Remarkable Kids

11/06/2023

As a human rewilder, I'm a big advocate of finding and sticking with your Right Tribe. This is, after all, at the heart of our life as a primate species (sorry creationists) - we need a troupe, a group, a tribe to fit into, to belong to, to be nourished, nurtured and protected by. The science around this small group bonding is overwhelming, and many mental and physical dis-eases, perhaps all in some way, are dis-eases of loneliness and isolation.

There are, of course, exceptions to the rule, and even in groups of other primates, like chimps, we see some individuals who like to be alone more often or choose solitude regularly. Some people are the same, and always have been through evolution. But in general, we need the comfort, safety, protection and connection from our 'tribe'. This is good medicine.

But there is another kind of good medicine, which seems even more essential in our modern world. Solitude. Safe, measured, chosen periods of solitude to regain, replenish, recharge energy and reflect. All primates do this sometimes, whether it's just for short times each day or longer periods each week. We can assume they listen to their body and personal needs, and wander off as needed to get some 'me time'.

We are the same. Especially in this fast-paced, noisy, high-pressure world, with the huge population of people we have on Earth. It is not a luxury, but essential medicine that we seek and enjoy periods of solitude regularly - daily, weekly, monthly, whenever we can. A 10 minute meditation somewhere quiet each day, away from the family, can do wonders. Or eating alone in the park at work. Or choosing to go for a bushwalk or hike on the weekend, instead of shopping, public places or parties. It is medicine. It is not a luxury.

Ancient philosophers, poets, writers, scholars and monastics have all shared the wonder of solitude - the magic rejuvenation that can happen, mentally and physically, when we sneak away, by choice, for some self lovin' solitude, silence and solace. I hope you choose some solitude this weekend. ❤️

Instagram.com/greendeanrewilder

05/09/2022

Falling wages and spiralling prices mean energy bills are soon likely to eat up a sixth of the average salary. Tinkering around the edges of this crisis isn't enough: we need public ownership, and we need it now.

04/01/2020

This is becoming more and more prevalent in our social media age. We need to coach our children in becoming more aware of the way it can affect their mood negatively.

NPR's Life Kit sent a parenting expert to help a family cope with its kids' device fixation. The family learned that setting media boundaries means more than limiting the time kids spend on screens.

20/09/2019

Wise words

18/09/2019

Highly recommend this little book and its powerful story:

https://www.spotthedifferent.co.uk/

The author is also doing something positive for the community :-)

12/09/2019

08/08/2019

How parents can encourage mixed-gender friendships and help kids question gender stereotypes.

08/07/2019

This is not just in our children. I’ve seen this in the workplace with women too.

Too often girls and women view each other as competition or threats, rather than allies -- here's how to change that.