Biophilia

Biophilia hypothesis: the idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

The cool breeze hits my face as it rustles the branches causing them to do a little subtle dance. I am surrounded by the sound of birds chirping and every so often, I’ll catch a glimpse of them flying through the trees in my peripherals. It is a perfect day in Annapolis- 79 degrees, the sun is out, humidity is low. 

I’ve been sitting outside in my friends backyard, which happens to be the woods, for hours now. The longer I sit here, the more I am reminded that my sense of home lies within the trees. I feel sheltered and guarded in its leafy walls like a child that hides behind their mother or father. I may have gotten a few mosquito bites while hanging out here, but for me it’s worth it. Especially after coming from that desert heat.

  
I am reading the Geography of Bliss. I realized that’s what my trip this summer is really about, how people in other countries find happiness because I know my idea of happiness doesn’t fit the American standards. America is about status, money, consumerism, all work and no play. Oftentimes there is no time to sit back and take in the little things. 

Our food has been tainted that other countries will not accept our meat and produce. I’d like to live simply and eat food in it’s pure form, not a fruit that may have genes of a fish or a chicken that has never seen daylight. At least craft beer is pure, maybe that’s why I love it so much.

America has been growing disconnected from truly living, in my opinion at least, and I want to see what living is like across the sea.