Children who spend significant time outdoors could have a stronger sense of self-fulfillment and purpose than those who don’t, according to new Michigan State University research linking children’s experiences in nature with how they define spirituality.
In the study, published recently in the Journal of the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, children who played outside five to 10 hours per week said they felt a spiritual connection with the earth, and felt their role is to protect it.
“These values are incredibly important to human development and well-being,” said Gretel Van Wieren, assistant professor of religious studies. “We were surprised by the results. Before we did the study, we asked, ‘Is it just a myth that children have this deep connection with nature?’ But we found it to be true in pretty profound ways.”
For example, the children in her study expressed feelings of peacefulness and some believed that a higher power had created the natural world around them. They also reported feeling awestruck and humbled by nature’s power, such as storms, while also feeling happy and a sense of belonging in the world.
The study also measured children’s aesthetic values, finding that those who engage in free play outside on a regular basis have a deep appreciation for beauty (i.e., balance, symmetry and color), order and wonder (i.e., curiosity, imagination and creativity). For example: lush green bushes, pattern-like blue spots in water and fascination with bees’ nests.
Van Wieren and co-researcher Stephen Kellert, from Yale University, used a mix of research methods, including in-depth interviews, drawings, diaries and observation, as well as conversations with parents. Seven of the 10 children in the study – who were 7 to 8 years old – were from families with a Christian background.
The researchers also found parents of the children who expressed the highest affinity toward nature and the strongest spirituality spent significant time outdoors during their childhoods. And many of the parents believed such experiences shaped their adult lives and spirituality.
So what is it about nature?
It offers a diverse display of colors, sights and sounds; uncertainty; multisensory qualities; and above all, aliveness, Van Wieren said. Nature is usually in a state of flux, which fosters problem-solving opportunities that build self-confidence.
But we could be in trouble if kids continue their technology habits, she said.
“This is the first generation that’s significantly plugged in to a different extent and so what does this mean?” Van Wieren said. “Modern life has created a distance between humans and nature that now we’re realizing isn’t good in a whole host of ways. So it’s a scary question: How will this affect our children and how are we going to respond?”
I personally agree that playing outdoors is a good thing for children as it contributes to their physical development and their well-being.Children playing outdoors are less likely to become obese and unlikely to be affected by diseases because these children spent most of their time doing exercising activities.Children playing outdoors automatically develops the love of nature and try by all means to care and protect their environment. these children are exposed to a lot of things as they interact with other peers which is very important because it builds their self-confidence as most of the children that lack self confidence are those that were always indoors.
Personally, I find this article rather meaningful and meticulous in many aspects of spirituality. From birth I’ve always had a connection to Mother Nature’s elaborate lakes, to her majestic mountains. Upon discovery as a kid with my parents, I developed an unbreakable bond with the earth and ever since, it’s fueled my soul with benevolence. Nature in religion is the purest of all dimensions in the material world and for children to be more earthly-bound, is truly an essence of magic. Most children today are so fascinated with the technological advancements of the modern world and often do they forget their roots of culture and diversity. By children engaging in outdoor activities with nature, they learn many remarkable personality traits such as responsibility, integrity and appreciation, as well as a sense of religion, which is automatically incorporated in their everyday lifestyles. By connecting with nature, they ultimately connect with a higher power – God himself. Furthermore they develop self- discipline and an inner healing, which are fundamental aspects in a child’s spirituality.
By utilizing and enjoying the gifts in nature, children become more spiritually inclined in their childhood and I strongly believe it will benefit them greatly, into their future lives as individuals of the 21st century. Being religiously inclined myself, I feel that more children should embrace the mystery of nature in order to attain the pearls of spirituality
I support the fact that children playing outside has a major influence on them physically and mentally. Nature relieves stress and helps the mind to relax. These children start to see the beauty in nature and also appreciate it. Their love for nature grows and this starts to form the first steps to a spiritual life. These kids learn to concentrate longer because of a fresher mind due to the exposure to nature and their energy levels start to grow rapidly. Children need to be outside because it is crucial for their development. The conclusion I come to is that children need nature to form them into adults and also guide them to become spirit from a young age.
Children that spend more time outside tend to concentrate more, is less stressed and have less sleeping disorders. Spending time outside, playing with friends helps them to develop communication skills. It also brings out the creativity in children, when they make up games and pretend. Because they are in touch with nature, they see nature in a different way than children that grow up occupied with technology. I’m sure their senses are also more developed than children who do not spend enough time outside. Spirituality and nature goes hand in hand. Children will see and experience the different patterns of insect and bird life for example, making them appreciate God’s creation more. Children also understand and is contented by the knowing that there is a Creator, which is evident in nature. It is also healthy for a child to spend time in the sun, playing and exercise relaxes them and gives an overall good feeling.
