Nature and Spirituality During the Early Years

Ruth Wilson, Ph.D., has been an educator and teacher educator for over 30 years and has devoted most of her career to connecting young children with nature. She recently worked as curator for the Children & Nature Network Research Library, an online resource of scientific literature relating to children and nature.

• 1. At Home in Nature; 2. Who Has Seen the Wind?; 3. Experiences In and With Nature; 4. Spiritual Benefits; 5. Spiritual Roots; 6. Trail Guide; 7. A Proposed Framework; 8. Nature Play; 9. Mindfulness in Nature; 10. Philosophical Thinking; 11. Wonder, Aesthetics, and The Creative Arts; 12. Stories, Poems, and Storytelling

In the 1990s, psychologists began to systematically explore the contributions of spirituality to human wellbeing, but the importance of time in nature for young children’s spiritual development remained a neglected topic. This book corrects that oversight, showing many ways that engaging with nature deepens children’s spirituality—with benefits for children and the care and protection of the natural world—and suggesting activities to encourage these connections. Firmly grounded in research as well as experience in early childhood education, this book balances scholarship and practical recommendations with poetry, story and reflection.- Louise Chawla, University of Colorado BoulderResearch has much to say about how nature enhances children's learning, health, mental health and environmental stewardship. Ruth Wilson persuades us that there is something more to it. By exploring “something” within the child (spirituality). within nature (sacredness), and within their relationship (reciprocity), Ruth Wilson deftly fills this gap, - Cathy Jordan, PhD., Consulting Director of Research, Children & Nature NetworkRuth Wilson comprehensively draws on her many years of experience to ‘turn the tide’ with this publication. Children’s nature connections, spirituality and sustainability are woven together through research, reflections and stories offering much for readers to deeply consider and act upon. At a time when global climate change is pressing, we all need a spiritually restorative space, whatever that may be. The mandate here is for the adults in children’s lives to create such spaces with children and to envision sustainable futures together.- Dr Sue Elliott, University of New England, AustraliaWith clear explanations, a compelling framework and significant details are provided to meaningfully guide children in co-existing with the more-than-human world. This book transforms our thinking and offers a guide to transformations needed in early childhood education.- Yash Bhagwanji, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University; Editor, International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental EducationAs a pioneer of early childhood nature based education, Ruth Wilson has written a masterful and insightful new book that explores how spending time in the natural world can have a deep impact on children's developing spirituality. Weaving together fundamental children and nature research with heartfelt stories and personal reflections, this book provides a new look on an important topic that is more relevant today than ever. - Patti Bailie, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emerita, University of Maine at Farmington; Co-author of Partnering with Nature in Early Childhood and Evaluating NaturenessDr. Wilson hit it out of the ballpark yet again with another book that fills the reader with important information conveyed clearly, with elegance, grace, and respect. Taking on the topic of spiritualty in childhood is brave. Her capacity to connect nature and spirituality for both children and adults expands the traditional view of what many equate with what is spiritual. Dr. Wilson’s strength, among many is making the clear link between biophilia and spirituality feel like a natural part of childhood and youth. This book demystifies the concept of spirituality and puts it into the hands of adults to provide children with opportunities and affordances in nature to nourish their souls. A world in which children can be their best self-thanks to healthy doses of nature might just be the world in which future generations and our planet can flourish. And what a gift that will be.- Amy Wagenfeld, Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington; co-author Nature-Based Allied Health Practice | The Nature of Inclusive Play I read Ruth Wilson’s book word for word. I was spellbound by the depth and sensitivity given to the interrelationship between nature, spirituality, and humans, especially young humans. In this book, Ruth shares her insights that come from her many years of experience working with children and educators; as well as her personal love of nature, and sense of wonder that leads to dreams for a better tomorrow. - Deb Schein, Researcher, Author and Loose Parts Play specialistThis beautiful book made my heart and my soul sing! Ruth Wilson provides such thoughtful language and insight that I will continue to reference again and again. From reflections on relational spirituality to considerations of spirituality in nature play and in environmental justice, Ruth weaves together a rich, multilayered tapestry of evocative research and grounded experience. I want to put this book into the hands of every educator I know, regardless of whether they are a religious educator, environmental educator, or early childhood educator.- Chaplain Dave Becker, Unitarian Universalist Minister, Interfaith Chaplain, Educator, and Activist