Guest Blog for Mompreneur Ontario: Vitamin N for Success

Nature (AKA Vitamin N) is an ancient vitamin lacking in many of our lives. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘nature’? Some may say a forest, a sunset, animals or a meadow. When you picture it in your mind, what type of feelings do you feel? Words often heard are calming, happy, inspired, or serene.

In today’s society, it is a busy life. The kids need to be fed, homework done, house to clean and if you own your own business, you wear many hats that sometimes feel ongoing without a break. The stress builds up to a point where you wonder if it is all worth it.

What if there was a way you could distress, take a break, take a beat, a breath and it wouldn’t cost you a penny and it is all around you no matter where you are.

Sounds amazing don’t it?

Well it is all around you, we have just forgotten about it. It is nature. Spending time out in nature has been proven to alleviate stress. William Bird, a professor at Oxford University and Chief Health Advisor for Natural England talks about the flight or fight reflex we encounter during a stressful situation.  He says “The fight or flight reflex is a normal response to stress caused by the release of catecholamine’s (including adrenaline) and results in muscle tension, raised blood pressure, faster pulse, diversion of blood away from the skin to muscle and sweating. All of these factors help the body to cope with a dangerous situation. However without rapid recovery this stress response would cause damage and exhaustion with limited response to a repeat dangerous situation.”

Taking a stroll that exposes you to nature quiets the mind to a calmer relax state. The time spent outdoors elevates the stress you may be feeling from anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) some feel this time of year or from the day to day grind.

It isn’t just stress that a healthy dose of Vitamin N is good for. Exposure to nature, be it through a stroll, looking at pictures, sitting outside on a quiet street looking at a potted tree or laying down on a blanket in a park, it increases the senses and higher work productivity.  A study at the University of Michigan demonstrated that after an hour of interaction with nature, memory performance and attention spans improved by 20 percent. Another research showed a 5 per cent boost in creativity for people who immersed themselves in nature for a few days.

I encourage you all to spend time outside in nature; whatever forms you can find and get your weekly dose of Vitamin N. You will be feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take on the next task at hand and feel more successful in all aspects.

About the author: Rhonda Ursulak

Rhonda Ursulak is a nature educator with Nature’s Backpack in the Halton Region. Through her understanding and knowledge of the natural environment, she leads children and families into the thrilling and unknown mysteries of nature. Through her programs, children are offered various opportunities to learn about their environment, move in it with ease, grow confident, increase social skills, motor skills, balanced lifestyle and foster community connections.

The Why.

I love telling stories. Most favourite one is why I started Nature's Backpack, because back then, I was a teacher assistant by day and make-up artist by night and on weekends. Both jobs I really enjoyed and thought I was living my passion.

It wasn't until I took the nursery school children to a local conservation area when I realized that a bigger purpose was waiting for me.

Nature has always been important, and I understood that we, as humans, are part of the whole circle of life. Having a background and education in environmental sciences gave me the foundation and  understanding of ecology and the benefit nature has in our lives.

I knew that people were not going outside as much, but I didn't fully appreciate this until that day.

As we were waiting for everyone to arrive, the children were sitting on a bench while the parents were chatting in the hall. That is when I heard it.... a piercing scream from a little girl. When I turned around, I saw that she was swatting a fly... a common housefly and screaming "It's going to bite me!"

It didn't stop there. When we walked outside with our nature interpreter (whom I worked with in the past many times) took us to the nearby pond. A frog leaped out in-front of us and I was expecting the children to run and try to catch it... one child tried, but the parent quickly squashed the curiosity and told the child not to touch it.

WHAT!!!!

The rest of the time, I was keen to hear how this outing was going to go and was shocked. Shocked at the fear and the misunderstanding of nature these people had. When I went home that day, I went on the internet and found Richard Louv, who wrote the book "Last Child in the Woods". He called this disconnection Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). I bought his book and read it through, shaking my head in agreement throughout.

