Katie Chapman - Final Reflection/Feedback

i.  It wasn't challenging to do the actual challenge because I was out in the neighbourhood already with running and biking that I do pretty regularly.  My only barriers were that I felt that these places were too boring and I needed to find new places for the challenge, so that I had interesting things to write about.  I spend a lot of time in nature, so overall, it wasn't too challenging.
 
ii.  I think I was exposed fairly frequently, growing up in North Vancouver.  I think that the exposure I had has affected the kind of natural environment I'd like to be in.  I dislike damp dense forests, and prefer open grassy summery fields, and deciduous forests.  I'd like to be more exposed to the places like this in the city so that I could run/ride through.
 
iii.  I don't think my concept of nature has shifted too much.  I think my meditation skills may have!  I tried to close my mind to thoughts and just focus on my surroundings, and I was reminded quite frequently of my childhood.  I think I'll always need to live somewhere that has beaches and parks nearby.  I can't imagine living somewhere without these spaces, and I'm trying to appreciate them more (I already used them frequently, but I'm trying to be more grateful now).
 
iv.  I don't think I'll try access nature any more than I already do, but I will take time to enjoy sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that nature exposes me to, instead of rushing through or not noticing my surroundings.
 
v.  I'm taking away a grateful attitude that I live in Vancouver!
 
vi.  I might make the challenge over a longer period of time, or ask participants to make sure they expose themself to multiple kinds of green environments - forests, fields, flower gardens, etc.

Darth Andrea - Final Reflection/Feedback

1. Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?  

I did find it challenging to pick where I wanted to go and to fit it into my schedule. On really busy days I didn't go very far, but I was also unsure whether the field by my house was actually a park or not. The barriers were whether I could convince myself to take the bus, because I felt bad driving my car, for a 5 minute bus ride to the local community park.

2. How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)?

Nature was always considered an outing. It was the time on weekends when my dad would take us to the Seymour mountain, or parks nearby (when I lived in Burnaby). They have always been a fun place to be, and now I feel like nature spaces are an escape from the stress I experience through school and work.

3. How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?

I dont think my concept of nature has changed very much. Although I wish the ravine I like to visit was closer, and not so scary at night.

4. Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how?

I will probably try and access nature more often, as I found I was more productive on writing my paper after coming home from the park. I don't think I will approach nature any differently because I like how I experience it now. Perhaps during the summer I will plan a few more hikes.

5. What are you taking away from your experience?

I need to visit parks more during the winter. They aren't so bad in the rain, just wear my boots! Also, after I get to the park I am happy I went, and the bus ride isn't bad at all. I just have to stop being lazy.

6. What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants?

I don't think I would change anything. The map was nice to have to plot where I went and the log is great. Maybe having a theme for certain days would be interesting. For instance, on one day you must go to a park you have never been to before. Or you must visit a park that is within walking distance and see how that can be a barrier to certain participants and why?

Sarah Lind - Final Reflection/Feedback

i.         I found it much more difficult than I had expected to spend what I considered to be quality time in nature.  I had thought at the outset that I would go to the beach, or a park or go for a hike and didn't end up doing anything but visiting my back yard and taking a moment to notice what was around me and to be more present when I was outdoors.  I think the biggest barrier was feeling that it had to be a big deal for my moment in nature to count and I never felt I had the time required.  However I did appreciate the positive experience of being present outdoors and taking a moment to get out of my head and notice all the life that is always around me when I am outside, whether it's in a garden or walking through an industrial area.

ii.        I'm not sure how my upbringing and childhood experiences shaped my relationship with nature.  Likely, since I grew up in urban environments, and wilderness was required an excursion I still think of it as distant and less accessible, which could explain why I thought I would need several hours to be in nature.  It could also point to my having learned a dualistic view of nature vs urban and, having identified myself as urban, I therefore often feel separate from nature.

iii.        I was powerfully reminded of my belonging to nature and somewhat of my role in it.  When I would be present and take the time to notice myself in the world and to take note of everything (and everyone) around me I would see that wherever I looked was myriad of life.  It helped me feel less that the cities are my or mankind's dominion and that all space on the earth is shared space.  These aren't entirely new ideas to me, but they are also not something I am always aware of.  

