Is Nature Deficit Disorder Real?

By Tobin Hack, Plenty magazine

Is there concrete evidence for the health benefits of childhood nature play? Some parents, particularly those who live in an urban setting, worry that they don’t get their kids outside often enough. Outdoor play has been linked to better health, but what specifically are the benefits? The $500 million No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 3036, sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes and Sen. Jack Reed) was passed by the House in September 2008 and might actually be up for Senate scrutiny in early 2009 if all goes well. In anticipation, the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) coalition has already drafted an open letter to the President-elect, urging him to throw his weight behind the bill. According to a government press release, “The legislation would improve existing environmental education programs by providing states with resources to train teachers, develop research-based programs and create environmental literacy plans to ensure that students understand the role of the environment as a natural resource.” In other words, it would get kids outside and instill in them a bit of awe and respect for the natural world. But the real authority when it comes to nature play and outdoor education is Richard Louv—Audubon Medal winner, author of 2005 bestseller Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, and founder of the Children & Nature Network. Having literally written the book on the importance of nature play, Louv had this to say about its psychological and physical health benefits: “Children benefit greatly from unstructured play, particularly make-believe play. And kids are far more creative in natural play spaces than on the typical flat playground, whether it’s made of concrete or turf. They are far more likely to invent their own games in natural places. And in schools that have outdoor classrooms kids tend to do better across the board from social studies to standardized testing.
The state of Iowa has initiated the "Iowa Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights" to come up with ideas on getting children outdoors into nature. Many other states are following suite. We at The Natural Gait where nature abounds are looking at ways to encourage families to come to The Natural Gait and take nature hikes on our trails. Enjoy the many birds that live there along with the abundance of other wildlife.

3 Keys To Everything...

I’ve been thinking a LOT about this since the first time I watched it, especially with all the talk these days of “bailouts” and rescue plans.
Yeah right. You and I both know the only REAL solution is the one you give yourself…
3 Keys To Everything... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
And, quite honestly, I’m feeling very excited for you to see this too. Because it’s all about something powerful that could change everything about how you live your life.
I’ve been implementing the suggestions here for a while now,and even taking just the smallest steps makes very BIG results.
As a matter of fact, when I think how my whole frame of reference has changed, I feel so thankful. Honestly, it is like night and day. And what’s more, I can say without any hesitation that I love my life now.
No more sitting around with my fingers crossed, just hoping for the best.
I live abundantly every single day. And you can too.
This is the Ultimate Solution... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
But not so long ago, things were very different for me. My life was ruled by whatever happened around me. Maybe you fall into that trap too.
For example if the news is full of gloom and doom, you absorb that as your reality, and it negatively impacts how you think about almost everything.
Even worse, it can happen when you share your goals and dreams with those near and dear to you--and their “well meaning” comments leave you feeling like you must have been crazy to think you could do it.
Do you ever feel like that?
If you do, I have some really good news for you.
You see, today you can start implementing three powerful but simple steps that will positively impact your life.
In fact, if you listen closely to this guy, you’ll soon be blazing past every stubborn obstacle in your path. It’s surprisingly easy once you finally “get it”.
Listen To This Guy... http://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA
I can say this with absolute certainty because I’ve experienced an exciting shift in my thinking, and so have others I’ve shared this with. It totally impacts your life in the most positive way.
And once you find that “sweet spot” in HOW you think, it’s with you all the time.
When you watch this, you might even want to take a few notes so you don’t miss a thing.I promise you’ll feel the difference as soon as you start doing this.
To your massive prosperity,
Donna
P.S. Don’t for one second think this is too easy and it won’t work for you. Nothing could be further from the truth! This is powerful in it’s simplicity, as you will soon see.
Watch The Video Nowhttp://www.LawToSuccess.net/blog/?cbid=scoutie&tid=NA

Costa Rica Earthquakes

While on vacation in Costa Rica, Donna and I experienced 4 tremors as we felt the house wobble and another time in the swimming pool. Nearby earthquakes echoed their strength as we felt their vibes. Some people that don't live in California or in an area stricken by earthquakes believe that they might die in the first earthquake that they experience in a seismically-active country like Costa Rica. Of course that terrible tragedies have occurred in any country where the forces of nature are extremely active, but tourists must realize that even in regions like these, natural occurrences rarely turn out to be catastrophes.Costa Rica is a natural bridge between North and South America. The natural forces that created it are still at work, especially since the country is geologically speaking, only three million years old (very young for geological standards). The frequent earthquakes are caused by the collision and movement of the two main tectonic plates around Costa Rica: the Cocos plate (Pacific) and the Atlantic plate. Seismic waves are caused when the friction between plates can't accumulate further and must be released. Small-scale tremors and earthquakes are common and extremely harmless, but srong earthquakes occur less often. -- Howard Bright, PresidentIon Exchange, Inc.http://www.ionxchange.com 800-291-2143
“Helping you create your own natural beauty”
View our “New” Bird and Butterfly Attractor Station http://www.ionxchange.com/bird_and_butterfly_attractor_sta.htm

Lloyd Vann named Costa Rica Strong Man of 2009

As an employee of Ion Exchange, Inc. where my wages were doubled every week, I was still depressed. My employers were going to give me one last chance to come around. In desperation, they sent me to the jungle of Costa Rica where I became a real man and now I'm pumped and ready to go with both feet on the ground. I’m Lloyd Vann, nominated as Costa Rica’s Strong Man of the Year 2009. Take a look! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1eJprNUew

Mr Toucan

Howard & I watch the Toucans outside the house we’re renting in Costa Rica every day. They are very beautiful and inquisitive birds. The sunsets here everyday are incredible. Check out our videos we took yesterday, we need say no more – just watch & listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HlZau0igzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg9OPg9Ilx0

Donna Bright

A Poem by Howard Bright
Mr. Toucan
See the Toucan. I wonder does he even know how beautiful he is? Does he care? Is it important to him? How does he stay so clean and always dressed for the occasion?
Not to worry you, Mr. Toucan,
I just wanted you to know that you made my day!



Howard Bright Ion Exchange and The Natural Gait