The Nature Principle

07/09/2011 by

Louv's second book

“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”
—Richard Louv

The immediacy of Richard Louv’s message in Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder galvanized an international movement to reconnect children with nature. We’ve touched base about his first book here on MSI’s blog.

Now, in The Nature Principle, Louv reaches even further with a powerful call to action for the rest of us.

Our society, says Louv, has developed such an outsized faith in technology that we have yet to fully realize or even adequately study how human capacities are enhanced through the power of nature. Supported by groundbreaking research, anecdotal evidence, and compelling personal stories, Louv shows us how tapping into the restorative powers of the natural world can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds. As he says in his introduction, The Nature Principle is “about the power of living in nature—not with it, but in it. We are entering the most creative period in history. The twenty-first century will be the century of human restoration in the natural world.”

Richard Louv makes a convincing case that through a nature-balanced existence—driven by sound economic, social, and environmental solutions—the human race can and will thrive. This timely, inspiring, and important work will give readers renewed hope while challenging them to rethink the way we live.

Editor’s note: I saw Mr. Louv speak in Park City about three years ago. He was a down-to-earth, (one would hope with a subject such as he covers) and passionate speaker. If you get a chance, go hear him speak, you can see his schedule on his website’s Appearances Page and  if you can hear him speak, do so.  Better yet, read his three books.

We’re honored to see that Mr. Louv has started to follow Mountain Spirit Institute‘s Twitter account. We’ve been at it since 1998, and started this blog in 2008 with 64,000 views since. We feel a kindred spirit with Louv, with our mission “to facilitate one’s connection to the natural environment, to each other and a deeper connection to one’s self”.  Mr. Louv has had great success in spreading the word about getting kids of all ages outside, and we’re effectively joining him in that cause.

New Zealand Lenticulars

06/09/2011 by

It’s been quite windy the last few days, but warming up here in Southern Otago, New Zealand.  Spring skiing and ski-touring season. Lenticular clouds (Altocumulus lenticularis) are classic indicators of high winds aloft. As you can see, as the sun set last night, the winds were howling up on the ridgetops just north of the house. This view taken from our balcony.

Lenticular Clouds over the Remarkables as Sunset

Spirit of the Mapuche People

30/08/2011 by

The Mapuche are an indigenous people living in central Chile. Their cultural center is the town of Temuco. This film was voted the People’s Choice on Culture Unplugged. To view the

Voice of the Mapuche People

Asylum in Czech Republic on Ecological Grounds

30/08/2011 by

A true story, this short documentary from Culture Unplugged is about a Danish citizen who seeks asylum in the Czech Republic.  I include it here to stimulate self-assessment of your assumptions. Tell us what you think.

Brian Kulkaer Larsen of Copenhagen

Glacier Peak: Washington’s Remote Volcano

28/08/2011 by

Unfortunately, no bike trailer

By Kurt Hicks

Glacier Peak should be on every Cascade mountaineer’s tick list.  While folks averse to walking might complain about the long approach (about 15 miles each way), it is perhaps the most scenic and ecologically

One of Kurt's clients en route

diverse that I’ve ever done in the Cascades.  Our trip began with a seven mile bike ride up the closed USFS 49 road, since it was temporarily closed due to a miniscule washout.  The biking was quite reasonable and went quickly with mountain bikes and pull-behind trailers.  Read the rest of Kurt’s story…

A Few Scenes from this Week

26/08/2011 by

Early Morning Ridgetop Cloud

Lake Wakatipu with snows from the record-breaking storm

Yesterday's Sunrise in Kingston, NZ

20/08/2011 by

From: Matt Primomo on FaceBook

The all new, ultralight, strapless, Bolivian crampon. Dirt cheap, or make yours today with some scraps.

Snowbound at Kingston Cafe

16/08/2011 by

More Snow in NZ

16/08/2011 by


Also see this video feed from BBC News:
New Zealand Cities see most snow in 50 years

Gold’s Glitter in Peru

15/08/2011 by

The surge in the price of gold brings wealth and unrest to Peru.
From Reuters: Katharine Jackson reports

Click Image to see Reuters Video

Also see our earlier post on Barrack Mines in Huaraz, Peru.