Had. A cool experience yesterday. Though it was breezy cold, I went out to the Konza by myself for a Humanities Hike put on by the Discovery Center. Despite the cold, I enjoyed it. We basically walked around in small groups and listened to short talks by humanities experts.
First, we heard from an archeologist. She explained that archeology isn’t just about finding artifacts and looking at details but learning about the people through the environment. She said the people settled there at the Konza due to the water, wood and clay for building homes.
Next we heard from a historian about the people who settled here and named Manhattan. I had heard quite a few of the names. She knew the name of the homestead that you can still see remains of on the Konza.
The next talk was my favorite. It was Nature Bathing from an eco therapist. She had us first breath and ground into our feet then notice everything brown around us. Next, we spent one minute each focussing on each of our senses, like we looked deeply at nature, then touched it, then smelled it, then listened. She said normally you’d do 10 minutes each. I know the science behind all of this and it excited me. I want to learn more and begin doing this regularly. I’m excited about what it could do for my clients.
Next we heard from a member of the Kaw nation who descended from Native Americans who settled and hunted here. It was so cool to hear about. She talked about glaciers who landed in the Topeka area and were important to the Kaw Nation. The biggest was moved to Lawrence and recently returned to the Kaw people. I want to attend Washunga days in Council Grove next summer.
We next heard from an essay ain’t (I think writers have very different brains from me—my style is direct and clear). I admire those who can speak and write in flowery language. We also heard from a poet. She was more down to earth. I wish I could write poetry like her. She spends hours in nature describing it beautifully. Both do.
This was an experience I won’t likely forget and I’m glad I went.
dianegclark 