Wild Thing: Embracing Childhood Traits in Adulthood for a Happier, More Carefree Life by Mike Fairclough

Author:Mike Fairclough [Mike Fairclough]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hay House UK
Published: 2020-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

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Every Sunday evening, back in my childhood, my family and I would watch natural history programs, presented by the renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. I remember feeling completely inspired by the remote locations he would visit and the exotic animals he would show the viewers.

Sir David has continued to inspire me during my adulthood. Now in his 90s, he champions the environment and warns the world’s governments about the dire consequences of ignoring the fact that nature and human life are inseparable.

In a similar way that the climate change protests have led to a discussion about the environment, Sir David Attenborough’s campaigning and lobbying have shone a spotlight on the modern world’s disconnection with nature.

However, watching TV debates and occupying the streets in towns and cities, in my view, must be accompanied by each of us spending real time in nature, especially if we are to reconnect with the natural world authentically and deeply. Without a genuine emotional connection to nature, there is no incentive to protect it.

When I was a boy, on the weekends, my friends and I would explore the woodlands, farmland, and hills where we lived and immerse ourselves in these environments from dawn until dusk. We got muddy, sunburnt, or chilled to the bone, depending on the season. Always on some sort of adventure, we would inevitably encounter some new animal, find hidden environments, and trek for miles and miles as we tried to find our way back home from each far‑flung location. The positive impact this lifestyle had on our minds, bodies, and spirits cannot be overstated. It was the blueprint for the years to come.

However, mentioning a lack of exposure to nature is not simply about feeling nostalgic about a golden age in childhood. Nor is it something that people would like to engage with more often simply for the sake of it. Spending time in nature has numerous benefits, which are hugely positive physically, emotionally, and mentally to both children and adults alike.

The benefits, for adults, can be enhanced when we engage with the natural world in the playful spirit of a child. This means adopting a lightness and a sense of curiosity about nature and fostering a sense of awe and wonder. This playful mindset will result in us feeling deeply inspired and uplifted and lead us to reconnect further with the natural world. Ultimately, it will result in us experiencing a deeper connection with ourselves and with those around us.

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