I felt I had to do something... even if it was small. And I did just that. I started a free family hike and called it Nature's Backpack.  The goal was to get people out into nature with a guide, model free curiosity and play outdoors and hopefully inspire families to go outside on their own and explore nature.

Through feedback from families and further research in nature connection, I wanted to take Nature's Backpack further. Connection to nature is powerful and through nature children will develop confidence, a sense of place, ownership of their surroundings, connection and love for nature and all living things, compassion, a sense of self, not to mention the physical attributes of being active outside. Studies show that when people spend time outdoors, they are more creative, focused, less stressed, happier, grounded, and calmer. If you are interested in this research, visit Children and Nature Network.

It all started with the observation of the disconnect from nature, but has turned into a mission of rebuilding our culture and communities through connecting to nature, to each other and to thyself.

Starting with our children, mentoring them to learn through their own passion to learn, to be curious about that frog, plant, tree or animal, to ask questions and to put your best guess forward. To bring out the gifts within each child and nurture it.  In doing so, guide them into knowing who they truly are and where their place is in the world.

Nature's Backpack is more than a program for children, it is a life long journey from birth to teens that guides and nurtures our children to build better communities and culture. It is about regenerating our culture, and building in the attributes of well rounded adults connected to their surroundings.

It is my passion and mission in life and one I do everyday through learning more skills and knowledge to pass along to the future generation.

It is the why behind Nature's Backpack and I do hope to see you on one of the hikes, programs or hear about how this has inspired you to do something similar.

Nature's Backpack has new programs coming in April, Oaks and Acorns (birth to 3), Wild Things (after school program 5-9), Chicks in the Sticks (girls club 9-14) and our popular program Young Explorers (3-5) 

Success in Failure (Guest Blog)

I met Michael McCarthy last year at the Headwater's Gathering at the Kimbercote Farm, ON. We connected and became friends right away through our love for all things nature and working with kids. That following summer, I had the honour to work along with Micheal at The P.I.N.E. Project. Michael is a natural mentor and nature educator for our youth, engaging them with his enthusiasm and patience.  I learned a lot from him and continue to do so. The life skills learned are usually hidden with the type of mentoring Michael does, and it is through example that the true lessons are taught. 

Here is a story of a time when Michael taught a valuable lesson about failure, working with the Pine River Institute.  I will let him tell you the rest of the story....


A True Story told by Michael McCarthy

The success in failure, or, how to celebrate when things don't go as planned. 

On Thursday night I spent an hour preparing a beautiful fire and getting my bow drill kit prepped. This was for a nighttime bonfire for 50 grade 6/7 students who were on a 3 day school trip at Mansfield outdoor centre. 

When the time came, I led them all to the unlit bonfire and proceeded to perform a most spirited and dramatic telling of how coyote stole fire. I rocked it and had the kids in the palm of my hand. I moved to my bow drill kit, getting one of the kids to shine a light on me. I have done this hundreds of times. First try - no coal. Second try - just a thin wisp of smoke. I ask the kids to look up and note the fog covering the stars and how the dampness would impede the lighting. 8 mins go by. Kids were chanting my name, telling me not to quit. I finally put the bow down, sweat pouring off my face, my body spent. I almost cried. I lit some birch bark with a lighter and we gave thanks for fire together. 
I thought I had failed them and lost my status as the 'bush-man'.

One of the teachers came up afterwards and thanked me for showing them how to try my best and for modeling that its okay to fail. She said that she noticed how much the boys looked up to me and how failing really gave them a great gift: being a man means not being perfect, and being humble enough to dance with the great mystery of life - where things don't always go as planned. 

Letting these words in, I really had to move past my bruised ego and rest in the fact that coyote had been present all along, teaching me that failure can contain hidden jewels - but only if my heart is receptive enough to see.


