Child's perspective engrosses in awe - audible and visual experiences
In a thought-provoking conversation on the radio show *To The Best Of Our Knowledge*, Lulu Miller, co-host of Radiolab and author of "Why Fish Don't Exist", and Shannon Henry Kleiber delved into the transformative impact of nature and child-like sensibility on adult lives.
Miller, who grew up with a deep connection to nature thanks to her father's love for hiking and teaching her about the natural world, found solace in the reliability of nature to spark questions and maintain a sense of wonder. This connection led her to create a "Radiolab" spinoff show and podcast series for children called "Terrestrials".
The inspiration for "Terrestrials" stemmed from Miller's experiences as a parent, as she discovered unique conversations with her young sons that challenged adult assumptions. She believes that children, with their demanding nature and ability to think deeply, can be a powerful force in helping adults rediscover their sense of wonder.
Miller emphasizes that moments of wonder, often dismissed as trivial or for children, can open up an authentic sense of hope and possibility. Adults, she suggests, can regain their sense of wonder by noticing and cherishing authentic interests, such as nature, math, or poetry. This practice, Miller believes, is sacred because it reminds the individual that they care about something.
The pair also highlighted the benefits of reconnecting with nature and embracing a child-like perspective. Revisiting the natural world with fresh eyes encourages adults to see familiar surroundings with renewed curiosity, fostering emotional and psychological well-being. Engaging with nature and adopting a playful, imaginative mindset can reduce stress and increase feelings of joy and awe, thereby improving overall mental health.
Moreover, this combination can stimulate creativity and inspiration, leading to greater creative thinking and problem-solving. The unpredictability and complexity of nature challenge adults to move beyond routine thought processes, opening up new ways of seeing and experiencing the world.
Miller finds Rachel Carson's quote, "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in," particularly moving.
Miller's wife, a psychologist, works with parents in the NICU and believes that giving parents even a little bit of mental health care can significantly improve a baby's outcome. This conversation underscores the profound impact that a sense of wonder and connection to nature can have on both adults and children, offering a powerful antidote to the cynicism and monotony that can accompany adulthood.
- Lulu Miller, having discovered a new perspective on life through her children, extended her radio series into a podcast called "Terrestrials", revolving around science, lifestyle, and nature, aiming to foster a sense of wonder.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry often overlooks the benefits of incorporating elements of nature into designs, but emulating natural designs can spark creativity and stir a sense of wonder, similar to the approach Miller encourages.
- In the realm of books, there are numerous instances of authors capturing the essence of wonder and child-like sensibility, providing entertainment and insight for adults, much like Miller's conversation on "To The Best Of Our Knowledge".