iv.        My thirst for time in the forest and further from the city has increased or I have become more aware of it, but I benefited so much and so enjoyed being present whenever I remembered to be and taking note of everything around me (especially the critters! I noticed so many different little fauna) that I will make that something I do regularly.  I learned that even 5 or 10 seconds of doing nothing but observing blossoms, or the many varieties of rain was and is so enjoyable and profound and brings me peace.

v.         I think I've already answered this.  I'm extra excited about cataloguing a list of rain species.  

vi.         I'm not sure what could be changed.  I felt very guilty and had a sense of having failed the challenge because I didn't make a special excursion into the more wild world, but was reassured at the end that this was an acceptable outcome of my challenge, and is still a valid contribution.  If I did it again, I would like to take the time to take my moment(s) in different areas, different locations and different environments just to see what different things I could observe.

Michelle Simpson - Final Reflection/Feedback

Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?    Barriers :  weather - I was more likely to get out if it wasn't raining - especially in the evening.   Volume of work and time - so wasn't as likely to take a break at lunch as I would have if not so busy - and thus not as likely to access nature during the work day  

How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)? 

I would say that my exposure growing up made me more likely to appreciate nature

How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?  

has made me realize I don't need to be in the 'wild' or the 'wilderness' to take a moment to enjoy nature - can do so in my own backyard and have been taking more notice and appreciating those moments

Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how? 

No - I have tried to practice 'taking a moment' and being present for a few years now - it has brought me peacefulness and joy and continues to do so.

What are you taking away from your experience?  

above 

What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants?    

might make it accessing nature 10 times over a longer span  ;0) so that if there is a day that is particularly busy it wouldn't be a barrier

Janet Moore - Final Reflection / Feedback

Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?

Biggest barriers were the constant feeling of getting somewhere else - passing through places and not stopping to enjoy. Weather is much more of a factor than I would have thought.

How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)?

I think my mom hated being inside in the sunshine- and I feel this too. The idea of being inside on a glorious day is against my own nature and the way I was raised. It makes me wonder how I ended up in rainy vancouver...

How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?

I think I have shifted my awareness of my 'getting' to places - enjoying the moment is really important and I think I'll take more moments for myself and with my kids to just breathe it all in - take notice.

Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how? 

I think I'll keep loving green space and keep working hard to ensure more of it happens in vancouver.

What are you taking away from your experience?

I think that small challenges are big - I hope this challenge is adopted by the city of vancouver.

What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants?

I think responding to questions by email or facebook would be easier - I also think the once a day photo upload and one sentence might be a good way to go.

Becky Till - Final Reflection/Feedback

1. Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?  I did. Time time time. So fickle! I chose to do this challenge during the busiest time in my semester and it proved to be pretty tough. The moment started to become just another thing to add to the list of things to do. Having to write about it everyday also made me think about what I should write while I was trying to just have my moment. Too much thinking.
2. How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)? As an individual who was brought up in nature, quite literally born on an isolated mountain top in the Okanagan -- the nature in the city never seems like enough. As a kid I spent almost everyday doing something outside. If it wasn’t building snow caves and wheat field forts it was making bike trials and climbing to the highest possible branch. As a youth, I was dragged up many a mountain with my wilderness counselor father. My family did something in nature every Saturday, rain or shine. For many of the men in my life it seems like nature is place to concur weakness, push limits, get to the top. Because I no longer related to this perception the older I got, I rejected the outdoors lifestyle for a while as a backlash to the rigor I'd come to associate with it. I didn't know if for myself. Now, I think I do. It is a place to push limits in and challenge oneself, but it is also a place to slow down, to take notice, to respect, to be thankful.    
3. How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)? Well I go back and forth between being thankful for the nature this city does have and wishing I could be somewhere else entirely. I have stretched my notion of nature even further -- I wonder if I am connecting to nature when I look into the eyes of a human I love, when I cook, when I get cold and wet, when I connect with myself. I realise how unnatural humans seem to me, when really, we are as natural as anything else. 
4. Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how? Yes, how could I not approach it differently? Everything impacts everything. The need is more present with me now. I have already accessed nature each day since the challenge has been over. The sun made it easier. And the lack of pressure to do it made it more fun.
5. What are you taking away from your experience? An awareness of the need to take little moments often. This turned out to be less about connecting with some ants and bees in my garden and more about just breaking my efficiency oriented routine. Also, a new slant on priorities, it should not feel like I'm cheating on my school-driven life to take 15 minutes to listen to birds. 
6. What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants? Maybe make it 7 days only. Maybe ask people if they learned anything about their city parks and green spaces.

