Weekly check-in with Jessica from the UMaine 4-H Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove. With the 4-H and Earth Pledges, nature appreciations (what we've been noticing in nature this week), and a reflection.
Our reflection today is on what we can learn from the life of Lungwort, a type of lichen, we sometimes will call it "dragonskin lichen" due to the scale-like nature of its fruiting body. This weekend on a warm day, we noticed the lichen was in its most alive phase, very green and vibrant. Today, on a very cold morning, the lichen on the trees looked very grey and withered. It got us thinking about how we make the most of each day. Lichen is an organism based on a relationship between fungus and algae. In moist, sunny conditions, the lichen is active in photosynthesis--making the most, if you will, of the time when the conditions are best for it to carry out the active parts of living, in preparation, perhaps for days that are cold and grey when conditions for photosynthesis aren't ideal or possible.
The start of a new year is a time ripe for setting goals, sometimes very specific ones. I'm challenging myself to make the most of each day, especially in the mindset of being active, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others. What I'm focusing on is those short 15-minute blocks when I might be inclined to sit and scroll through my phone when I can get up and take a quick walk. My challenge for us all is to be more like lichen, to take advantage of the sun (or the day in general) for our own health, and to take time to better connect with the world around us. Please continue to take care of yourselves and your families and stay safe. Happy New Year ❤️🍀
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