Thesis Proposal for "A Greater Balance; Learning in Nature"

Thesis: 

                With the undeniable increase of potential technological engagement abundant in this modern world, we need to consciously do our part in ensuring and supporting a greater balance between indoor, illusionary interactions and the opportunities for kids and all people to forage outside, explore and glean rich knowledge from the real physical and spiritual realm of nature.

Evidences/Reasons:

                There exist and frighteningly thrive many indoor distractions for children and adults in the modern digital age, including movies, TV shows, video games, computer games and social media, iPads, smart phones, tablets, and countless others I probably don't know of.  Collectively, these tech devices ensnare the attention of modern Americans for 7-10 hours a day, on average, which seems excessive sedentary behavior behind a glowing screen.  And while they may be receiving edifying information in quick and convenient ways, the health drawbacks and the outside learning opportunities--the challenges and creativity-required adventures nature presents--are excellent reasons to pull away from intelligent devices, and increase self-discovery in a tangible, responsive natural realm.  Self-discovery is key, and much more effectively achieved while learning to climb trees, avoid harmful plants, scale granite boulders, and cross rushing creeks. 

            Technological teaching tools also detract from chances to interact with one another, build bridges of friendships and teamwork, and compassion and care the underlying composites of these relationships.  When kids are permitted to roam and work in natural environments, the things they accomplish together, whether it be constructing a sand castle or architecting a tree house, they learn to cope and uplift one another, collaborating and physically laboring side-by-side.  Critical thinking skills crop up in situations in these particular circumstances, and when they triumph over obstacles, or accomplish goals together, their joy and confidence waxes strong.  While tech offers a wide realm of information, we cannot become solely reliant on them to the point where individual, unique creativity is squandered and deemed dispensable or less practical.

              The lack of tangible, spiritual contact with the real things of nature, rather viewing these things on glowing mesmerizing and tantalizing screens is a mock and a show if ingratitude for all the beautiful creations of nature that have been fashioned for us.  God instituted the creation of trees and plants and animals with living souls (Moses 3:9), so their spirituality is prevalent and beneficial to man, when tapped into.  We can recieve energy and richer enthusiasm and perspective on the ways of life; after all we're made from the dust, we'll return to the dust after dying. so why not interact and draw strength from dust's nutrients now?  All the instructive symbols and steadfast examples of growth found in nature are evidence we can take advantage of observing, if only we'll go up and among these treasures ourselves.