How Do You Get Your Nature Fix?

Still in my pjs, I stand in the sun making mud pies with my cousin, as we wait for lunch to be ready. The cold, wet, squishy feeling of mud seeping through my toes is refreshing as the hot sun beats down on us. I slip my bare feet deeper into the mud as sweat drips down my sunburnt face. Away from the sidewalks and busy city streets, my mind is open, ready for adventure. Spending summers at my grandparents’ house in Jacksonville, away from New Jersey, was the best place for a seven year old’s mind to wander. Here we could travel far beyond the lawn’s edge, past the chain link fence, deep into a sea of imagination, our minds wide open to the world. Escaping pirates, playing spies, having tea with the queen, scuba diving with mermaids, or saving are kingdom from the evil witch puppet. In are world there were no rules of what we could do or do.

Outside the shelter of the wooden cabin, nature explodes in beautiful colors and sounds. Red robins and blue birds chirp in rhythm beneath the pine trees. The peaceful lake gently shifts in accordance with the refreshing wind. At the end of the dusty dirt road are stables filled with beautiful, barebacked beasts. The horses neigh with compassion as campers file into the cardinal colored barn. After collecting my courage, an adventurous leap lands me on the great beasts back. As I gently bounce up and down on the creatures back, the musical pattern of hooves creates an atmosphere of excitement. The wind whips around me while the tall pine trees simply turn into a green blur. Minutes later I find myself sprinting on foot towards the glassy lake ahead of me. Just before diving head over heels, my feet screech to an abrupt halt. Slowly I lower my head to stare directly into the crystal clear water. Reflected in the surface of the water is an image of myself. At this very instant my heart skips a beat as a realization flows through me. Nature is a way of finding your inner self. Nature reflects each individuals best qualities. Nature holds a certain mystery that each individual is given the chance to explore. We each hold the key to an amazing world of nature, it is our choice whether or not to unlock it.

Growing up, I have always loved the outdoors, but in the society I live in, technology has always sounded more appealing. When my family bought our house in North Carolina, I would start to wonder outside with my siblings. I spent years growing up being very outdoorsy, but as I grew older, this was not the case. I got a phone, and social media, so that satisfied my needs as a teenager. This last summer, I changed. Going into 8th Grade, I went on a Moondance trip. Because I have never been a huge fan of summer camp, I went on a trip that felt very familiar… a two-week trip around the North Carolina area. Once I got there, I was immediately out of my comfort zone, but it was amazing. For me, the trip was a sunrise. The two weeks really started a “new day” or “new chapter” in my life. It sounds very cliché, but the trip really changed me as a person. Throughout the course of the two weeks, we went white-water rafting through the splashing water, surfing on the rustling waves, paddle-boarding on the smooth ocean, and hiking through the mountains. Although these activities were fun, the most amazing moment through the trip was when the twelve of us would sit by the warm fire. Over the years, I have learned that my “nature fix” is North Carolina. Whenever I find myself going through a rough patch, going up to North Carolina is always the solution.

The art exhibition sounds quite interesting, and it would be something that I would definitely consider doing if the exhibition was in my town. Humans absolutely need contact with nature, there is so much that around us that we tend to never see because of our continuous use of smartphones. When I go outdoors, I love to go to the golf course. It is a quiet place where I can go to have a lot of fun, and experience the nature that is around me. Most people do not spend enough time outdoors. I spend a reasonable amount of time outside, and it is still not as much as I would like. Things like homework, and having a job prevent many people my age from not going outside. Natures relaxes the body and mind, and being outside gets rid of a lot of the day to day stress that I have. I wish that more people would realize the great benefits of spending some time outside.

I have been camping my whole life. Most recently, i have gotten into backpacking with some of my friends. I absolutely love backpacking! I do feel it is important for people to get more in touch with nature. In his book, "The Dharma Bums", Jack Kerouac goes backpacking with his friends and describes the ecstatic elation he felt climbing the mountains, going where potentially no one had ever been before. I believe that getting a nature experience is important, so i like the idea of this exhibit, but i also feel you can get a more true and defined feeling from nature itself. Just putting up a hammock and listening to birds is a nature experience, and can have the same relaxing qualities as a good meditation. If you are serious about getting a "nature fix", i would highly suggest backpacking if you can. It is one of my favorite things to do.

