experiencing , and working with the Earth and the natural world .”
A key part of the mission of Gardens for Humanity is the importance of joining art and gardens . Adele , as an artist , poet , philosopher and activist , has drawn much of her inspiration and energy from her love and connection to nature . This connection to environment and to gardens as human-made environments inevitably connects people to beauty in all its varied manifestations and relationships . Beauty is the heart of spirit , visible in all of human experience . Our humanity is touched and cultivated when we experience beauty .
In order to nurture the next generation of protectors , experiences with gardens and art will become essential , as will play and adventures in nature . In the community of environmental educators it is recognized that environmentalists are born from their love of nature , from the feeling that they belong in nature . This belonging is an emotional connection , and people want to protect what they belong to . Reading studies and horror stories about environmental degradation proves less compelling than love in committing to protect the environment . We have seen many put their lives on the line over the years in order to protect nature and our planet because they love it .
A program of Gardens for Humanity that uses art to develop love and appreciation for the natural world is called “ Celebrating the Art in Earth .” Through art , third grade students observe nature and create art and performances based on the nature and environmental themes they learn about . One of the students who participated in a multi-media art lesson on plants said , “ I will never look at a vegetable or a flower in the same way again !”
When the Sioux leaders of the action against the oil pipeline through their territory said they were protectors , they described the strength of their love for nature and peaceful resistance . One young woman said , “ The term ‘ protester ’ is a colonized term for standing up for what is right .” The tactics that the pipeline company used were brutal , violent and disrespectful . The protectors used the strength of song , prayer , and their commitment to the land , culture and community to maintain their resistance to the pipeline . When we cultivate the consciousness of belonging to nature we will successfully grow its protectors and empower them with inner strength .
IMAGINE l FALL 2016 7