
Nature First: Outdoor Life the Friluftsliv Way (Paperback)
Bob Henderson (editor), Nils Vikander (editor)
£15.99
Paperback
336 Pages /
Published: 01/07/2007
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Nature First combines the Scandinavian approach to creating a relationship with nature (known as friluftsliv) with efforts by Canadian and international educators to adapt this wisdom and apply it to everyday life experiences in the open air. The word friluftsliv literally refers to "free-air life" or outdoor life. A word saturated with values, the concept can permeate deeply and playfully into ones cultural being and personal psyche, thus influencing the way one perceives and interacts with nature on a daily basis. For centuries, the North American approach has been one of domination and bringing nature under control, in many cases abusing our natural environment in the process. The friluftsliv way of being on "talking terms with nature," developing an "insider's" relationship with nature, offers the rich potential of allowing us as cohabiters on the Earth to recreate, rejuvenate and restore the balance among all living things. Nature First is the first English-language anthology to bring together the perspectives and experiences of North American, Norwegian, Swedish and other international outdoor writers, all friluftsliv thinkers and doers.
Here, the thirty contributors' use of history, sociology, psychology, philosophy and outdoor education writings blend to provide an understanding of how friluftsliv applies to everyday life. The book presents an alternative to much of the personal growth/adventure-based literature that tends to dominate our current approach to the outdoor activity. Folklore, heritage, adventure travel, crafts, place-based education and the daily outings of families all have a role to play in promoting an understanding of both the ordinary and the mystical importance of this Nordic tradition. Dedicated to parents, travel guides, educators and generally to participants in the outdoors, Nature First provides a compellingly fresh approach to life in the out-of-doors.
Publisher: Natural Heritage Books
ISBN: 9781897045213
Number of pages: 336
Weight: 495 g
Dimensions: 229 x 152 x 19 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
"This book makes interesting reading for anyone interested in environmental and sustainability education and concepts of nature and "nature at home", and who would like to use experiential methods to explore these topics with groups." - Pete Allison and Simon Beames -- Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning (London, UK) Dec 2008 "With a diverse collection of articles from Frilufsliv practitioners, educators and thinkers from around the globe, this book is a thorough study of the meaning, importance, and integrity of Frilufslive as a practice, philosophy, and way of life ... I found Nature First to be a breath of "free air' as a practical resource that brings together a multiplicity of scholars and practitioners under one sky, and as an inspiration to continue to pursue the "open-air life" the Frilufsliv way both professionally and personally." - W. Scott McCormack -- Canadian Journal of Environmental Education Vol 13 "I found Nature First to be a breath of 'free air' as a practical resource that brings together a multiplicity of scholars and practitioners under one sky, and as an inspiration to continue to pursue the 'open-air life' the Friluftsliv way both professionally and personally." -- W. Scott McCormack -- Jan 2004
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