I love camping. My family goes to the mountains every year, but only once a year. I wish I did have the chance to experience that more than just once every 365 days. I live near the beach so its not exactly a place to go find my nature fix deep into the forest we don't have. That is why I think the Immersion room is a great idea, because like Ms. Hovanian said its about unlocking and using your senses. People should have the opportunity to feel and hear nature even if they don't live in an area that they can. The NDD room lets you sit under a sky full of starts and give sounds of crickets or rushing waters. This could also be better for people who would feel safer indoors and prefer staying clean and free of mosquito bites.

I think giving up your phone to take in the greatness of the outdoors is not only cleansing and soothing but also therapeutic. As a child, I would run around my backyard and use my imagination to the fullest to entertain myself. But now as I'm older, my life is being eaten away from my phone. Sometimes when I have the opportunity to be outside and explore, I choose not to, because being on my phone for hours is a quick and easy way to occupy myself. I wish I could stop this cycle. But there were times in my life were I've committed to locking my phone away and exploring nature around me. It's something about the scenery, the smell, the sounds, that makes the atmosphere so breath-taking. You forget about toxic social media, your recent conflicts and situations, and life in general. I usually like to walk the hidden trails of the woods in my neighborhood, which today I consider one of my happy places.

How do you get your nature fix? Where do you go to experience the great outdoors? How do you spend your time there? Nature is my therapy. I love to lay out at night next to a fire and look up at the stars. I love scaling mountains and seeing the beauty from the top of the peak. I love walking down my road to visit the cows that are kept on my road. There is something peaceful and romantic about sitting outside next to a fire and veiwing the stars. I live in the country so, I am blessed to see star dappled skies every night. Even when I am inside and going to bed, I can see outside through the windows that cover three of my bedroom walls . At night, I am lulled to sleep by the sound of spring peepers. As long as I can remember I have loved to hike. I am the type of person who likes to challenge myself while hiking and take the harder way, maybe up some rocks or the smaller pathway. During the time I injured my knee and had to quit sports,when I should be resting, I was hiking. Since I live in the country, there are many pastures around where I live. I like to walk down about 10 yards to a pasture where there are cows kept. They are just so peaceful and beautiful. I have visited them so much, that I have gained trust of a few cows. They will now come up to me and say hi. when i was younger, I would run off and just explore around me, finding secret spots of beauty that I would escape to when I felt anxious or sad. I get my nature fix in many ways.

I like to think that I could go a while without my phone. I definitely would like the opportunity to try the NDD Immersion room. When I was little I used to set up a tent in my backyard and "camp" for the night whenever I felt like it. I loved to hear the chilling sound of a nearby pack of coyotes howling or the breeze shaking the tent a little bit. It was soothing and relaxing and I miss it a lot. The article says its about detaching from technology, and I would love the chance to feel detached from the internet again.

Despite enjoying the outdoors, I hardly get the opportunity to escape into the thick woods or emerge myself into the nature scene. The closest I can recall is three other friends and I visiting the park a few weeks ago, climbing trees and basking in the sun. Besides that, it would have to be my summer vacations to the mountains, the last one happened over two years ago. Reading this article I couldn't help but feel troubled with the impact of smartphones on our society. Learning about Rachel Lee Hovanian's "Immersion Room" instilled a sense of fear in me. What if this is the future of our outdoors experience? The artists idea is the perfect getaway for those who don't actually care to deal with biting bugs or uneven trails. For now, though, I think it a good chance to delve into the artificial forest when you don't have the opportunity for the real thing, I just hope it won't be replacing people's motivation to explore the shrinking outdoors. As for museums lack of action when it comes to smart phones, I personally wouldn't mind more pressure on visitors to abide by a rule of banning pictures. With the destruction of art through peoples negligence on their phones, it seems rather obvious to ban phone photography in museums. Either way, I just hope our relationships with our phones doesn’t disconnect as from the world as much as it does already.

I’ve always loved being outside, especially as a little kid; the outdoors is where I spent my childhood. I went to summer camps where we were outdoors the whole day, and I spent hours out in the woods, in the creeks, and the river near my house. Nearly everyday I would see deer or rabbits or snakes or owls in my yard, even the occasional fox. My siblings and I spent more time outside than inside during the summer, so I simply fail to grasp why this exhibit is seen as so important. I cannot fathom why anyone would visit an exhibit of a forest over the real thing. I do understand that the point is to put down your phone and to simply live in the moment that nature provides you with, but I don’t see why one would choose an imitation over reality. Growing up and remembering a time without smartphones or anything or that sort, it’s worrying to me that among a child’s first words would be “iPad”. I certainly agree that we can all take a step back from our technology usage, and we should definitely be more mindful and present in nature and on dates and in conversations with our family and friends as a whole. There are plenty of ways for children to enjoy their lives that don’t include the usage of our most modern technology. I hope that simply being outdoors just for the sake of being outdoors isn’t becoming a lost art like the article implies.

