Nature Goulet! Journal #3

Have you ever seen the "SNL; Best of Will Ferrell?" Well, in case you haven't, there's a segment within that compilation of funny skits that makes fun of the singer/Actor; Robert Goulet. Anyways, in that skit Will Ferrell has driven his red convertible up into the mountains where he comments on nature and how calming it is.

In Richard Louv's article; Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment, Louv discusses the correlation between several attention-deficit disorders and an environmental experience. The article opens up by discussing how the downsizing of hours students are allowed for recess or P.E has drastically affected our youth and can be linked to the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD.  The article also states that P.E. credits can be earned online, as shocking as it may seem, I opted to take P.E. online when I was in high school. I chose not to take P.E. at the school beacuse; 1) I didn't want to get all sweaty in the middle of the school day and 2) I was a woman scorned because apparently cheerleading wasn't a reputable sport and was not viable for being excused from P.E. like the dance team. Don't get me started on that though.Within Louv's article, a ton of references from other article's and expert opinions are inserted. One of the most shocking facts stated in the article was when Louv started talking about the drugs prescribed to calm those diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Amphetamines and Methylphenidate are two of the most commonly prescribed drugs and according to Louv; are over prescribed by 10-40 percent. Mthylphenidate is similar to the drugs commonly known as Meth and Cocaine which raises the question; as a parent, how can you knowingly and willingly give your children Meth just to give you peace of mind? "The use of such stimulants in the United States increased 600 percent between 1990 and 1995." This quotation has been taken from Louv's article, and the gravity of that statement is huge. It's shocking, disgusting, and disconcerting. What are we doing as a society? How far have we fallen that we first took away recess and now are feeding children with energy cocaine?

As the article progresses, Louv poses the possibility that maybe this overactive child is just representing a valuable characteristic of 5,000 years ago. 5,000 years ago when hunting and gathering techniques were used, the overactive, and energetic little boy would have been valued due to valor. Now, it is frowned upon.  That being said, multiple studies have been executed, and have brought to focus the idea that nature can be a healing resource. All children need is a wide open pasture to run around and let their natural play ensue. It is upsetting to know that the amount of children diagnosed with ADHD will only increase due to the lack of outdoor adventures.

Today's children are stuck in a technology whirl pool. Xbox, playstation, and all the other gaming consuls have unfortunately taken over their imagination and desire to get outdoors and play. I know that when I was a kid, I was never indoors. I was climbing trees, riding bikes until the street lights came on. I know most of my generation feels the same way as well, and that's where there is hope. I hope that we can turn things around, those who are in their early 20's will have the task of throwing technology out the window until their children are old enough to be able to distinguish reality from fantasy.