Chapter 1: A Journey Back to Nature

As I settled into sleep, I was struck by a sensation that was absent during my time in the United States: the soothing sound of rain gently tapping on the roof above me.

During the past month, I visited my sister and her newborn daughter in the US, all while gathering the necessary documents for my long-term visa to Colombia. The application process is intricate and costly, yet I made the decision to establish my life here at the beginning of the year.

For a fleeting moment, I considered relocating back to the US to reside in the mountains, but something felt off. I hesitated, and then I spent time with my sister. Each visit home leads me to romanticize the idea of being closer to my family.

Although my siblings and I share a strong bond, they live considerable distances apart, meaning that no matter where I am, I remain separated from them.

Upon my arrival in Boston, my body instinctively tensed as I stepped off the plane. The chilly air contrasted sharply with the warmth I had grown accustomed to.

The barista who served me coffee wore a blank expression, and the drink itself was lukewarm. It felt as though everyone around me was too engrossed in their phones to engage with one another.

This was just my initial interaction. While I’m aware that the Northeast isn’t known for its friendliness, the overall indifference towards others—and even nature—seemed to have reached unprecedented levels.

Inside my sister's home, I quickly realized that I could no longer hear the rustling of wind, the sound of rain, or the chirping of birds. This wasn’t a reflection on my sister’s lifestyle, but rather a common experience in the US.

American homes often resemble insulated boxes, isolating us from the natural world. The open-air living I cherish is nonexistent. Many days were spent in front of the television, feeling unproductive and lethargic.

I found little motivation to write, only jotting down a few thoughts for myself. Unfortunately, I had nothing substantial to share. Moreover, my allergies intensified every time I ventured outdoors.

I helped my sister set up her garden beds, but returning inside left me with puffy, red eyes and a sneezy disposition, as if my body was protesting my presence there.

The stark separation between indoors and outdoors troubled me. My movements were confined to transitioning from the house to the car, and then to another location. Although we occasionally walked near her home, the frequent rain made this a rare occurrence.

Reflecting on this, I realized how much I missed the sounds of the natural world as I lay in bed, lulled by the rain on my tin roof and the rumble of distant thunder. Here in Colombia, we need not shield ourselves from the elements—the warm rain and temperate climate are constant companions.

Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that this separation is intentional. Perhaps it serves to foster a disconnect from nature, breeding complacency and alienation from the environment. We are intrinsically part of nature, and if we remain overly protected, how will we learn to thrive without such safeguards?

It’s unsettling to witness the apparent disconnection so prevalent among people in the States. Even during our drives, I noticed the absence of individuals outdoors; in contrast, here in Colombia, people are always engaging with their surroundings.

Today, intermittent rain has graced us with its presence, accompanied by a refreshing breeze. The soil beneath my nails serves as evidence of my time spent in the garden, tending to fruit trees, mulching, and nurturing the plants I had planted prior to my departure.

As I compose these thoughts from my porch, I observe a man working in the field across from me, while others stroll along the road.

Is it necessary to seek such comfort in our lives? Or might embracing a little discomfort actually nourish our souls?

Perhaps it’s simply that this place feels like home, and my sense of peace here shapes my contrasting feelings when I am away.

XOXO

S

www.saraburdick.com

Chapter 2: Reconnecting with Nature

In the first video, titled "Our Disconnection from Nature," we explore how modern living often isolates us from the natural world, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with our surroundings.

The second video, "The Modern World Is Making Men Lonely, Addicted & Lost! - Escape Society's Matrix | Gabor Matè," delves into the psychological impacts of societal detachment and the necessity of rediscovering our connection to nature.