Dani K - Final Reflection/Feedback

1. Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?  My biggest barriers were during the weekdays: my need for relaxation upon entry from work (aka my mind wanting to decompress for a while), being hungry and wanting to cook food instead of going for a walk as well as trying to fit in my moments to be on the way to something else so I was using my time efficiently.

2.How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)?  Interesting question. My exposure to nature was a huge part of my childhood but was an indirect influence of my parents. I have never seen them camp, hike, bike or even swim. But they sent me away to summer camp and allowed me to visit the country and we played in the snow together. So my connection to nature was something that I fostered of my own accord and connect it to my independence, my ability to challenge myself and a way to get to know others in a place outside of all social norms. And now, I cannot help but foster this connection to remind myself of all the things listed above. 

3.How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?   My concept of nature has not shifted so much as the knowledge of how just leaving my house for half an hour or less can really shift my day in a positive and productive way.

4. Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how?   I hope so! Will try to make it a 3 out of 5 days during the week. It was a great way to have down time, alone time and fresh air time


5. What are you taking away from your experience?  Remembering how important it is to just take the time.


6. What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants?   Make it a solid week. 7 days seems like a good chunk of time to devote to this challenge and to make it consecutive days. Perhaps an electronic mapping system where you can put pins into the areas you visited so that you can see the spots that everyone else is visiting and perhaps go there. Especially if you are interested in their descriptions if the blog is kept up!

Cheryl & Jim - Final Reflection/Feedback

1. Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging?  No  
2. How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)?  We appreciate it more now.
3. How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?  It hasn't
4. Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? No change.
5. What are you taking away from your experience?  Nothing

Gary - Final reflection

1. I did find it challenging. Making the time and hateful spring weather were the two biggest hindrances.

2. Growing up probably influenced my view of nature a lot. I was spoiled as a kid; we had two acres with two duck ponds, 24 fruit trees, some cats and dogs, a fort, sweet BMX's, etc. The parks I've visited over the last ten days actually have had nothing on my old yard. Sorry park with just a bench, you're still nice.

3. I wouldn't say my concept of nature has shifted too much. I would say I've realized I'm pro park though.

4. I will access nature now more that the weather is changing. Lil frisbee, lil football. Getting a bike soon.

5. I'm taking away an ever slightly increased sense of appreciating quietness.

6. Perhaps hold the challenge in the summer and make it a bit shorter. I found myself going to pretty lame little spaces ( I counted a traffic circle) as there weren't enough parks in my direct vicinity. That said, I'd probably have gone further afield in the summer.

Kaylen and Deanna Reflections part 2

Well, I definitely found this challenge challenging. While it was easier on days off (weekends, holidays) to get out and access nature, it was certainly harder once back to work and the day to day responsibilities of the week. The biggest hurdle for me was time. I too was and am caught up in getting places. Home to school. School to work. Work to school. School to store. Store to home. Repeat.

Growing up in a rural area, I think accessing nature was perhaps easier than being in the city, although looking at my son, he seems to be able to do so with ease in the same surroundings. So maybe it has more to do with the way we live our lives. I feel like I am too often saying "hurry up" or "it's time to go". Maybe taking 5 more minutes, or even a minute won't hurt? Maybe it will actually help.

It has been equally important for me to take the moment, as much as the moment being in nature. Today I was enjoying the walk to work and saw this great shot (above) of the blossoming branches on the blue sky. I almost kept going, but the seed has been planted to stop for a moment, and I'm glad I did.