Camping is a big part of my life. I used to want to sleep outside in a tent when I was really young, so my dad enrolled me in cub scouts. I have loved the scouting program and what it stands for. I have recently obtained the Eagle Scout rank, and I remember camping was helpful, in getting away from the world. “It’s about detaching from technology and using your other senses”. People don't realize how helpful and how cleansing it is to go camping. During the school year when I take a weekend to just go camping all my worries go away. All my thoughts about papers, projects, and studying fill me with anxiety. But when I go camping those thoughts die down and become manageable.

When I was little, I used to explore nature. Going up to the mountains and camping in the heat with my family on the weekends. Nowadays, there’s always an excuse not to go. It’s usually “It’s too far to travel” or “I need my phone.” I had mixed feelings about the NDD Immersion Room. You would be giving up a piece of your life to be in an artificial nature room but then I realized that this is a step in the right direction. My teacher always said that when we were young, we had more imagination but lose it as we get older. I believe just as Rachel Lee Hovnanian does that this can be good for the imagination. This would help us grow as people. A certain way that artificial intelligence cannot give us. This room gives people the chance to go explore something new but still be close to home. Such as a man from Paris came out of the room like as if he just finished a hike. Giving up my phone would small price to pay to connect with a form of nature.

I often go camping around once every 4 weeks and I hike in the Euaries mountains about once a year. I can understand why people think that we as a society are always on our phones and often refuse to look up and notice nature beckoning them to visit the woodlands and parks. That’s why I believe that recreating nature even if only in a room can be good for those who often refuse to even camp or have never been camping and I can see it being used as a stepping-stone to introduce kids at young ages to nature in a fun way. The quote “new exhibition has an “NDD Immersion Room,” and why visitors are asked to give up their phones and have them locked up by staff members in glass boxes on the wall before entering.” backs this up. By allowing people who normally aren’t big on going outside to get a chance to experience what it’s like can be the thing that may want to make them actually visit state/national parks. I think this can have a really good effect for most people especially those that are young because it allows them to experience nature before they become lost to their cell phones when they're older. I believe that more kids should get this chance to experience nature and although I prefer that they would actually go outside instead of a being in a simulated environment it’s better that they at least experience something nature-like rather than then never actually experiencing the outdoors.

Having the chance to view pictures of the “NDD Immersion Room” from a silly laptop was a magical experience itself. It all seems like an unreal experience, and I give credit to Rachel Lee Hovnanian: the inventor of this nature room. Being a Boy Scout, I can personally relate to this kind of magic nature has created. Whether it be camping on the beach, the woods or even in the mountains I often like to go on a walk - a walk without my phone. Without the worry of catching a call, beating my opponents in clash royale or looking up some overdramatic celebrity news, I can connect with the real world. A world much like the “NDD Immersion Room”, but actually real. A world where you can actually touch these huge trees and not just imagine their presence. A world where you can actually see a grasshopper eye to eye, not in a locked glass box. I love the idea of the nature room, I truly do, it’s just not enough nature for me. It’s a nature walk for me that connects me with nature, not being locked in a room surrounded by tree wallpaper and living life locked inside of a box.

Hovnanian suggests that nature can enhance our imaginations; I would add that the benefits of nature pervade our entire beings, heightening our emotional, spiritual, and even physical health. I get my nature fix by taking late night walks with my dog. Staring into a vast expanse of darkness scattered with a sea of luminous stars, I begin digging through all of the emotions, the delusions, the daily routines, the expectations, the distractions. Only then am I free to be firmly ground in reality. Anyone who knows me well knows that I would trade my phone for the NDD immersion room any day.

I would turn over my phone and spend time in the NDD Immersion Room without hesitation. I think it would be a new and enjoyable experience that is worth a couple of technology free hours; however, I would much rather go outside in real nature with real trees and real animals. The exhibit would be more interesting from an art and design standpoint than an experience of being one with nature. No exhibit could ever compare to hiking or skiing in the mountains, swimming in lakes, running outside, going to the beach, or camping in the woods. Exhibits like these can be a double edged sword- it is almost a new type of technology that is taking us away from nature. We have all heard how the generations before us spent the entire day outside, while more and more of us are spending the entire day inside, and having indoor simulations of nature seems counterproductive to fixing this point. Walking though a realistic exhibit of nature would be amazing, but in no way is it a replacement for real-deal nature with it's inspiring, calming, and stimulating characteristics.

