Authors: Chris Beeman & Sean Blenkinsop
In this paper, which is related to a larger project, we investigate one of five professionally-oriented reasons we have identified for why we spend time outdoors. This reason is the building of a relationship with the natural world. We look into what a mature relationship with the world might look like. A philosophical methodology is employed, including refer-ence to Indigenous theories of knowledge. An experience presented at the 9IATC confer-ence is noted, in which nearby rocks became partners in communication. A final passage connects the experience to a later long walk on the Massiv route in southern Norway, made by one of the authors.
