On Saturday, April 4, a group of about fifty NREM Interpretation and Undergraduate Seminar students participated in a field trip to Cool Creek Park and Nature Center.  I was a part of this group, and must say that I left the park feeling inspired and uplifted.  After recently sharing stories with several of my classmates about how stressful and taxing this time of year is, I know that I am not alone in feeling the need to escape.  (Did I say escape?  I meant "run for the hills!")  Unfinished projects are mounting, tests seem unending, and the student body is overall overwhelmed and over-caffeinated. 

However, once we reached Cool Creek and eventually had a chance to explore independently, I started to feel better than I had in months.   Among the visitors to the park was a group of mostly elderly bird watchers that had met that Saturday morning, as they do every Saturday morning, to simply watch wildlife through the one-way mirror in the corner of the Nature Center.  The group was comprised of various businessmen, a retired teacher, and other retired or working professionals – interestingly enough none of them in jobs related to the outdoors or nature.  As one of the staff was pouring the patrons coffee in a way that I might casually pour coffee for my closest friends, I asked them how long they had been birding this way.  The response was a quick, "Oh, probably about 200 years." 

The group reminded me of an older man who frequently visits Southeastway Park in Indianapolis, for the same purpose.  One day he confided in me that he had recently lost his wife of some 30-40 years, and the reason he had so suddenly and fervently taken up bird watching was immediately apparent. 

Later, when we took a short hike through the woods on the property, I was left with that same feeling I expect keeps the bird watchers coming back week after week.  The stresses of school and my hectic life were miles away. 

I think it's interesting, and unfortunate that society focuses so exclusively on physical or even mental health, and very rarely spiritual health.  The constant worry and anxiety that plagues us, especially in economic times like these, takes a major toll on our well being.  The beauty of nature - especially spring - is like a kind of therapy. 

Often, the earth's natural resources are only valued for the economic worth they provide.  I propose that we instead, recognize the intrinsic value of the natural world.  Perhaps the spring wildflowers that bloom this time of year in Christy Woods serve as food sources to none, and do not add to the overall health of the woods.  Perhaps if they were to suddenly not bloom one spring, it wouldn't change a thing.  Maybe, for all intents and purposes, the spring wildflowers or the chickadees at Cool Creek Park are pointless.  But when I see the exceptional joy and contentment these beauties provide - in a way that nothing else could- they are one of the most important things.