I think that Hovnanian's idea for making an indoor outdoor exhibit is misleading. Going to visit a place that has fake campfires and an artificial sky that would be located off a highway seems redundant for the fact that you could take a different highway and really experience being outdoors. I've been tent camping ever since I was about 4, and backpacking the the Linville Gorge for about 3 years now, and plan on doing the Appalachian trail at some point in my life. I couldn't imagine life without the North Carolina mountain ranges; everything about the mountains I love, and I absolutely hate being trapped indoors. The whole 'Immersion Room' idea really bothers me, you're not even outdoors! You drive to this place just to be inside a place that seems like the outdoors, how fake is that? One thing that I do agree with is the no phone policy; kids, teens, and even adults don't know how to live life without their smartphone. Kids and teens are glued to their phones looking at Instagram, or even worse taking a picture for Instagram instead of cherishing the moment. I really think people should go to a real forest and spend time there instead of going to a fake forest. "The mountains are calling and I must go!"

What Ms. Hovnanian is doing with her NDD art exhibit is brilliant in my opinion, being able to provide a unique experience in return for giving up my phone,i would do it. As she said, it's all about detaching yourself from technology and using your other senses but recreating nature with artificial things is ironic, I think it’s all about perspective and how one interprets the idea. Being outdoors is always an adventure for me, Im able to forget my worries and the things i stress about, it’s like a natural remedy for peace and tranquility within myself. Although, I often spend many hours glued to my phone and it tires me just staring at a screen, my eyes begin to burn and my body aches from being still for so long, taking breaks from it allows my mind to ease and my thoughts to race as I lose myself in the moment. We need a connection with nature, even if it's just a walk in the park or a swim at the beach, it's important for our health. I enjoy seeing the waters, the terrain i walk on and also my phone but what nature provides for my mind, a euphoria of creativity and peace, will always be much better than a phone screen in front of me.

I have no problem leaving my phone behind and spending time in the “NDD Immersion Room”. Ms. Hovnanian says this exhibit is for the detachment from technology and use of senses which I hate to admit that I need. As the article reported, I am one of those excessive users who touches their phone 5,000 times a day. Even if it’s just to check the time, I don’t want to be counting down the minutes till I leave class or having to comment on people’s posts just to receive the same gratification. I want to be in a peaceful environment where I can get my thoughts into one place, and Ms. Hovnanian's art exhibit is just the place. Just reading about the Immersion Room, I could feel my stress ease as I imagined myself in this mock nature room. With the “sound of crickets and rushing water”, “fragrant fir trees”, and “sky full of stars”, all your senses are activated and alert, and I feel while in this exhibit I wouldn’t think twice about my phone. I wasn’t surprised to learn that several people actually left the room without retrieving their phones. Being taken into the true beauty of the world, the part of the world with no wires or screens, allows people to find themselves again after a busy day. Once they experience the pleasure in nature aside from what the Internet shows them, their will be no need to seek it in their now seemingly worthless devices. I never would have thought the solution to my phone addiction would be right outside my door.

I personally think Hovnanian's exhibit is a fantastic idea, however, I personally would not visit the exhibit. I feel like although the exhibit is nicely crafted, it suggests to people visiting that nature need not be explored, as it can be simulated by humanity at will. It’s immersive, sure, but I think that a similar feeling could be achieved just watching some nature walk videos on Youtube, or playing a videogame in a natural setting. I usually get my “nature fix” through a daily walk, from my highschool back to my house. I live in an area which contains a large diversity of plants from neighbor to neighbor, and it’s interesting to see all the biodiversity in one area. What I enjoy the most about nature, though, is the fact that it changes, often unpredictably. Sometimes an area might suddenly fill with beautiful violet flowers, or sometimes a bird might stop right in front of you to eat a worm. You never know what you might discover next. Simply observing these patterns has really allowed me to open my mind, they’ve given me countless ideas for designs when I create art. I think observing something so beautiful that we have no control over opens our minds to inspiration. That’s why I’d much rather the nature-deprived people of today go to a real park, than Hovnanian’s exhibit. Though I appreciate Hovnanian’s efforts in constructing such an exhibit, I believe that no amount of human effort put into creating simulations could match the eons of creation that nature took.

