Observation #002:
Are we cogs living inside of a gigantic perceptual machine, otherwise known as a City?
In-And-Out Of LA
Recently, my partner and I and I took a trip to Los Angeles to visit one of her friends who was in hospice care. It was a difficult trip on many levels but I emerged from that experience with a new appreciation for people who spend their lives living in the daily grind of a metropolitan city. And, a curiosity for why humans choose to endure the hardship that comes with being a human being in the machine that is the city.
Some of the metropolitan cities I’ve lived and worked include Phoenix, Tucson, Seattle/Tacoma, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angles, San Diego, New York City, and Denver. Although, it wasn’t until started living in LA in 2008 that I began to feel like I had lost touch with nature and needed to do something drastic in order to feel like human being again. Throughout history, cities were designed at major crossroads for commerce and the transportation of workers and goods along major trade, rail, and shipping routes. However, from my POV, cities are nothing more than giant perpetual input/output machines that litter Earth’s landscape and were never designed for the greater good of humanity.
For anyone who’s ever lived in a major city, you may have woken up and felt as if you were trapped in a giant perceptual cog, commuting to and from work, the grocery store, school, the dentist, the bank, and so on. Navigating from point A to point B is difficult enough in a large city, but when compounded by the noise, air pollution, ugly landscapes, trash, endless traffic, crowds, and 24/7 pace, it starts to feel inhumane. How and why did human being create such unfriendly environments and what are we going to do about it? And, what can be done in the meantime to survive and perhaps thrive a just a little?
A Different Perspective
I want to propose that we change how we think about cities. Further, I’d like to propose that a transformation is needed in the collective consciousness so that humans can start to emerge as winners when it comes to urban living. During my tour of duty as a citizen of Los Angeles, I was able to find solace by escaping into nature deep within the Santa Monica Mountains where I’d hike and take long barefoot walks in the native grass. Believe it or not, sometimes the only time I’d hear a friendly “Hello” from a fellow human was during a weekend hike one of the remote trails I’d found to explore. Later on during my time living in LA, I discovered a variety of hidden creeks and canyons nestled along the canyons and often inside of wealthier neighborhoods that proved to be essential in my ability to find balance and stability.
Finding Green in the Machine
It is clear that perpetual urbanization disconnects us from nature, impacting our mental and physical well-being. And, it’s clear that scientific evidence supports the benefits of connecting with nature, such as reduced stress levels, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and even increased empathy and cooperation. Below, I’ve listed ten ways for urban dwellers to find green in the machine in order to stay more connected to nature, and hopefully find greater peace and tranquility.
1. Explore Local Parks & Green Spaces
- Regular Visits: Make it a routine to visit nearby parks. Cities like NYC and LA are dotted with beautiful parks—Central Park in NYC and Griffith Park in LA are just the tip of the iceberg.
- Lunch Breaks Outdoors: If you work in an urban area, try spending your lunch breaks in a nearby park or green space.
2. Participate in Community Gardens
- Join or Volunteer: Many cities have community gardens where you can volunteer, learn to garden, and even grow your own plants. It’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
- Start a Garden: If space allows, start a small garden on your balcony or rooftop. Container gardening is a fantastic way to grow herbs, flowers, and even some vegetables.
3. Urban Hiking & Walking Tours
- Discover Urban Trails: Cities often have hidden trails or walking paths that can offer a surprisingly green escape. Look for urban hiking groups or apps that highlight these paths.
- Guided Nature Walks: Some urban parks and nature centers offer guided walks that can enlighten you about local flora and fauna.
4. Mindfulness & Meditation in Nature
- Outdoor Meditation: Find a quiet spot in a park or garden for meditation. Even a few minutes of mindfulness outdoors can have a significant impact on your mental health.
- Nature Sounds: Bring nature to you by listening to nature sounds or ambient nature music during your indoor relaxation or meditation sessions.
5. Engage with Environmental Volunteering
- Conservation Efforts: Look for local environmental groups that organize park clean-ups, tree plantings, or conservation projects. It’s a way to give back while connecting with nature.
- Wildlife Conservation: Volunteer with organizations that focus on wildlife conservation within urban areas. This can be a rewarding way to learn about and protect urban biodiversity.
