Birdwatching Classes
The Vishnupuram Birdwatching Group has now grown into a large organization and is active almost throughout the year. Birdwatching classes are conducted regularly as part of its activities. The next classes will be held on October 2, 3, and 4. (Since October 2 is a holiday, these classes are being organized with school students in mind.)
Birdwatching is an activity that is encouraged worldwide today. It is particularly recommended for school students from an early age. It is considered a way of helping them move away from the mental fatigue caused by language-based learning, rote learning, computer-based activities, and other forms of intensive mental engagement.
Birdwatching creates a deep relationship with nature. Today, much is said about appreciating nature. But very few people can simply sit in nature without doing anything. After a few minutes at most, they begin to feel bored even with nature. You can see many people going to places of natural beauty, immediately taking out their mobile phones, and beginning to browse websites. It is through activities such as birdwatching, sketching or painting nature, and observing plants that we can truly connect ourselves with nature.
We do not fully understand what actually happens when we connect ourselves with nature. Without our being aware of it, our minds gradually move away from the constant stream of language running within us. We begin to look outward. Slowly, we begin to become a part of nature.
This relaxes our inner tension and leads us towards a state of rest. This inner rest, or spiritual relaxation, is something we greatly need in the twenty-first century. Researchers refer to this as a kind of “brain bath.”
It is very important to cultivate this from childhood. In particular, when children experience fatigue from intense mental work, they often turn to computer games or similar forms of gambling-like entertainment to overcome it. Such activities only create greater tension and fatigue. Moving from intellectual work to videos and digital entertainment is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
That is why nature-related activities such as birdwatching are encouraged throughout the world. More than five hundred students have so far participated in the birdwatching programmes continuously conducted by the Vishnupuram organization. When they come and participate in these programmes along with their parents, it also opens up an opportunity for the parents to establish a dialogue with nature.
Birdwatching does not end with these three days. It is a beginning. It can become an activity that fills one’s leisure time. Even if one travels for just an hour from a city, someone who has learned birdwatching can experience nature and immerse themselves in it.
Those who are interested are welcome to participate.
Dates: October 2, 3, and 4
For contact [email protected]
