Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1545356
Rachel Davis, Ontario Research shows that many young people feel hopeless about the future we are heading towards. However, studies also show that people are more likely to act and protect something they feel a personal connection with. Building on these themes, Rachel organized an event series for youth in Toronto to explore mindfulness, creativity and nature appreciation through arts & crafts and yoga. Beginning with an arts & crafts session, participants were provided with sustainable supplies to create a nature scene that was meaningful to them. They created paintings of trees, landscapes, and animals, and shared that the images represented peace, hope, and serenity. During the guided yoga session, participants meditated on their connection to nature through nature-related yoga poses (e.g., tree, mountain) and restorative visualizations. Participants reflected on the relationship between humans and nature and strengthened their connection with nature, community, and themselves. As Rachel wraps up her graduate studies looking at youth mental health, she will continue to provide spaces where youth feel empowered to engage with nature and build connections for a more sustainable and joyful future. Look around, Look within At first, I was uncertain about how to make my abstract ideas real. I appreciated the Fellowship modules, webinars, and Summit, which helped me ask the right logistical questions, get feedback from mentors, and find resources to implement the idea. ENVIRONMENTAL