6. Urban Biking
- Explore Bike Paths: Many cities have bike paths that run through scenic areas or along rivers and coasts. Biking is a great way to cover more ground and explore the natural beauty of an urban area.
- Join Bike Tours: Look for guided bike tours that focus on the green spaces and natural aspects of the city.
7. Window Bird Watching
- Feed and Watch Birds: Install a bird feeder near your window. It’s a simple way to attract local birds and create a connection with wildlife, even in a high-rise apartment.
8. Visit Botanical Gardens and Zoos
- Educational Visits: Botanical gardens and zoos can offer an immersive experience with diverse plant and animal life. They often provide educational programs that can deepen your connection with nature.
9. Participate in Outdoor Yoga or Exercise Classes
- Join Classes in Parks: Many urban areas offer outdoor yoga, tai chi, or fitness classes in local parks. This combines the benefits of exercise with the calming effects of nature.
10. Nature Sketching or Photography
- Creative Expression: Take up sketching or photography as a hobby, focusing on the natural elements around your city. This encourages you to look more closely at the natural beauty that surrounds you, even in urban environments.
Re-imagining Our Urban Habitats
If we can imagine it, perhaps future cities will exist where the machine and nature coexist harmoniously. Of course, the role of technology, sustainable urban development, and community activism in creating these spaces will be essential. Below are some inspirational media links and resources that explore the relationship between urban living and nature, the concept of cities as machines, and the importance of green spaces.
The Path Forward
Ultimately, our trip to LA reminded me of how much I appreciate family, friends, and the little things in life. And, the dose of LA traffic made me appreciate being able to live in a rural community surrounded by nature. Yet, I am so grateful of those wonderful nature spots I had discovered while living in LA that saved my life during those years. Those trails, parks, and paths brought me so much joy and inspiration. Perhaps, once we realize our place in the urban machine, we can begin to take tangible steps towards reconnecting with nature and living a more balanced and connected life. Let’s all imagine a future where cities nurture not only our bodies and minds but also our innate need to connect with the Earth.
Key Takeaways:
- Urban Challenges: The post acknowledges the inherent struggles of city life, including pollution, noise, and a relentless pace, highlighting the disconnection from nature and its toll on our well-being.
- A Shift in Perspective: It proposes a transformative view of urban living, suggesting that amidst the concrete jungle, there are opportunities to connect with nature and find peace.
- Practical Solutions: Offering actionable tips like exploring local parks, participating in community gardens, and engaging in outdoor activities, the post serves as a guide to rediscovering the green within the machine.
- Vision for the Future: It imagines a future where urban development is in harmony with nature, emphasizing the role of sustainable practices, technology, and community activism.
Self-exploration Media Toolkit
| Title/Name | Description | Media Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urbanized | A documentary that explores the design of cities, including how urban design affects the daily lives of citizens and the environment. | Documentary | Link |
| The Human Scale | Focusing on how modern cities impact human behavior and well-being, and exploring ways to build cities that are more in tune with human needs. | Documentary | Link |
| Biophilic Design: The Architecture of Life | A film about the design movement that seeks to connect buildings and environments more closely to nature. | Documentary | Link |
| How to Grow Fresh Air by Kamal Meattle | Discusses the power of plants to improve air quality in cities. | TED Talk | Link |
| The City of the Future by Eduardo Paes | Outlines the simple yet effective planning decisions that can make cities more livable and environmentally friendly. | TED Talk | Link |
| Why We Need Green Buildings by Catherine Mohr | Explores the importance and benefits of green architecture in urban environments. | TED Talk | Link |
| 99% Invisible | A podcast about design and architecture, with several episodes dedicated to urban design, green spaces, and how cities work. | Podcast | Link |
| The Urbanist by Monocle | Covers issues of urbanism, city planning, and how people live in cities around the world. | Podcast | Link |
| Out There | While not exclusively about urban environments, this podcast explores our relationship with nature and how it affects us. | Podcast | Link |
| Google Earth | Not only for geographical exploration but also features tours and stories about cities, conservation, and natural wonders around the globe. | Interactive Platform | Link |
| ArcGIS StoryMaps | Offers interactive storytelling maps that explore various themes, including urban development, green spaces, and environmental conservation. | Interactive Platform | Link |
| National Geographic Cities | Provides immersive content on cities, including challenges and innovations in making urban living more sustainable and closer to nature. | Website | Link |