I often enjoy going outdoors, I don't have to be constantly disturbed by my parents nagging about me to go get some fresh air. Although I don't enjoy going out in certain types of weather, but I do take an advantage of a nice sunny day just to at least take a walk around. I think that Ms. Hovnanian's exhibit gives an opportunity to push people out of their comfort zone, it gives them a glimpse and persuaded them to try an activity on their own time. I know i’d give up my phone with no hesitation. Since i’ve never really been camping, I could get a feel for it since she provides an artificial sky of stars and fake campfires. Her effort to add detail and a realistic environment makes it intriguing. She includes paths of leaves below so when you walk you get that crunching sound, also the crickets and the water stream noises to ensure an welcoming and alive feeling. When I go outdoors i'm usually accompanied by my friend . I have a friend that when hang out, we often spend time at the beach our favorite time is to go late at night where we will just walk around and tell scary stories, which will often make us very spooked and paranoid everytime we hear the waves crash. It provides a great bonding experience, it’s the time that allows you to forget about distracting or stressful events and just fills your day with happiness and laughter.

I would definitely take part in this eye opening experience. I think this is a great idea for anyone who may feel like their life is often strangled by phone use. The artist, Ms. Hovnanian, believes our society has forgotten the values of nature. I agree with her completely. When the author wrote “kids don’t know how to do that these days because they’re on their phones” it reaffirmed my prior beliefs. Far too many young adults have created an unhealthy dependency on their phones that could be easily fixed with a cell phone-free expedition into nature. I for one, love going outdoors. My family and I have gone camping every summer for as long as I remember. We rent a cabin up in the mountains of Virginia and experience the woods first hand. While on the trip, the cell phone service is abysmal rendering our phones relatively useless. If there’s one thing I have learned from these vacations it’s that there is no good reason to have such an obsession with your phone. Going technology free has shown me a different and more peaceful side of life. I love the finishing statement of this article directed towards Ms. Hovnanian “So many artists are good at mocking social media and selfie culture, ...But you actually give us a reason to give up our phones.” Ms. Hovnanian has found the perfect balance between her art and her statement, giving the onlooker something to walk away with. Nature is the solution to our society’s ever-present phone problem.

I spent my summers in my dirty converse shoes, among the trees, arms and legs (and sometimes hair) covered in tree sap. I built hammocks in my giant willow trees and read for hours as the (slightly structurally unsound) branches swayed with the breeze. When I was little the outdoors were a place of great imagination and exploration. The first time I climbed up this massive pine tree near my house, I gazed at the endless sky and I was filled with both contentment and wonder. Many summers my sister and I used to pretend we were warrior cats inspired by a book series she was reading at the time. We collected moss and dandelions to create little homes for ourselves outdoors and pretended to fight the villains of the novel. I now get my nature fix haphazardly and spontaneously. On the first really good day of spring, I’ll look out my window towards my swing set and find myself seconds later bounding towards it. Over spring break, I went with friends to the mountains to explore random trails and ended up climbing up the side of the mountain with them. Nature has always been an invitation to dream and to wonder. It has been the setting of my favorite memories, and been at the root of my own evolution. Although now I am older and have found less time spend outside, I still find myself stealing little moments where I can hide away in the glorious refuge of the outdoors.

When I think of Nature Pictures of trees and birds chirping come to mind. I have Grown up on the beach and I have been here my whole life. With phones being in everyone hands nowadays putting them down is very peaceful. Everyone is so caught up on what everyone else is doing and not wanting to slow down and relax. Rachel lee Hovnanian's nature room is very interesting because lots of people would love to go in and relax in nature. When the article says people often forget to pick up their phones reveals that people don't want their phones all the time.We just feel forced to have them because everyone else does. For me personally I find my nature fix at the beach. when I go to the beach i put my phone away and just relax. When you hear the birds and the waves crashing it just makes you feel at peace with everything and that somehow you will get through anything.

I am constantly outside, but in a suburban environment that's not always enough for your "nature fix." Personally, camping and boating are the two things that truly satisfy my need to see nature. Every year me and my friends get out in the woods and pretty much rough it for a couple days. Bringing only small amounts of food, water, and clothing makes it a challenge to live and sleep comfortably. For me, life is all about escaping that comfort zone that so many of us live our entire lives in. Like Rachel says, I also think it is very healthy to "not do much of anything in nature." Taking in all the scenery and enjoying the silence is a good way to relieve yourself of the stress and anxiety that comes with living in a city.

