Gobar Times: Miyazaki magic

Before I ever learnt about environmental problems such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change, the natural world was a space of wonder and enchantment. Growing up in a valley away from cities, it was easy for me to lose myself to hours of sitting outside, playing in the sand, and watching the movements of insects, birds, and other animals. Walks to a nearby forested hill had endless potential for adventure, discovery, and magic. Some of this magic came from an overactive imagination—the little opening through vines and creepers onto a barely visible forest trail was obviously the secret entrance to a hidden kingdom! Some of it also simply came from the feeling of being part of a world that was full of familiar, yet strange, beautiful, and vibrant life.

To read the rest of the story, head to Down To Earth’s sister site Young Environmentalist.