Tech - in Nature?

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Nature Moments, where I share photography + stories about moments of connection in nature, is currently on pause. I’ve returned to full-time work, so I write when I can :) In the meantime, please enjoy the archives.

I definitely do not go out into nature to spend more time with my devices, more time with notifications and updates, plugged into the chaos of a self-destructing nation.

I definitely step outside to catch my breath away from that for a sec.

That said, I often have my phone with me, for 3 reasons that I highly recommend.

1. To take photos and videos.

I can’t help myself. When something makes me smile, I want to capture it in pixels and share it with my loved ones.

My whole family does this. My husband sends me texts at work of something that just bloomed or the baby birds growing so big. My kids come back from a walk, tell me all about something cool they saw - and then go, “Oh wait, I’ve got pics!” And they scroll through their phone with me. I love it.

This is tech at its highest purpose - as a means to foster greater connection :)

2. To identify.

When I see something wonderful, I like to get to know it! I use the Seek app all the time.

I use it to identify something new. I use it probably even more for those things that are familiar and right on the tip of my tongue, but whose names stubbornly refuse to be retrieved from my mental archives 🤣

I went into the forest as spring unfurled, to visit the ferns that nudge the forest into springtime.

Interrupted Fern, Sensitive Fern, Northern Lady Fern, Cinnamon Fern, Common Bracken Fern. Five minutes in the forest…five ferns to say hello to!

3. To see who’s around.

Yes, it’s super peaceful to just close your eyes and relax under the canopy and listen to the birds chatter.

After ten years in our little forest, I recognize many of them by song. But there’s something extra cozy about glancing down to see who’s nearby, who’s talking when, and who may be a new arrival in the neighborhood.

And you can do that with the Merlin app. You can watch the songs play along the top - and watch each bird get highlighted as it sings.

I definitely heard the Robin. But what a treat to know there was a Black-and-white Warbler nearby! Honestly had no idea he was there, hope I catch a real glimpse soon :)

So yes, I step out into the forest to dis-connect. And sometimes I leave my phone at home. But more often, I bring my phone along. I just use it in a different way. A better way. The way, perhaps, it’s mean to be used. To re-connect, with what really matters most 🌿

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Also, I realized this week that it’s time, once again, for my seasonal PSA - plant chives!

Chives burst into bloom in dramatic fashion, all at once, and everyone comes to visit. A moment of escape - a moment to disconnect - a moment to reconnect, to what really matters :)

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