I think Ms. Hovnanian’s art exhibit is an experience needed by many and I would definitely try out the NDD Immersion room. I agree with the article in saying humans need nature to be healthy because, genetically, we need exposure to the natural world. I spend a decent amount of time outside, usually at the park or the beach and it has never done anything but make me feel more energized. It’s silly to me that in order to get people off their phones, Hovnanian had to create an artificial environment. Her exhibit is ideal, with it being the forest at night. It takes away anything a person might be afraid of, like insects or wild animals. Taking away simple stresses was a smart and easy way to persuade people to disconnect. Although smartphones are now a crucial part of our everyday life, it’s a good to know you always have the ability to put it down and get your nature fix.

While I was growing up, I spent so much time outside enjoying the nature with my family. I do admit to being attached to my phone while I am inside. Growing up through the newest technology, and Iphone time is what had the biggest impact on it. When I first received my phone, all I wanted to do was sit on it all day. At that point I didn’t care much about nature unless we were going to the beach. Realizing what beauty nature has is when I started to try to go outside more. Nature is not just trees, and bushes, it contains influence on others. For example it may help with stress, or somes health. Ms. Hovnanian’s, “Immersion Room,” is a great idea and gives many the sight of the outdoors when it is nighttime. People can enjoy this recreation, but they do need to actually experience it themselves. Listening to all the sounds that nature has is a huge characteristic of what it’s like to be outside. Overall, I believe our lives have been taken over by technology. Instead of going outside and enjoying the beach, they just sit and play games on their phone. Hopefully more people start to notice how nature can affect you.

I tend to forget I have a phone when I'm outside, but attach to it when inside. I go outside frequently for my nature fix. whether that is in a park, garden or my backyard. This room is very different. It is something in between. Never has it been hard to construct an idea of what my experience would be like. A simulation of the outside but on the inside, would it feel like an engagement with nature like in a butterfly room? too artificial like a fitness gym? I find the restrictions of this room satisfying. I like that this device free zone isn't just someplace outside. But instead is an enclosed artwork that intentionally attempts to enhance imagination, senses, and appreciation for the surroundings. Like a training zone that embraces a non-electronic environment. I would totally give up my phone to spend time in such a place because thinking about it makes my head stir.

Personally I have never been a nature girl. I like the outdoors when it comes to lounging around in the sun and spending my days at the beach, but hiking and camping has never been my thing. I would much rather enjoy a day in the sun hearing the waves crashing, then a night filled with hiking to a camp site and setting up a tent before dark not to mention those pesky mosquitoes. I’ve been camping several times with my family and it can be relaxing to unplug, but also stressful planning for meals and getting there with all the proper equipment. I think Ms. Hovnanian has a very good idea about creating an environment that can surround you with a relaxing atmosphere to unplug from your busy lives. I would definitely be willing to try her immersion room. I think this room would be good for people who would like to escape into a calm and tranquil atmosphere, but not deep into the woods. I would love to see the effects of how it made me feel and experiencing a different form of “nature”.

As a child, I grew up with my mom's passion for nature that eventually influenced mine. I grew up in a time during the evolution of the iPhone, when people became glued to technology. At the time, I did not appreciate the value of nature or what its purpose was to society. Now, I look around at the beach town that I live in and I am continuously struck by the beauty of it. I believe nature can be beneficial to our psyche, as it can provide an escape from society to focus on our health. Ms. Hovnanian's Immersion Room provides the perfect scene for the outdoors during nighttime, but this should not be a way for people to receive the full experience. It was built as a recreation, and it is just that. A recreation. People cannot fully receive the experience of the outdoors. The howl of a distant wolf. The quiet buzz of the cicadas. The fresh scent of redwood pine. Technology has overtaken society, causing people to become addicted and accustomed to using technology instead of experience. The best way to experience is to let go and step outside of our comfort zones. Give up technology and breathe in the smell of real, living creations. Your friends on Facebook can wait. Step outside and appreciate the beauty of the Earth.

