What is this project?
This project is my contribution to the Access to Nature goal outlined in Vancouver's Greenest City 2020 Action Plan. One of the main targets in the plan is that all Vancouver residents will be within a five minute walk of a natural space by 2020.

Who am I?
I am Becky Till, a CityStudio student working in collaboration with the City of Vancouver on Greenest City projects. I am also a person wondering what it really means to have access to nature.

What will all the participants and myself be doing?
Each participant of this challenge is going to "take a moment" in a "natural space" everyday for the next ten days (March 24th - April 2nd). We will all be posting reflections both written and visual to share what impact this commitment is having on us.

Why am I doing this?
Well, because I used eat blackberries on a forest path during my commute and now I try not to get hit by cars. I want to see if there is a bridge between my busy city life and my need to feel connected to nature. What does it mean to connect with nature in a city? Does it have the same impact as "wilder" nature? Will having more contact make a noticeable difference in my life? To broaden my conclusions I asked fourteen other people living in Vancouver if they could commit to "Accessing Nature" for 10 days straight too. They said yes.
It's on!

Wednesday 28 March 2012

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.

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