Outdoor Time Interrupted
By now, we’re all somewhat settled in our new normal of sheltering in place throughout New York and across the country. As we have constructed a myriad of methods for protecting each other and ourselves, our relationship to the city has probably informed our choices in some way. As glorious as our wonderful city is - during this time, our urban landscape has posed particular barriers to our outdoor exposure. Urban life has always had certain restrictions on an unbridled ability to commune with nature and navigating those restrictions is partially why we founded UMFK. It’s probably why you found us here. However, now, we are dealing with added constraints that require careful consideration.
While there are guidelines from government and scientific leaders that we should, of course, follow, regarding how we maintain our practices of physical distancing, there are many details that each of us must devise for ourselves. Some of us have chosen to leave the city for areas with more remote and readily available green spaces. Others are making the most of whatever access they have close to home or even developed ways of bringing the outside in, and still more of us may be struggling with how to regain those outdoor connections while in our NYC homes.
Either way, I wish to affirm your efforts in keeping outdoor interactions for you and your family at the forefront of your concerns. The CDC along with a bunch of other science and health experts extoll the benefits of keeping children active even while we shelter in place, and they note how outdoor play can be extremely fortifying for both physical and mental health.
Therefore, let the brainstorming begin!
Yay! We have abundant access to the outdoors in an area away from the city – Overall, that resource is likely sufficient and you’re all set. I’ll simply offer a structure that UMFK likes to use for our classes, it’s the 70/30 Rule. We believe in trusting the intuition and creativity of children, so we only aim for 30% of structured activity while 70% of outdoor time is for children to make their discoveries. You can bookend outdoor time with a suggested activity (art or science-based, etc.) and then allow the activity to dissolve into whatever else comes up. The end of playtime can be used for reflections and storytelling.
Phew! We’ve got private access to an outdoor space or we’re close to a pretty isolated green space – Wonderful! You can take the advice provided above or you might want to think about a small project that can be developed over time with an indoor and outdoor appeal. Making outdoor inspired art by foraging for “art supplies” outside and then bringing them in to assemble with glue, paper, and colors.
Welp, we have a balcony, fire escape, or window with southern exposure –Awesome! Now is a great time to try your hand (or green thumb) at growing. Buy some plants, seedlings or seeds and plant in pots of various sizes and varieties. There’s so much to learn about our world and our environment by paying attention to how plants grow. Make it a family ritual. Name your plants and spend time appreciating them as well as observing them. You’ll be surprised how quickly children spot the new growth before you do.
We’re a hardcore city dweller with not a lot of access to greenery - That cool! Open a window somewhere in your apartment and take an intentional moment to breathe in the fresh air. You can also consider welcoming plants into your home that require little to no light or try out a grow lamp. Plants in an apartment can lift spirits with their beauty, plus they aid in purifying the air. There’s even the possibility of growing food like herbs or salad greens indoors with a lamp.
Yes, the benefits of movement, sunlight, and connection to greenery and soil are certainly helpful as we focus on maintaining the strength of our immune systems these days. Yet, as always, now is a time to be gentle and make thoughtful choices that make sense for you, your family, and your particular community.