Tana - Final Reflection

I'd say our humanly constructed world, be it green or not, is an example of our inner life creating an outer form. It's kind of a shocking thought. What do all the appalling human messes say about our collective inner life? I am most at ease in the green constructs: in parks, botanical gardens, back yards and areas I think of as gentle wilderness. I definitely want my nature relatively benign. I do not want to enter into the hurricane or avalanche except on a DVD. I do not want to be stalked by a cougar in a dry canyon bed or a polar bear on an ice floe. Essentially, I'd rather not be prey. I love my walks along the Fraser, binoculars in hand, looking at herons, eagles, winter wrens, muskrats. I rejoice in the beaver felling cottonwoods with their teeth along the river banks. In that same vein, I felt total outrage over the human felling of trees behind our house last week.Both actions, beaver and human, will result in homes. Why is one acceptable to me and one not. I will end this weird reflection with part of a poem by Canadian nature poet ( and GG winner), Don McKay. It's from a poem called Apres Chainsaw -
            
            Is this the way it works,
            locking you, stunned, in the imperative,
            making a weapon of each tool?
           Why can't we just bury innocence instead of
            wrecking it over and over, as if
            it could never die
            enough?

Craig - Final Reflection / Feedback

This project has given me a chance to focus on experiences that are an important part of my life; the enjoyment of natural spaces.  I've been able to explore what draws me to these areas.  My interest in birds serves as a primary draw, but, like many a hunter and fisher, it's partly just an excuse to "get out there."
  The nice thing about birds is they move around.  Any part of the natural world that can show up on our doorstep can help remind us not only of the beauty of this world but the complexity and interconnectedness of it.  And we don't have to venture far at all to witness it when the things like habitat, food, etc. are around to attract the more mobile wild things.  As if to underscore this, on day 6 I enjoyed seeing a Varied Thrush (similar to a robin but more striking and less commonly seen in Vancouver).  Two days later, I saw the same species in my front yard, suggesting they might be moving through the area on migration.  Another aspect of visiting natural spaces that I often take for granted is the camaraderie of people who appreciate and seek out the natural world.  At Queen Elizabeth, I chatted with a fellow "birder" about owls in Vancouver's parks.  On the Southlands River Walk, a path used primarily by horses and dog walkers, a young man with binoculars shared his observations with me and commented how nice it was to see someone else enjoying birds and the peace and quiet that usually enhances that enjoyment.  
  Before the project, I could certainly have told you that I enjoy and value natural spaces.  After taking part in the project, I'm much better equipped to tell you why.

Feedback:

1. Did you find anything about the Accessing Nature Challenge challenging? If so, what were your biggest barriers?

Going to a Natural Space every day would have required a bit more effort.  Using our yard for some days made it easier.

2. How do you think your exposure to nature growing up influences the way you conceive of nature now (if at all)?

Probably not much since I really didn't take an interest until my early twenties.

3. How do you think your concept of nature has shifted during this challenge (if at all)?

Probably no shift

4. Do you predict you will "access nature" more frequently or with a new approach due to participating in this challenge? If so, how?

One thing that surprised me was my enjoyment of meeting other nature seekers.  This may influence me in some way.  Seeking these folks out more?

5. What are you taking away from your experience?

A better understanding of how and why I enjoy Natural Spaces.

6. What would you change about the challenge to improve it for future participants?

Seemed good to me

Gary - Reflections part 2

Hmmm... now that the ten days have passed I have to admit that I had a hard time being conscious. I don't think I have a very quiet mind. My observations were usually along the lines of "lots of green stuff, that's kinda nice, I hear birds, etc". The weather is my excuse. Had it been nice I would've laid in the grass and made careful observations of bugs or something a bit more interesting. The last few days were kinda hectic, that's all I got.

Becky Till - Day 10 (last day)

Last day of this thing, and not much to show for myself -- I looked at some birds in some branches, at swaying branches through a skylight, and the moon as its light passed over my bed.
I seem to be on a one day on, one day off schedule.
I can barely remember what happened on Monday. It feels like forever ago. Time goes by like it never existed at all. And all the sudden this is over.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 10!

Monday, Day 10 of the challenge - we made it!

Today we had another nice neighbourhood walk home from the community center. The best part was when we got back and noticed the first apple seed had sprouted in Kaylen's greenhouse!

