A land, to play and create.
When I was a child I designed gardens, even built some too. Collected sandstone rocks to make boarders and define bush swept, winding paths. I dug out steps on the slope of the land. I worked hard, with joy and energy. I grew on that slope, and with, that slope. I replanted bush plants to little garden beds. I thought, I planned, I made.
Then I imagined.
I played and dreamed, in the environ I had created. I could visualize it all. Tracks were made, and logs were houses and trees had magical tunnels with mystical transporting powers. Boulders were islands in the vast ocean and seas, that swept up my all consuming imagination. I was unstoppable.
I hassled my friends till they would come outside and be with me, in my minds creations. I had clear visions. It was so real, and every thing I played with,was alive and organic.
The bare earth was my stage. It new my feet, as my souls danced across it, making them tough and smooth. Binding a living creature that is a critical opus from this planet. I yearned to live only from it, and amongst it. I cannot lie, I was a child, connected and kept safe and free, by the landscape.
Then I imagined.
I played and dreamed, in the environ I had created. I could visualize it all. Tracks were made, and logs were houses and trees had magical tunnels with mystical transporting powers. Boulders were islands in the vast ocean and seas, that swept up my all consuming imagination. I was unstoppable.
I hassled my friends till they would come outside and be with me, in my minds creations. I had clear visions. It was so real, and every thing I played with,was alive and organic.
The bare earth was my stage. It new my feet, as my souls danced across it, making them tough and smooth. Binding a living creature that is a critical opus from this planet. I yearned to live only from it, and amongst it. I cannot lie, I was a child, connected and kept safe and free, by the landscape.
I wish this, for every child.
I am a little anti playgrounds and inside playcentres. Children seem to lose the imagination of play when everything is laid out for them in Yellow, red and blue plastic.
In the lands playground they naturally build and make, with whats around them, to think and use carefully, to fit things together, to get dirty and not care, to climb and judge whats safe, to trust their balance, to trust temselves, to believe in them selves. Confidence is built.
Everything smells fresh, everything is alive, to touch and feel and explore. Lizards to catch, bugs to watch, birds to hear, tools to make, rocks to grind, to feel and know where we have come from.
It's the safest, healthiest place to be.
( I can't even start on computer games.....What the fuck is angry birds??.....Have you ever seen an angry bird in real life?......helps co-ordination???...bullcrap!)
Maybe I am the angry bird....? ha ha ha.
Great. Thoughts. We can't go past the basic elements earth fire water air. Children are entranced by them and the opportunity to explore these are an essential ingredient to connect us with this planet
ReplyDeleteYes, mum. But wht are so many parents not choosing to let their kids connect this way. Is it because they are more connected with their iphones?
DeleteCommercial interests. Want us to buy buy buy Second fear of these elements. We are being conditioned to have everything sanitized , approved ,credited. etc etc etc. Sad sad sad.
DeleteDon't get me started about Angry birds, I despise it too! Why do they have to be angry anyway? So negative.
ReplyDeleteYour children are so lucky to grow up where they do, to be one with nature, and explore. I have to embrace plastic playgrounds as I don't have much choice in Hong Kong. But we often do go exploring in the rain, wearing gumboots, getting wet and dirty, it is so much fun for a child - my toddler loves it!
Yes, they are very lucky, just like I was as a child.
DeleteI believe playgrounds are very important in the cities too, just to get kids outside and physical. I think outdoor playgrounds could incoperate so much more of the living world world with plants and logs too, wouldnt that be nice.
Thankyou so much for reading. I love all your Hong kong instagram pics too.
Hi Rex, I feel the same way you do. When my son was little I tried to keep everything he touched as natural as possible. Toys, clothing, food. Its interesting though, now he's 17 and makes his own choices. He chooses Oreo's and Doritos to eat and electronics always in his hands. Sometimes I get very reactive. He does ride a bike and still enjoys the outdoors however.
ReplyDeleteI think, in my experience with Wayne's 2 daughters who are 22 and 24 now. When they were at that late teenage age stage they were the same as Trax, but as they grew older they returned to being alot healthier and embracing the more health conscious choices. And its so great that he spends so much time outdoor. Also the gadgets definitely get less when they hit their 20s.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. He's a great kid! We took him and 2 friends camping this past weekend. They played outdoors and didnt complain much about the rain all night long, even though they got soaked in their tents. I think I'm just fearful I haven't prepared him best as he enters the world on his own two feet. But they do have to figure things out on their own! And sometimes we just have to sit back and watch all that happen!
DeleteHEAR! HEAR! You angry bird all you like...
ReplyDeleteWhy thankyou, bird flaps wings and bows...!
DeleteRex, I love this post! I so need to hear it. I need to get my kids out into nature more. I'm paralysed by fear of mess and feeling 'out of control' with my supervision of them out there, but I know how important it is. This is a beautiful reminder.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Deb. I hope so, hope I have encouraged people a little to get their kids out into nature, where it balances them as little people. wher its good for us all really. x
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's so hard for me to read your beautiful posts, because this is the life I want for me child (and me!) and haven't been able to give him. I don't want much. Just a little bit of land for a garden and a simple home. I don't crave fame or money or beauty or a designer home. But it eludes me. And so he grows up without it. Still, we make the best of what we have and count our blessings. We live in a peaceful country. We have health. We have family. We have love. Hopefully there's a little space of our own waiting for us in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh...I know. Sometimes I write from my privileged view. I just wish the world was built different. For some that living in and with nature is just not possible in cities. I wish they built bush playgrounds in all the cities. Ones that could have logs to play on and trees to run through and play under. little paths to follow and explore.....
DeleteHaving health, family and love and making the most of whats around you is what makes the difference...as you say. x
Wow! We were on the same train of thought last Tuesday! I adore this post and I wish all this for every child too. I'd llike to see schools move the majority of their programs outdoors. An article in yesterday's paper noted that children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates! If we can teach our children to seek solace and comfort in nature then I believe we are handing them the tools for better life.
ReplyDeleteOh and I hope you were able to have a go at the writing prompt! And thanks for commenting on my blog