Sunday November 22nd, 2009
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Lessons from the Mountains
Posted by Abigail Lewis on July 17, 2008 - 7:04pm.
While traipsing around the mountains last weekend, I noticed how little snow there is on California's Mt. Shasta for this time of year. Shasta seems to have less snow every summer, a very visible -- and personal to me, since I pass it regularly -- sign of global warming. I wondered if, if everyone in Congress had a personal experience of the pristine beauty of the wilderness -- smelled the clean air, listened to the silence, witnessed the tiny perfection of wildflowers in their myriad hues -- they would be fighting harder to preserve it. It's human nature to give more value to that which affects us personally. It's also human nature to forget that everything that happens on and to this planet affects all of us... eventually. So taking it a step further, what if every high school teen were required to spend a few nights under the trees in the middle of nowhere? Would we, could we begin to develop a cultural sensitivity that gradually would result in a healthier planet and culture?
As I hiked, the mountain air definitely was loosening brain cells, so I let my mind ramble as well, mapping out paths to a more peaceful, happier world. These trails might be useful for
any one of us to explore, but if we made them mandatory for politicians and teenagers (interesting emotional pairing), they definitely would benefit all of us... eventually.
- Per my original inspiration, a week of camping and hiking in any North American mountain range. Being away from creature comforts and forced to co-exist with nature would remind us of our connection to the earth, and those with whom we share it.
- Two weeks in a third-world country. Seeing how other people live is a guaranteed way to inspire appreciation for what you've got. Running hot and cold water, refrigeration and a change of clothes are a given for most Americans. Doing without for even a short period of time would be a real eye-opener.
- A coast-to-coast road trip across the US via backroads. (Benefits similar to above, only closer to home and less dramatic.)
- Use only public transportation for a month. (Benefits getting closer all the time.)
- Learn a second language. (Very useful on above.)
Abigail, I so agree with you. I think the peace found in true silence, the natural sounds of a river flowing, the leaves of trees rustling in the wind, birds chirping, fresh air, the smell of pine trees... What a powerful experience! I think values would change and the anger would begin to evaporate with time.
Thank you for your insight.
Your assertion that "we give more value to that which affects us personally" is right on, but if we want a humane, sustainable world, we're going to have to offer our youth more than just a short-term experience on a mountaintop or in a developing country. The education of our youth needs to become about helping them become aware of the challenges of our time, inspiring them to take action, and providing them with the tools to creatively and critically solve problems. Caring about environmental preservation, human rights and animal protection needs to become an integral, daily event, focusing on the power of our choices to make a positive difference (or a destructive one). That's what comprehensive humane education is all about, and what organizations like the Institute for Humane Education are striving for.
Imagine the world we could create if making humane choices were part of every aspect of our lives.