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 9

Sunday, Day 9 of the challenge I started with an early morning OT shift. I took my moment in the grey drizzle listening to the birds chirping. When I got home the boys and I decorated some easter eggs. Eggs come from birds. Full circle.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 8

Saturday, Day 8 of the challenge was an amazing spring powder day for us on Seymour. How awesome is that? I was stoked that we could have such great riding at the end of March, and hopeful that we might be able to keep it going until the end of April. Kaylen was feeling a little tired and needed to take a break to chill and make some snowballs, also pretty awesome.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 6 and 7

Thursday and Friday, Days 6 and 7 of the challenge were more "back to the grind days."

Commuting, busy life days. I was back to walking Kaylen to and from school for my part of the week, so we used our moments here. We took a little more time to observe the nature we might just pass through on any other day. Kaylen of course also got in some time at the playground at school, and I sat and watched him and his friends play for a while before we started home. On Thursday we passed by this tree we've walked by a hundred times before, but this time I noticed it was puckering up for a kiss - the trees want more than hugging now. For some reason I didn't take a picture right away, but when we passed it again on Friday, I couldn't refuse.

Tana - Reflection

March 28th came and went and I was unable to speak. On March 27th from our backyard I watched an old three-story house being clawed down by a giant orange machine. Shocking to see it only took an hour and a half. The last thing standing was the front door in its jamb. It is said that our homes metaphorically represent our souls. So it was sombre and meaningful to me to see "the way in" enduring the carnage and still standing. The next day a man in a red hardhat began to lop off giant limbs of one of two magnificent cedar trees at the back of the property. Several minutes later it dawned on me that he was not pruning but was taking the tree down. And so a healthy, 80 foot cedar, who knows how old, was felled. I was filled with such grief and anger. The only solace was the fact that its twin was still standing. The following morning I awoke to the sound of chainsaws and the twin cedar was coming down so the new owner could dig a basement. I had not cried that hard for a long time and the sorrow remains with me everytime I look out expecting a curtain of green. The City allowed this. The same city that wants to make Vancouver the greenest city and wants to plant a gazillion more trees. HAH. I am well and truly disgusted.

Becky Till - Day 9

Success!!!
I don't have to scrounge around for tenuous ways to count this day because I filled this day with nature moments!
While I was (1) returning the mini forest back to it's nursery in South Van I
(2) pet a goat and a pony,
(3) winked at a very focused farm cat, and
(4) watched a bee keeper tend to bee boxes with no gloves on. He had the whole suit on but no gloves! He was just slowly pushing bees out of the way and using his chisel to clean the wooden frames. He pulled what looked like the papery material real hives are made of from each panel and shook bees off as he went. He moved slowly and intentionally and walked over to his binder to write notes every once in a while. A photo would have been nice, but cameras can tend to steal moments.
Then when I got home I (5) sat in my backyard on a blanket near the tree in the sun and ate an entire bowl of popcorn.

Becky Till - Day 8

The big event day 

Well I got people to come and get their photo taken by this tree for a while

Even the mayor thought it might be nice idea

But, to be honest, shifting that tree around was about as close as I got. Not much of a moment. But I did get to see almost my entire family. And although they might not count as a "natural space", not much else makes me feel more grounded, more rooted, more belonged. They are my clan, my pack, just as wolves in the forest, we are bound.

Also, I ate delicious food for dinner. And that made me feel grateful for food, and food comes from nature.

Dani K - reflection

1. Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there?

I have been going to different places everyday - taking advantage of getting to know my own area and what it has to offer, heading out to explore the mountains and the beaches and all things unique to living in this particular city. The draw is that I get to give myself time to think, read, feel, explore all things that are both of the moment and that I have been carrying with me during the week. This challenge has been a sort of guided meditation - the guidance being the impetus to walk out the door.

2. What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?

Clarity. Taking time to outwardly appreciate where I live, where I am, and allowing myself a little extra understanding. Self-care. Really noticing the joy in others. And that feeling that I had as a child when I was constantly hunting down the best hiding spots at a time where nothing was just yours.

3. How have you been feeling after your moment?

A blanket of calm. A willingness to let my life be imbued with more moments such as these because they inspire me to create more balance and appreciation in my life.

4. What is standing out? What, if anything, has been unexpected?

Even on the rainy days, I still achieved the same feeling. That there is a joy in getting bundled up and enjoying something my former self might have been hesitant about.

5. What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge?

Being slightly more aware of how I spend my days. Where is my division of work, play, self-care and social interaction.

