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17 April ~2009
It was rewarding to get out and do three nature programs this week, to
do something meaningful outside of my work.
I
mean I enjoy what I do at my job, am a hard worker, and realize the value
of secure employment. It's just that I understand that only getting a
paycheck and adding to my bank account might leave me feeling a tad empty
when I reach the clarity that end of life brings.
I don't make a big deal about the programs, just have the children and
parents walk beside me, and pace in some stories and facts along the
way. The trail is an excellent regulator for an educational
presentation for children - periods of walking interspersed with short
talks keeps kids from getting bored.
I make sure to add the curricula that the nature centers have suggested
for the program, but after 17 years of doing this, I know that the
stories are what make it work. We are wired for learning from
stories - it is how information was passed down in human societies for
tens of thousands of years.
Along with stories about the biology of animals and trees and the
interrelationships between everything, I add in a few about the nature
of wilderness.
There is no doubt that I am happier when I am able to do these volunteer nature programs. It makes me feel like I may have an impact by my life,
simply by walking on a trail and sharing a little of what I love so
deeply.
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