead of this post turning into a complete book review...because really if this topic appeals to you then by all means pick up a copy of this lovely thought provoking book! Rather I will ramble a bit about the term, "wild life", because it is a concept that is dear to my heart. I have always been a nature advocate to some degree. Yet, since marrying and starting a family, the pull to define our relationship with the natural world has increased inexplicably. It is as if some invisible force is guiding my hand and heart as I venture into this thing called parenting. The outdoors has become much more real to me as I experience is not through vacationing or photoshoots, the random camping trip or walk down a forest trail, but through the eyes of my children who are experiencing it all for the first time.
I am less interested in nature as an abstract thing and more interested in ways to intertwine it into our daily existence. While venturing a bit further from home on vacation is a must from time to time, what I really want to figure out is how we can inch our way closer to the outside world even as we live inside our homes. I don't want the all or nothing approach. I don't always want to live for the next vacation.
As I sit inside with my children during the day, as the weather permits, the windows are wide open. In the summer we run in and our of the house barefoot. The less barriers the better. I strive to make it easy to get outside and to let the outside in. Because let's be honest, with small children, any "plan" should be as simple as possible. Getting outside shouldn't be very thought out or it could be put on hold or viewed as a chore. Stepping into the yard, pedaling to the park, or driving down the road to the beach should just be stuff that you do without much thought when you happen to have a free moment. Period.
There are so many times I hesitate typing this or that because I don't wish to offend anyone who does find it difficult or cumbersome to get their kids out the door. But honestly, it's repeat exposure, for both you and them, that will make it easier...and not much else. No matter what the obstacles might be, I like to think with the right mindset anything is possible.
This is not to say that the game will be the same for us all. But the mindset should include a spirit of adventure. I light up outside and my kids see that. Even when it's cold or I don't feel well or a host of other problems that might be plaguing me that day, getting out will only make it better. I just wish more people could share my view.
Over the past few years I've found that while not everyone shares the drive towards a "wild life" as I do, it is more than possible to find your tribe. Throw your passion out into the universe and believe me, it will answer ten fold. If you are surrounded by friends and family that don't share your views of re-wilding yourself and your family, then quietly step back and start to seek out those that do. You will be surprised by how quickly you will find the support and enthusiasm that you need to spread the positive vibes and wash the naysayers words away.
The picture above was one that I took while out with the kids one day. We were at the creek and the sun was shining just so. What I love is that I have a million photos like this one. They paint of picture of consistency and habit. Looking at the number of photos I've taken on our micro-adventures I see a few things arise across the board that make me feel like I am doing something right. I see the relaxed postures of my children. Not the zoned out in front of the tv vegging pose, no, something far different. I see the sparkle in their eyes, the curiosity as they experience something new, the awe in discovery, the proud look of accomplishment, and so much more. When I photograph the setting we are in, each sparks something in me that I can't explain. These places, places that area a hop, skip, and a jump away, are wild yet familiar. These places that we spend so much time in are, dare I say, like home.
The edge between the walls of your house and the "wild life" that is right outside is very thin, that is if you take the time to notice. So many believe those walls of brick, wood, concrete, or what have you are there to keep nature out. I look at things a bit differently. In my mind, "home", is a place where you seek shelter and solace. I find that both outside and in.
"Wild Life", to me is not about grand adventures (at least not for us at this time), it's about the day to day stuff. That's all life really is, right? If you don't incorporate nature into your everyday reality then the walls are real. There is so much to be had, and life is short. Why not let the wilderness seep into the walls of your house a bit more. Our nature collection fills the built-in in our dining room. The front porch (another edge that brings us in and out of nature) is well worn from use. The kids always sneak in rocks in their pockets, herbs get picked from the front yard to make impromptu tea, the garden out back is not the best but we throw ourselves into it regardless. The birds we spot through a window or in the yard are regular topic of conversation as we fill the feeder and sit with our bird book. The neighborhood walks fill our buckets with treasures that fall from the trees. Despite the street lights, we still run outside to check on the moon when the sky is clear. The list goes on and on. And I haven't even started in on the fantastically diverse park system we are so fortunate to live by.
I suppose I wish to end this post with a question and perhaps a challenge. What does "Wild Life" mean to you? What is one of the most simple yet endearing rituals that your family partakes in, which folds wild into your life on a daily basis? If you are reading this and cannot answer these questions, yet so desperately want to find your way, then I challenge you to break down the walls a bit. Start by asking yourself these questions until you begin to formulate an answer. And again, remember that the "Wild Life" that we see in the glossy pictures that grace the magazine covers are not always what bringing wild into your life is all about. The walls are mostly mental, the beauty that nature allows into our lives can be found right outside our doors.