Dani K - Day 5,6,7

I will have to be honest....day 5 consisted of making an effort to interact with my class at lunchtime in the playground and watering our bean plants by the windowsill. I might have only taken a fraction of a moment that day.

Day 6 was a little more promising. I dropped my car off to be serviced in the afternoon and I had an hour and half to devote to having my moment. This called for a chocolate chip cookie, a hot beverage for dipping, and a park. After a short walk, I settled for the public sitting area outside of JJ Bean on Main Street - instead of a parking space, there are benches and tables free from the pressure of having to purchase an item to sit there. Though not necessarily in the middle of nature, it was a pleasure to witness people taking time out of their day to have a peaceful moment in the middle of an urban area - a meeting place, a pondering place, a spot to regroup before heading back out there in this world.

Day 7 was like cheating time. I only had work in the afternoon, so I actually had a whole morning to enjoy. I was staying in Kits and I remembered that I had an old old pair of running shoes in the trunk (missing an insole, holes in the side - you know the kind) and so I begged, borrowed and threw together a piecemeal running outfit and headed out the door. The magic of Vancouver is getting to witness its beauty at times when the streets are practically bare. I ran along Kits beach and I only counted 12 other people out at that time of day. The sun was making a concerted effort, the waters were calm and the air was sprinkled with that scent of all things growing. Before I turned around, I gazed upon this fine city of ours and remembered a promise I made at age 20 with an old roomate from the prairies - I swear to never get bored of a landscape primed with giant rocks and salty water.
I pinkie swore. (and I believe it was with the same pinkie that has been through a lot lately, so you know, everything is connected....)

Becky Till - Day 6

Sometimes all you need is a new route home.

Becky Till - Day 7

Does this count?

Friday I had the lucky job of picking up 20 trees from KJM nurseries in South Vancouver. I got to pick each tree and hang out with the resident goat. It seemed ridiculous, ironic, wrong and hilarious to be trucking around a mini forest. But there I was, ripping down Granville street off-setting my carbon with every kilometer.
Oh, I also stood in the rain waiting to get this truck back from the towers. I resented the rain and the tow company the entire wait. 

Escape from school!

I have enjoyed spending my little time with nature these past 6 days. Mostly it has been my excuse to procrastinate from working on school work. I have been writing papers and much to my benefit I have been much more productive when I return from my little nature excursions.


When I am at home I spend my nature time at a park near my house. I usually come here during the summer when I have the time. But I have made a point of going to the ravine that runs through it and have noticed the beginnings of spring. The usually brown is being sprinkled with green and the birds are silenced as a walk past, then resume their incessant chirping once I pass. The ravine as always bubbles and creates a ver calming noise that almost drowns out the road 20 metres away. I am excited for spring/summer to be in full bloom, the trees and the bushes create a much more escapist feel.


When I am at school during the week I have visited two different nature spots. One is by far my favourite, the stepped pyramid in the middle of AQ at SFU. I climb to the top and sit there and marvel at the "lovely" grey sky. I have a good view of most of the campus and when I am here as opposed to the park by my house, I find myself calm and enjoy just staring at the sky (when it isn't raining).


After I am done these little excursions I usually have to go back to work on my school assignments and would rather stay in that moment of stillness and calm. The reality of the urban environment comes back when I walk up the steep path and head back to my house and have to cross the busy streets till I am home.

Cheryl & Jim Ferguson - Reflection

Cheryl Ferguson
Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there?  Walk downtown to go to Church
What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?  Nice walking weather
How have you been feeling after your moment?  Blessed
What is standing out? Traffic What, if anything, has been unexpected? Heavier than normal
What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge? None

Jim Ferguson
Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there?  Power walk along Seawall for exercise
What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?  Weather
How have you been feeling after your moment?  Re-energized
What is standing out? Nothing What, if anything, has been unexpected? No
What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge?  None

Michelle Simpson - Reflection

1. Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there? 

Been taking advantage of our natural spaces in the city – beaches, green spaces, even the green space in my own yard.  What draws me there – wanting to get outside

2. What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?

World stops for a moment – a defined sense of awareness – peacefulness, contentment and a feeling of joy

3. How have you been feeling after your moment?   Happy, appreciative of the time spent

4. What is standing out? What, if anything, has been unexpected?  Feeling of peacefulness & contentment stands out.    Unexpected – how much more i enjoy it if the weather is nicer.  

