1. Cultivating a Sense of Wonderwith the Natural World through the Practice ofMindfulnessThomas Falkenberg Michael Link

2. Significantlydecreased rates of outdoor experiencesover the past 20 years (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005;Kellert, 2005; Taylor & Kuo, 2006). A typical week is too scheduled to simply gooutside and play(Clements, 2004). Link between structuredchildhood and rising health concerns (Louv, 2008). 3. E.O. WilsonsTheory of Biophilia The innateconnection with nature that isbenecial for ourhealth and wellbeing (Wilson, 1984; 2001). 4. Nature-deficit disorder describes the human costsof alienation from nature, among them: diminisheduse of the senses, attention difficulties, and higherrates of physical and emotional illnesses (Louv, 2008). 5. Influences of Electronic Media and the Connection to ObesityThe average time spent with electronic media, among 8-18 yearolds, now stands at 7.5 hours per day (Roberts et al., 2010). 6. The average eight-year-old was better able to identify Pokmoncharacters such as Pikachu, Metapod, and Wigglytuff thannative species in the community where they lived (Balmfold, Clegg,Coulson and Taylor, 2002). During the past 25 years, the chances for children to directly experience nature during playtime has drastically declined. (Kellert, 2005). 7. Increase ofchildhoodobesity over the past 50 years -4% in the 60s to close to 20% in2004,(Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, 2006). 8. Older children, who spent more time outdoors, tended to be more active and had a lower prevalence ooverweight than children spending more time indoors(Cleland, et al, 2008 9. Children are more activewhen they are outside(Ekelund, 2004; Ferreira, 2006;Sallis, 2000). 10. Nature Deprivation and Mental HealthConsiderable benefits for mental health through contact with nature(Health Council of the Netherlands, 2004; Maller, 2006; Rohde and Kendle, 1994; Frumkin, 2001;Prosser, 2008; Seymour, 2003). 11. Nature-deprivation is now being examinedas a potential source of stress, anxiety anddepression in children.(Ginsburg, 2007) 12. Direct exposure to nature is essential for childrensphysical and emotional health, improving their cognitive abilities and resistance to negative stresses and depression(Burdette & Whitaker, 2005; Kellert,2002; Wells, 2003). 13. Direct experience with nature reducesThe signs of ADHDADHD (Kuo & Taylor, 2004;LinkTalyor, Kuo & Sullivan, 2001).Watching TV, oroutdoor play on asphalt, increases ADHD symptoms(Louv, 2008).