It is through these types of teachings and role modeling that our youth are taught to be confident with who they are, to take risks, fail and learn. Through programs at Nature's Backpack, our youth are giving opportunities to do just that. www.naturesbackpack.ca

Warm When Wet

When running outdoor programs for children, educating people on how to dress for the weather is an important role. As a friend of mine that runs an outdoor playgroup in Toronto, ActivekidsClub, always says, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” and on Christmas day, it was brought home to me just how true that Scandinavian proverb is.

A fun game of hockey had left us all exhausted and sleepy, especially from a full tummy of yummy Christmas treats. After a quick power nap, I decided I would enjoy the solace and take a walk by myself and take some photos. I left a note as to where I was going and put on my fleece pants and wool socks, big winter boots that feel like pillows on my feet, my jacket, and headed out into the winter wonderland.

I find some wonderful snow covered objects to take pictures of and I then hear voices behind me. The first people I have seen since I have come up here for the holidays. So I waited for them to catch up, introduce myself and continue walking with them deep in conversation about the holidays, family, cottage life and the lot. New friends were made and I said my farewells when we came upon the local smelt fishing spot. The place where the lake empties into a shallow creek and the vistas are worthy of my novice camera photo shooting.

I see a few things and take pictures, thinking it is really neat how the ice hangs off the end of the plant. As I take my eye away from the camera, I notice mice tracks in the snow. Very cool how they zig zag in the snow and disappear in the subnivean world. As I get up, I see the water seeping up into the snow, and think, I better not walk too much further, and the ice is thin here. From my experience in this creek, I know it isn’t too deep, but don’t take any chances, the water will still be very cold. You never know, there could be a deep spot right below me. So I make my way back.

As I climb up the bank, I look back and notice interesting tracks in the middle of the creek just a bit further up. I can’t make out what it is even looking through my zoom lens and wonder what they are. They look like something is dragging behind it; in-between the paw prints… a beaver, muskrat, and river otter? I had to find out. But looked out and made the call that walking out there was too dangerous.

As I looked around though, I noticed that perhaps if I stayed on the banks, I could get a closer look. So moved myself along the banks of the creek to get a closer look. Concentrating on where the tracks are, I stepped off the bank onto the creek and broke through the ice and fell into the freezing water up to my thigh. The biting cold water filled my boot quickly and soaked through my fleece pants. Not the nicest words came out of my mouth. Not because I fell through, but because I wouldn’t be able to get closer to find out what those tracks were- another day perhaps. But being about 30 minutes away from my cottage, I decided I better not take a chance with being wet and head home.

As I climbed back onto the road my leg becomes extremely cold, but I notice that my feet were ok. Thank goodness I put on my wool socks today, the one thing that is keeping my leg from freezing. So I pull my fleece pants out of my boots, sopping wet with icy cold water, unzip the leg and pull up my wool socks as far as they go and continue to walk. Thinking, my feet are going to be so frigging cold by the time I get back.

As I head down our steep hill to my cottage, I realize that my pant leg and boot are frozen, but my feet are still relatively warm. Wool really does keep you warm even when wet.

As I take my boots off, I give thanks to my wool socks that kept my legs and feet warm on the journey. I dump out the icy cold water and wait for my boots to thaw so that I can take the insoles out to dry.

I will be investing in some wool pants next time I go into town. There is an army surplus store in town that has them.  Today, I am very thankful for wool. It really does keep you warm… even when it is wet. 

To find out more about Nature's Backpack programs for children ages 3-14, please visit our web page www.naturesbackpack.ca

Gratitude Challenge Day 14 - Last one!

The last day of the Gratitude Challenge! Wow! It has been a great 2 weeks and I hope you have enjoyed it along with me.

Here is Gratitude Challenge Day 14 (click) - the last one!

In reflection, I have noticed that I give thanks and gratitude more easily and frequently than in the past. Something that I will be taking with me for the rest of my days. It won't stop here. I may not write about it every day for you all, but it definately is now part of my every day routine. 

It has really opened up my awareness as well, to open up to more than just myself and the people immediately in my circle. Perhaps it is because I am outside in nature more consitently that I see more wildlife, and understand it more, I am not sure, but I feel gratitude to the lessons I have learned.

