The Wander Society by Keri Smith

Author:Keri Smith [Smith, Keri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2016-07-20T14:19:09+00:00

We depend on technology and science to get us around, to allow us to control and keep at bay the wild world. But while technology can help us in some ways, it also serves to keep the natural world at a distance. It causes our senses and our natural navigating techniques to become lost or at the very least dulled. To exist directly in the natural world now makes us feel vulnerable, fearful.

It is only when we are fully present that we can begin to connect with the natural world again, and in the process, get in touch with our animal selves, with the alive and alert part of ourselves that senses and notices everything in front of us: trees, sidewalk, bird sounds, wind, cats, movement, concrete, feet hitting the ground.

We can train ourselves to get in the habit of being present. We can train ourselves to notice the small details. It just requires practice.

Begin by observing. Sit quietly in any location. Tune into the nature around you. How are things interacting? What happens when there is a disturbance? Consider that this interaction is happening constantly, every day, all day. All living things are connected and interacting at all times.

The nature writer Tom Brown always asks the question: What is the landscape telling me? We can look at it like a giant puzzle, by observing movement, smells, interactions, plant life, tree habitat, age of trees. We can look at it from many different angles. Every landscape is a rich source of information.

Look for clues that might tell you about who or what and how someone is using the space. Tracks, marks, leave behinds, detritus, paths. How have humans altered a space? What can you smell? What can the smells tell you? What is the quality of the light? Study the plant life. What grows here? What can the trees tell you? Is the color of the bark uniform or does it change depending on some outside force? Do you notice any patterns? How does the weather change the scene?

In the beginning you might feel like there is not much to see, but if you give it time the natural world will reveal its magic to you. Begin to record your findings; this will allow you to track changes.

By sitting in one spot, we can begin to feel the rhythm of a place. Give yourself time. Visit the same spot regularly. You will begin to see that the world is infinitely fascinating and full of things that you didn’t notice on first sight.

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