Back to Natural Core Values

In my opinion, family and faith are the back to natural core values. They help us to pursue our dreams and cope with our difficulties while giving us a sense of purpose, joy, affection, and encouragement. One of the best ways to nurture these values is to spend quality time with our loved ones in natural settings, where we can reconnect with ourselves, each other, and nature.

Family and faith are the cornerstones of society, as they provide the foundation for moral values, social cohesion, and personal fulfillment. They nurture the bonds of love, trust, and respect that are essential for human dignity and happiness. They also inspire us to serve others, to contribute to the common good, and to uphold the principles of justice and peace. Since 1990, the percentage of Americans who believe that family and faith are back-to-natural core values range from 55% to 59%.

In this blog post, I will share some of the benefits of spending quality time with your loved ones, and some tips on how to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Whether you are planning a family picnic, a romantic hike, or a camping trip with friends, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Benefits of spending quality time with your loved ones:

First, spending time in nature can boost your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that being exposed to natural light, fresh air, and greenery can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Nature can also inspire you to be more active, whether you choose to hike, bike, swim, or just explore. Physical activity can strengthen your immune system, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance your cognitive function.

Second, spending time with your loved ones can strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories. When you are away from the distractions of technology and work, you can focus more on each other and have meaningful conversations. You can also bond over shared experiences, such as discovering new places, overcoming challenges, or witnessing beautiful scenery. Spending quality time with your loved ones can increase your happiness, trust, and intimacy.

Third, spending time in natural settings can foster your appreciation and respect for the planet. When you see the beauty and diversity of nature, you can develop a sense of awe and wonder. You can also learn more about the ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. Spending time in natural settings can motivate you to protect and conserve the natural resources that sustain life on Earth.

So how can you spend quality time with your loved ones in natural settings? Here are some tips of how to start:

Plan ahead. Choose a destination that suits your interests and abilities. Check the weather forecast, pack the essentials, and follow the safety guidelines.
Be flexible. Be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations, such as changes in weather, road conditions, or availability of facilities. Don’t let minor setbacks ruin your mood. Instead, embrace the adventure and enjoy the moment.
Be respectful. Follow the principles of leaving no trace. Don’t litter, damage, or disturb anything in nature. Respect the wildlife and their habitats. Respect other visitors and their privacy.
Have fun. Try new things, challenge yourself, and learn from your mistakes. Take photos, but don’t forget to appreciate the view with your own eyes. Share your stories, but also listen to others. Laugh, smile, and express your gratitude.

Ideas for outdoor activities

But sometimes it can be hard to find ideas for outdoor activities that are fun, safe, and suitable for everyone. That’s why I have compiled a list of some examples of activities that you can try with your family to enjoy nature more.

Go on a scavenger hunt. This is a great way to explore your surroundings and discover new things. You can make a list of items to find, such as different types of leaves, flowers, rocks, insects, or animals. Or you can use an app or a website that has pre-made scavenger hunts for different locations and themes. You can also make it more challenging by adding clues, riddles, or puzzles to solve along the way.
Plant a garden. Gardening is a rewarding and relaxing activity that can teach you and your family about plants, animals, and the environment. You can start with some easy-to-grow plants, such as herbs, vegetables, or flowers. You can also choose plants that attract butterflies, bees, or birds to your garden. You can plant them in pots, containers, or raised beds, depending on the space and resources you have. You can also decorate your garden with rocks, shells, or other natural materials.
Have a picnic. Nothing beats eating outdoors with your loved ones, especially when you have prepared some delicious and healthy food. You can pack some sandwiches, salads, fruits, snacks, and drinks in a basket or a cooler. You can also bring some games, books, or music to enjoy after your meal. You can have your picnic in a park, a forest, a beach, or any other scenic spot that you like.
Make some art. Nature can inspire you and your family to unleash your creativity and make some beautiful art. You can use natural materials, such as leaves flowers, twigs, stones, or shells to make collages, sculptures, or mandalas. You can also use paints, crayons, or markers to draw or paint what you see in nature. You can also take photos or videos of your creations or the landscapes that you admire.
Go camping. Camping is an adventurous and fun way to experience nature and bond with your family. You can pitch a tent in a campground or a backyard, or sleep under the stars in a sleeping bag or a hammock. You can also make a fire and roast some marshmallows, tell stories, sing songs, or play games. You can also go hiking, fishing, biking, or kayaking during the day.

Conclusion

Faith and Family are back to natural core values that many people cherish and uphold. They provide a sense of meaning, purpose and belonging in life. Faith can inspire people to live according to their beliefs and values, while family can offer support, love and guidance.