I also find that when I start to feel sad, I can trace it back a little easier, let it flow and start the healing process, or can start to feel grateful for it or something that is in my life and feel a little better. Most of all, I feel happier. 

Thank you for joining me on my Gratitude Challenge for the past 2 weeks. I have really enjoyed sharing my journey with you and hearing about yours. 

Explore with us in 2013 through our various programs for ages 3-14 that will embrace each individual gifts and provide a safe place to express them and learn. http://www.naturesbackpack.ca

Gratitude Challenge Day 13

When I first started my Kamana (a home study of the natural world), giving thanks in this way was very new to me. And to incorporate it into your life was something I have heard before, but this took it to a deeper level. For me anyway.

Today, look at the list and give thanks to each one. You have been practicing giving thanks for almost 2 weeks now. It comes easy for me.

Here is Gratitude Challenge Day 13 (click) - enjoy!

Thank you to all the people who are in my life, who support me, cheer me up when I need it and give me hugs when they greet me. For their honesty, their mentoring and guidance and to my ancestors who have paved the way for me to be who I am today. To guide me still from the world of mystery between life and death.

Thank you earth, for providing us structure and weather and seasons and day and night. To unify us all together

Thank you Water for quenching our thirst every day, and to bring the lushness to the world when you fall from the sky.

Thank you plants, for providing us with many different kinds of food, flowers to gaze upon and grasses to lay upon.

Thank you animals, for showing us how we can do things better, with grace and honour. And for providing us with food to eat to sustain our own lives.

Thank you Trees for providing us the oxygen we breath, for giving us shade and fun through climbing.

Thank you birds, for your beauty of flight thrills me deep and to hear your songs warms my heart.

Thank you wind, for you spread seeds and bring weather around the world, and allow us to fly kites and bond with our families.

Thank you weather, rain and clouds, for you bring nourishment with you and show us the power in nature

Thank you moon, when you are full you give power and light to those at night. And guide us in the darkness.
Thank you sun, for you warm our earth and bodies, allowing many chemical reactions to occur in all life. You also offer beautiful sunrises and sun sets.
Thank you stars for offing stories from the past, to helping us navigate and to ignite imagination in wishes and dreams.
Thank you to creativity in our lives, without it we would never have music, art, and stories. Through all of this we are individuals that have beautiful things to share.
Thank you to the Universe & The Future Generations, for the world is open to all and that our future generations will carry on our own legacies and hope we do a good job for you. 

Explore with us in 2013 through our various programs for ages 3-14 that will embrace each individual gifts and provide a safe place to express them and learn. http://www.naturesbackpack.ca

Gratitude Challenge Day 12

Only two more days after this one of our challenge. What a difference it is making in my life. It is becoming a habit to just stop every once and a while to be thankful.  Today is a reflection on what you have done so far.

Here is Gratitude Challenge Day 12 (Click) - Enjoy.

So today we picked our own way to give thanks, and I wanted to give thanks to people, my ancestors to be exact. You know, a lot is passed down to us through our own history and lineage. Many times our family may do things without knowing the reason why? Or how, in my family, we are artistic in drawing and sculpting. Through looking back at our lineage we found out that our ancestors were glass blowers and carvers. How interesting. 

I also try to connect myself to my ancestors. Even though I am not on the same soil as they are, I can still feel I can connect to them through prayer and fire. I have had many powerful moments in the last few months where I have called upon them to help me or a friend through something and they usually answer. Whether it is through tears you shed, or gratitude and compassion to others, I have felt them.

So I hope to go back to where my ancestors are and learn a little more about them. Have you traced your lineage? Do you have something in your family that has been passed down? A Heirloom or a tradition? I would love to hear it. 

Explore with us in 2013 through our various programs for ages 3-14 that will embrace each individual gifts and provide a safe place to express them and learn. http://www.naturesbackpack.c