WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY JUNE 5, 2017

THEME: Connecting People to Nature!

Since its first celebration on June 5, 1974 following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, millions of people across the world have taken part in thousands of events to raise awareness and generate political momentum around growing concerns such as the depletion of the ozone layer, toxic chemicals, desertification and global warming. 

Canada will host this year’s celebration. The theme “Connecting People to Nature”, invites people to enjoy the outdoors and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share.

Erik Solheim, Head of UN Environment, said: “It reminds us of what a treasure nature is, and encourages us all to protect and appreciate our environment.”

HOW TO CONNECT WITH NATURE?

Feel it: Spend time in the open, walk bare feet, feel the grass under your skin. Sit under the shade of a tree, just lean against it and wrap your arms around it; give it a tree-hug.

Be Messy: Cultivate a kitchen garden or a herb garden, play in the sand or build sandcastles, dig into the sand with your hands.

Bring nature indoors: Get some houseplants, keep a vase of fresh flowers in your living room, be creative….think green!

Wake up with nature: As you wake up, open the windows and feel the fresh breeze. Look outside and admire the beauty and calmness of nature. Breathe in the colors, shapes, textures and sounds. 

·         Make a commitment: In spite of our busy lifestyle and even busier minds, set a clear intention to connect. Don’t give away your power to build the relationship!

·         Create a ME time!  Silence is comfortable. Hear your inner voice and feel your emotions.

·         The PERFECT place! You don’t need to look too far.. all of nature is perfect.

·         STOP! Sit down: You can only connect when your mind and body are quiet and focused.

·         Relax & Observe: Take in your surroundings. Notice the little details. See, hear, smell, and feel, and allow yourself to enjoy it.

·         Time slows down:  Urgency, deadlines and “clock time,” as measured by hours, minutes and seconds, melt away. On the flip side, nature models a healthier pace of life. Trees and plants grow     s – l – o – w – l – y. Everyone is moving according to their natural rhythm, and you begin to do the same.

Thich Nhat Hanh  (a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist) reminds us to slow down and notice nature, “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with   your feet.” 

JOIN US : Join the global album by sharing a photo or video of your favourite place in nature using #WorldEnvironmentDay or #WithNature.

NARGIS RUSSELL

ADMISSION OFFICER

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BARBADOS

www.aubmed.org