The article emphasised the importance of children playing outside – It is critical that the outcome is communicated to a wider audience. People need to understand the significant connection between humankind and earth – and by strengthening the relationship from early childhood it can make an important impact on issues like Global Warming. Not only can children benefit from playing outside, and be energised by the awesomeness of the creation, but Earth can benefit from their commitment to preserve nature. I agree with all the benefits described in the article and also with the comments made about how sad it is that children are stuck indoors spending all their time with technology. A wonderful world awaits them outside with so much more to offer than the latest games. Technology always gives you the sense of not having everything, not having the latest and greatest available. But nature gives you calmness and a sense of belonging to God.
Outdoor time is vital for kids growth, their physical and mental developments; it’s important for kids to spend lots of time in the natural settings. Those activities create and explore a world they can master. As they master their world, play helps them to develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and resiliency they will need in future challenges and learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills.
Today’s children are not engage to outdoor activities, therefore the rate of kids suffering from obesity is getting higher. when kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Because regular activities provide them with strong muscles and bones, weight control, better sleep and decrease risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those kids will have a better outlook on life, as health, physical active kids are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.
I support the fact that children who spend more time outside will have more self-fulfillment and confidence than those who don’t. Children who spend more time indoors tend to lack that outgoing, spiritual, and confident life. Just by being outside for 30 minutes , getting some sun on your skin and breathing the fresh air , has a major effect on you. Children who are more outside will also be more active and maybe healthier due to more exercise and a better physical body .
It is true that nature does have and impact on your spirituality. Ancient Mayan people based their lives upon worship of nature gods that were said to bring healing, food and peace to their lands. Their whole lives were based on exploration of nature in order to gain spirituality.
This principle explains how modern day humans who spend more time outdoors have a higher affinity for nature and its beauty. Nature has spiritual benefits that kids need to find for themselves. Exposure to the external environment helps kids to develop interpersonal skills and the ability to see beauty in nature. I feel that Children should learn this from the very beginning.
Playing outside is very important for a young child because you really get connect with your natural surroundings and learn to appreciate the beautiful organisms in nature. I believe that nature is like our mother and once we have connected with her spiritually, we tend to love and care for her since we have formed a strong bond.
Childhood is a very important stage in one’s life. Thus the activities which children are exposed to, play a vital role in a child’s reasoning and actions. As my grandmother would say,”A playful child is a healthy one”, this emphasizes the significance of childhood development.
Nature really does help children to engage spiritually in the sense that when children play outside they get to observe a lot of “Observable Objects”, as philosophers put it, and in so doing their minds fill up with curiosity and all sorts of questions as to how and why certain objects are as they are and also why certain things, like thunder and storms happen… With all these in place, the children gain answers and start linking to beauty of nature to the God who created everything through his word. In conjunction with the children’s religious background, the children now grow spiritually and are able to argue their thoughts.
I couldn’t agree more with the comments made in saying that nature helps an individual’s spiritual outset. I also agree that nature indeed prompts human development relating to confidence, creativity and balance. Endorsing in nature is a way of interaction, whereas hiding behind a computer screen limits any possible way of interacting with the outside world, thus limiting realism and social skills. When an individual engages with nature, they will learn to appreciate it and probably do more to protect it. Those who do not, clearly did not care in the first place. This reminds me of a time when I went to a friend’s farm. All the older individuals spent time in the great outdoors, whereas the individual’s aged 10-13 spent all their time playing on ipads and laptops. This clearly shows what the younger generation has become and it is a result of upbringing and exposure. Exposure to modern day television, technology and social networking is nothing but destruction to creative minds, tuning people out of what really exists. But the catch 22 occurs when it is argued that these things, too, bring about accessibility. Therefore, what needs to be done is to keep everything age appropriate. After all, children don’t need accessibililty, they just need “a sense of belonging.”
No one can deny the sense of calmness that comes with being outdoors in a natural setting. Being around nature in its basic form makes you feel peaceful and you can’t help feeling fulfilled from actually feeling yourself breathe. The very feeling of breath is what ties in with spirituality and religion. Breathing is the primary indication that one is
alive and being in a natural setting forces one into a deep awareness of the fact that they are alive. It is no different for children and being alive is at the root of spirituality. Their curiosity drives them to discover small wonders of nature and feel compelled to protect them. I hope that more parents appreciate the value of free playing and actually take the time to share the moments with their children.
