Mother Earth is a gift so rare,

A place of beauty beyond compares.

A world of wonder where life abounds,

A paradise of sights and sounds.

The earth is home to creatures great and small,

A wonderland for one and all,

So let us cherish this world so rare,

And show our love with utmost care.

A Poem by Mildred Baldonado

Walking across the earth, I saw, felt, and heard thousands of things. Birds flew high and soared even higher. Minutes passed like wings flapping, and hours felt like feathers gently drifting down. I marveled at the sight of birds flying together in perfect harmony, content with the beauty of nature. I yearned to soar like a bird forever in the endless sky, to spread my wings, open my eyes, and see everything clearly from above as I navigated the vast, velvety skies.

This passage brings to mind the Mutton Bird dance from Session 3, where the performers expressed the impact of their surroundings through their dance, demonstrating their deep connection with culture and nature. This was conveyed through their synchronized and unified body movements as they moved in rhythm with their heartbeat.

1. This experience relates to our readings from Session 3 Children, Creative Play and the Natural Environment by Wilson R, 2007.

1. Wilson, R, 2007, Children, creative play, and the natural environment, in R. Wilson (edn) Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, Routledge. Ch 1, pp 1-18. Children, creative play, and the natural environment

2. Bangarra Education Resources Mutton Bird: https://www.bangarra.com.au/learning/education-resources/

3. The Parallaxis, Dr Jessica Kilby [Website]: http://www.the-parallaxis.com/

   
   

4. Natural Sensory Learning (Gano & Krull)

   Interoception: the hidden sense that shapes well-being (D. Robson) 

   Interoception Explainer from Positive Partnerships on Vimeo. (https://vimeo.com/440561147)

5. Hamm, C 2015, ‘Walking with place: storying reconciliation pedagogies in early childhood education’, Canadian Children, vol. 40, no. 2, Canadian Association for Young Children, pp. 56–66, viewed <https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=117176256&site=eds-live&authtype=shib&custid=s1145751>. ISSN: 0833-7519

As I emerged from my car, the brilliant, golden rays of the sun illuminated the world around me, casting a warm, welcoming glow. The air was filled with the fresh, invigorating scent of nature, rejuvenating my senses. It was shaping up to be a truly beautiful day. With each step of my leisurely stroll, I made a conscious effort to absorb and appreciate every aspect of nature's magnificence. The sun's radiant warmth enveloped me, providing a comforting embrace, while the gentle murmurs of the flowing river filled the air. As I drew closer to the river, the cool mist from the water delicately kissed my skin, offering a refreshing sensation. The sudden, rhythmic splashes in the water hinted at the lively presence of fish, sparking my imagination about their size, color, and the way they shimmered under the sun's rays. Casting my gaze across the river, I was met with an endless expanse of glistening water, meeting the clear, azure sky. The tranquil rocks, standing sentinel over the river, added to the serene scene. The harmonious symphony of water cascading over the rocks, accompanied by the sweet, invigorating aroma of the Eucalyptus trees, created an atmosphere that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Nature's boundless abundance revealed itself in the vibrant hues of the sky, leaves, water, and the graceful birds that soared above. Memories from my childhood inundated my mind, transporting me back to the forest, my cherished sanctuary, where I felt an immediate sense of belonging.