5. What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge?   Can’t think of a change

Janet Moore - Reflection

Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there?

So it is clear to me so far that i definitely 'access nature' more on

the weekends than the weekdays. it is also clear that weather is a

huge factor in vancouver. On the weekend we got the beach at Jericho -

put our feet in the sand, ran down the docks to the the crab

fisherman. marvelled at sea stars. full skies. vancouver perfection.

we also went to the aquarium in stanley park and took a bike ride and

spent time checking out gardens in our hood. i could write a book of

reflections on the aquarium but that's another story for another time.

the kids had the dolphin play with them through the glass for about 15

minutes - trying to unpack what that means and how it connects to our

relationship to nature is mind boggling.

last night if we had warmer dryer weather we would have played in a

park or in the garden but instead we went to the pool at the community

centre. it made me wonder - is a pool my way of accessing water? it is

too cold to swim in the ocean so the pool will have to do.

really though the week has been rainy and busy and so my moments have

been on my bike ride home.

What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?

I did take a moment leaving the community centre to breathe in the

trees of little mountain. I do like that about this challenge. That I

am reminded each day by Becky's voice in my head that I should 'take a

moment'. I have been doing this riding my bike home - noticing a

branch covered in moss. I stopped to take in the magnolia tree

blooming on 10th avenue. Humungous pink leaves scattered on the road.

Today I am at my office and I am now thinking I'll ride home via the

seawall to take an extra moment with the sea birds that hang out on

false creek at this time of year. I noticed them while biking earlier

this week - spent time thinking about them more than normal.

How have you been feeling after your moment?

I feel good taking an extra long breath - so that is a good thing. I

do feel like this is something that I'm not doing fully - perhaps the

'accessing' nature feels like too much - that 'appreciating' nature

might be a challenge I could get a gold star for. i do like winning

and so far I don't feel like an access to nature winner.

What is standing out? What, if anything, has been unexpected?

I think the noticing is standing out. That subtle changes can be big

changes. I notice that wanting to stop and take a picture while I ride

home feels like a disruption in the act of getting home. I've been

trying to stop on my bike when I think about the access to nature

challenge and take a photo - perhaps this is a good way to document my

moment. The moment becomes longer - stop the bike. take the photo.

take the breath. that is a huge branch covered in moss in the alley.

What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge?

I'm looking forward to the weekend so i can access nature again.

 

Becky Till - Reflection 1

1. Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there? To the closest and easiest place possible. I am taking moments on my ride home, at any place close to school, or in my backyard. I suppose convenience has been drawing me there and the commitment I made to this.  

2. What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment? Once I am in my convenient location I notice how busy my brain is, how much I don't like doing things just because I have to, how skeptical I am of natural spaces in a city, how hard it is to slot in time that does not feel productive when I am at my busiest time. And I also notice how nice it is to just slow down, how strange it is that I have to slot in "taking a moment", how climbing, jumping, and hiding are still natural to me once I get near some bushes and trees, how I get a burst of energy as soon as I am walking outside, how loud the natural spaces in this city are, how moments of privacy are few in the outdoors of the city, how sad living in the city can make me feel, how busy schedules don't make for appreciative lives. 

3. How have you been feeling after your moment? It varies from calm to energized to frustrated to totally happy. But mostly I feel good things. 

4. What is standing out? What, if anything, has been unexpected? This is way harder than I thought it would be. Weather and time play such a big role. Sunny days make for more successful moment having without a doubt. I really wonder how different this challenge would be if I had more open/wild/people free nature to access? Even without that, I'm surprised how little alterations in my schedule, that ask me to slow down and take note of pretty little nuances, actually have an impact. Taking a new route home and stopping to look at some new budding flowers and taking a walk around the block has been teaching me more than I thought it would.

5. What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge? I wonder even more now whether humans can live in cities and still be connected... we live a fast life here, and I have became part of that, I have sped up, have synced in with the pace of this place... I haven't noticed that change in a big way during this challenge, and I wanted it to. 

