ONE WITH NATURE

To become one with nature by masking oneself in one’s surroundings – exists but is not seen. Like the roots of every tree, shrub and plant, we are linked both with other people, but also with nature. Through their roots, they can help other trees with nourishment and support those who need it. The trees communicate silently, but constantly. We humans also communicate. Through words, body language and also through our positions. Taking someone else’s role for a moment, walking in someone else’s shoes – figuratively and literally – increases our understanding of each other. What else is there in nature that we do not see with the naked eye? Are there beings of various kinds that we humans do not see but that in legends appear as fairy tales and stories?

We did this exercise together with the students at Skorpedskolan in Örnsköldsvik, in the autumn of 2021. It was the fourth time we met the students, so we knew each other a little. We went out together to a large forest area behind the school and we started by doing drama exercises in the form of statues. In silence, they had to shape different things together, such as trees, snow, creatures, etc. Then they were paired in pairs and had to choose a place nearby that they thought was interesting and exciting.