Leading Nature Programs in Times of Chaos and Change
- Ricardo Sierra
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
One of the best indicators that tell us that we are in an 'initiatory experience' is the unmistakable feeling of internal upheaval.
Things that used to feel normal are different, and our experience of moving through our lives, how we think and perceive all tell us that things have changed, and most of the time, we don't quite understand what is going on.
It happens when we get injured and need crutches to move
It happens when we go from being a child to a young adult.
It happens when we get married or move in together.
It happens when we have a break-up.
It happens when a member of our family passes away.
When these initiatory periods happen, we don't feel 'right' inside, and sometimes, it's a good thing, like starting a new job, but often it's deeply unsettling.
When these feelings start moving through us, many people will do whatever they can to numb out, or medicate, so they don't feel it so intensely. No one likes it when Fear and Anxiety come to the party.
The problem we face in these times is trying to understand exactly how long it's going to take until we 'figure it out' and learn to navigate this new situation, and gain a sense of control.
When it's a broken bone, we actually have a decent time frame. It's 6-8 weeks of healing, followed by a few months of physical therapy and regaining motion, strength and flexibility. We can handle that!
It helps if we know that others have done it before us.
It also helps when we can see that it's getting better.
In our present situation, America is going through it's own initiation, and it's a time of change, instability and chaos. No matter which side or perspective you hold, that is one thing that is true, but it can vary greatly on intensity depending on where you fall on the spectrum of American population and class.
This is new and it's scary. We don't know how long this is all going to last. We don't know what is going to happen next. We are not in control, and it's hard to how how to respond in a way that can help us restore our inner equilibrium and stability.
In the middle of all of this are our children, who are trying to grow up, learn skills, understand how the world works and navigate their feelings and changing bodies and minds. They can sense what is going on, even if they are not scanning the headlines or listening to podcasts or social media. They can feel the cloud of uncertainty, and they also know it's not going away soon.
I know this is a lot of text to read, so I am going to bottom line it here:
If you have kids, or work with kids, stay in the present moment as much as you can.
Get them outside and grounded by the reality that nature and the Earth provides. Make things with your hands, and engage your creativity. Stay connected with each other, and listen to how they are doing and feeling.
The work of Forest Educators is an incredible source of 'restoration' of that inner foundation, even if it's just for a few hours, and it has a tremendous beneficial impact.
Best part is, it will also help YOU! It will give you an awesome sense of confidence in your ability to make a difference, and stem the tide of fear and anxiety. This can't be overstated. It matters for all of you in a big way.
Reach out to parents and let them know if their child is struggling with anxiety or fear. The younger children might not be too aware but the older students might and they mask those feelings very well, because the last thing they want to do is to add to their parent's stress.
We have always known our work is important, but now is the time to show up and set aside our own fear and stress and be present to the needs of our time.
The ripples of this work will move throughout this younger generation and last for decades. It's far more important than any of us fully realize.
Stay safe, everyone. And if you're struggling, please reach out to me or the greater community of educators.
We are all in this together.
Comments