As a kid I spent most of my time out in my garden going on adventures in a world of my own creation. I felt free and alive, being outside with nothing but my imagination and nature. To this day I have never regretted a single moment spent playing outside in my imaginary world. Nature became the ultimate playground for a young and carefree mind to run wild and was filled with the beauty that only youthful, innocent eyes could possibly see. Growing up outside of the house and away from the bonds of technology is the greatest gift I could ever have asked for, a gift I will forever be thankful for because I have learnt the value of imagination and the beauty of our world. Thinking of this I pity the lost generation who have become tied to technology and never truly known the peace and happiness that only comes with being a child who runs free in nature. I fear what might happen to the wonders that await outside as the generations slowly forget the joys of the playground known as nature
I think it is important for children to spend time outdoors as it plays a vital role in their lives and influences their lifestyle. However, children that spend time indoors can also have a spiritual connection with nature and feel their role is to protect it because being deprived from something makes you appreciate it more and feel the urge to preserve nature’s beauty. There are also negative aspects for those children spending most of their time outdoors because there are many harmful factors such as plants and animals that could harm them and affect their perspective on nature. I think that people are born with a calling for nature while others are not, just in the same way that people have a passion to sing or dance others have a passion for nature and to protect it.
In my opinion, this is an accurate and appropriate judgment and observation. Nature and spirituality are two aspects of a single reality. By children engaging into nature, they develop a sense of responsibility as it provides an opportunity for learning. In doing so their spiritual self is being enhanced in the same sense where research has shown the power of nature enhancing healing for patients that take walks in areas populated with trees and vegetation. Furthermore, some religion emphasize on a connection with God or higher being through nature- for example – Taoism in which living simply in accordance to nature is the highest goal. Naturally being in nature takes one away from fear, stress and unhappiness and draws one to a sense of belonging and closeness to the heavens. Nature is like an unlimited broadcasting station, no wonder why it draws them closer spiritually than television spiritual shows themselves.
I refer readers to the novel: “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma for more awakening in the power of nature.
I believe if I was denied the opportunity to go outside and play,I would be so dumb like crazy. I believe every child has the right to go out and explore the beauty of nature, have questions about what fascinates them in nature, growing up I had a lot to ask, I was forever curious about nature, the beauty of the stars, the shape the earth, the rotation of the earth and every other thing that I could not understand and in a way I got to realize that none of these things could ever exist without a supreme being in charge.That played a great role when it comes to my relationship with God.The extreme beauty of nature.
It is a necessity for children to be active and play outdoors and this broadens their spectrum to the world around them. It maximizes their mental and motor skills as being exposed to the great outdoors would expand the extents of their imagination and it would introduce them to a whole new world. Activities that require balance and coordination, such as riding bikes and playing sports teach children new skills, encourage the development of self-confidence and satisfy their interest in exploration. In the world we are currently living in now, its the age of technology where kids are very anti-social and spend countless hours indoors playing video games to the point when they literally forget how the sun looks. This is truly not advised as children will not learn to appreciate their environment and how it came to be and thus not believing in a higher power.
Playing outside is extremely important for young, growing kids for many different reasons. an example already used by the previous blogger( Lynette 14111642) was the exposure to sunlight thus gaining an important vitamin, like vitamin D. Another crucial factor too playing outside is strengthening the body by allowing it to move around and strengthen the bodies muscles. Kids that play outside seem to have a greater amount of energy, enabling them to get more done unlike children who spend most of their time watching television or playing computer games. Exposure to fresh air ( Breath of life) and sunlight could possibly be a source of energy to these kids thus allowing them to focus more on the beauties of nature and stimulating their minds and imagination which in the process leads to intellectual stimulation as well. This shows us how big the influence of outside exposure is to kids for both spiritual and physical needs.
Children need to play outside to develop properly, they need the vitamin D the sun provides. The exposure to nature, that gives them the ability to notice beauty, also gives them stronger moral beliefs, because loving something stops you from destroying it. We should stop children from being indoors to much, because the lack of the spiritual stimulation, that is obtained from nature, can cause many problems in the not so distant future.
It is very important for children to know nature, because it not only makes them more spiritual, but strengthens their belief in morals. A child that can see the beauty in our world is less likely to want to destroy it. The love of nature is also very healthy. Playing in the sun is a great source of vitamin D which is crucial for healthy development. If children play outside less and play indoors more, we are going to have severe issues in the not so distant future.