Gary - Reflections

One of the things I've noticed thus far is that I don't actually make a point of enjoying nature in the city. I do in the summer I guess, but this time of year my interactions with our city's green spaces are usually when I'm taking a shortcut to get somewhere else. Having noticed this, maybe I'll make a point of pausing my ipod for ten minutes and trying to notice the simple things around me. This blog has been good practice so far. Also, I bet this exercise would be easy for dog owners, they're forced to do this sort of thing already. I dunno, that's something that just occured to me. If you have no reason to do it, it's very easy not to notice all the nice little things around you. The following is only related to the topic at hand in the vaguest way, but it might be cool to see some of these in our city's parks:http://pinterest.com/search/?q=treehouses

Kaylen and Deanna - Reflection Questions

1 - Where have you been going and what has been drawing you there?

Initially, we had a lot of time and freedom, so we were heading to the "best" spots we could get to in order to get outside and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. The last couple of days have been more convenience oriented.

2 - What have you been noticing while you are taking your moment?

Usually, the moments just occur. We are having fun and being free - naturally ;)

When I've personally had less time, it's almost as if I've been looking for the moment. Trying to catch it in a jar and check it off a list.

3 - How have you been feeling after your moment?

No matter how short or long, fun or forced - I always do feel better after the moment. More connected either to myself or nature.

4 - What is standing out? What, if anything, has been unexpected?

What's standing out is the contrast between having time to choose what to do and where to do it, and being caught in a busy schedule where being in nature doesn't come so naturally.

5 - What changes, if any, are you noticing over the course of the challenge?

I'm noticing a change in my thinking about how I want to spend my time. Some things can't be helped (work and family responsibilities), but I'm realizing more and more how important it is the way we spend those precious few moments in between.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 5

Wednesday, Day 5 of the challenge felt a little more successful. It was still a busy day, but once I was off work and on my way to pick Kaylen up from school, things felt a bit brighter. I stopped to enjoy the cherry blossoms (my favourite!!!). I watched Kaylen play with his friends after school for a while, then we started our journey home. We ended up traipsing through the "green space" at city hall. I think travelling one block took half an hour, but it was worth it. We enjoyed the sights and smells of the blooming flowers and Kaylen showed me how spies should be able to get through anything. He wrapped up his feelings of the afternoon by saying "I felt happy". Simple but wonderful words.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 4

Tuesday, Day 4 of the challenge I was determined to really take a moment. I was thinking about a particular "green space" on my way to work, but what I really wanted was not there - a bench. I really wanted to sit and chill for a minute, but this space was definitely lacking in this area. I gave up and went in, assuring myself I would actually leave my office for a break for once and find somewhere to just "be."

Thankfully, I followed through and tried the "green space" on the other side. I've gotta say it was a little disappointing too. There were benches at least, but it seemed kind of abandoned. I had to look up to feel somewhere else.

On a slightly humorous note, it was really windy so I had my hood on and I was talking on my hands free when I first got there. There was a lady walking her dog who I entered the park behind and I think she figured I was either crazy or going to mug her.

Once again, I think Kaylen won this round. He played on the playground at school, probably at least 3 different times.

Kaylen and Deanna - Day 3

Monday, Day 3 of the challenge proved to be just that. As already said, it can be really hard to find even a moment in our busy lives. With Kaylen returning to school and I to work after spring break, it was that much more evident. Gone were blanket forts, late brunches and clear schedules. Back were early morning gym sessions, busy commuter trains and speed walking.

I longed to go outside whilst running on the treadmill, but the darkness kept me in. Later I managed to take a moment while waiting to cross the street from one skytrain station to the next - but is that enough? I savored the can't-put-your-finger-on-it smell of the rain and wet asphalt. Then the little man popped up and I was on my way again. The moment did feel good, but the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day seemed to outweigh it.

At least Kaylen managed to do a little better. He was happy to be back at school and playing soccer at recess with his friends despite the rain.

Fast forward to the end of the day and it was back on the train for me. I was off to meet the boys at the community center to catch the end of Kaylen's karate practice. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my husband had left the car at home. That meant we could enjoy the walk home together. And that's what we did. It might not have been the most natural of environments, but being together, walking and holding hands felt pretty darn good.