I love the idea behind Ms. Hovnanian’s art exhibit, but I think there are more efficient ways of connecting with nature. Last summer, I went on a summer camp in the mountains of North Carolina with seven other guys from all over the east coast and two instructors. We left our phones at base camp and went to spend ten days backpacking and rock climbing away from civilization. It was an eye opening and humbling experience and I would recommend it for everyone. I feel that this kind of approach would be more effective than an imperfect, however convincing, recreation of nature. It would also be easier and more accessible because it requires no more than your local nature space or park. You could just leave your phone at home or in the car and take your family to hike or relax; just enjoy and reconnect with nature where you are out of reach of your all-consuming phones. I am sure you would be affected as much as I. It is a very grounding and tranquil experience that I plan to do again this summer. The simple act of putting away my phone was massive for me, because it allowed (or forced) me to focus on my surroundings, observe the subtle beauties of the forest, and rest my stresses so that I could live in the moment. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I, to lay on the ground and watch a flowing brook as the sun disappears behind the trees.

This is going to sound very mainstream but, I love sunsets. Like, "love love" them. Every day, through winter cold or summer warmth(I draw the line at rain, sorry mother nature) I climb out my window onto the roof cuddled up with blankets to watch the sunset. No technology. No snapchat, music, or even photos. Just myself, my thoughts and the beautiful sky surrounding me. That's what I love about this article, how Rachel Lee Hovnanian says that not doing anything, that just being in nature is what makes it so stunning. I relate to that so much. I don't need to hike 10 miles or climb a mountain to enjoy nature, just being outside watching the sky transform into this magical scene within minutes is enough. It may be temporary and short, but just being able to experience something that to me is so amazing, for a little bit everyday is what makes me appreciate nature.

This article stands out to me because it should be a reality check for everyone. It's rare to be acquainted with someone in this day and age that isn’t obsessed with their smartphone or other technology, simply out of instinct. Ms. Hovnanian’s exhibit is one that appeals to me, even as someone who has little interest in the arts. Technology is to an extent inevitable, and undeniably has many benefits to humans. However, I’d love to sacrifice my phone in her “NDD Immersion Room,” because technology separates us from our roots. Hovnanian is correct, humans need some contact with nature. Technology robs us of real human connections, with the ability to text and call, avoiding face to face conversation. This scenario is mirrored with nature. We could watch a film, see natural settings, but never experience them in person. I may hold these opinions because I’m not separated from nature. I’m in Vermont frequently at family’s mountain home, where I’m outside skiing, biking, swimming, and cliff jumping on a daily basis. I can confidently say in my experience that most people rarely spend any time outdoors, free from the constraint of technology. It wouldn’t be fair to blame this solely on technology, as there are many responsibilities in daily life. But when time is freed up, spending it outside would be a solid decision. Its relaxing, and will take one to a mental state that no technology, or virtual reality can provide. The outdoors, after all, are where we’re meant to be.

I think it is very beneficial for humans to experience nature, but it isn't necessary. Ever since my first trip to our family orchard in Bacheli, Turkey, I thrive for that certain smell of the orchard. Sometimes that is all it takes. If you can convince your brain that it's the real thing, you are basically halfway there. Sometimes when I smell fresh apples or apple blossoms I am transported back to the orchard and it is just wonderful to say the least. Although I wouldn't go out of my way to go this "Nature Room", it does seem like a great idea to those who live in urban areas or have no access to nature. I think people who have little to no access to the full "cornucopia" of mother nature and what she has to offer, they are missing out and need to make an effort to experience it. I say they need real nature if they have the choice, not an artificial room.

Ever since I was a child, most of the memories I can pull from that era in my life is time on a boat with my father or my grandfather. If there is on consistent passion that has stayed with me: the outdoors. Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina was very beneficial to me. And no matter where I moved I have taken those experiences with me. Now that I live in Wilmington, the beach and the waves are my home. Though it isnt quite like greensboro its the same in the way it inspires me ad refreshes me. I love the exhibit that Hovnanian has created. I am tired of watching people pull out their phones to take "artsy" pictures of nature as if to show they are grounded and natural when in reality they cant take a minute from their phones to actually breathe in fresh air

I think this is a cool concept and I would be more than willing to give up my phone for an hour or two to walk through this "Immersion Room." I think all students essentially require some sort of contact with nature in order to just give your body some refreshment, to let it feel the outside air and see the green of nature. My grandfather owns a house up near Elk Rapids, Michigan. It's surrounded by a lake on one end, and forest and fields on the other. The only way to have any sort of connection with the outside world is through Wi-Fi, and his goes out every time a storm rolls through. However, that just gives me more time to enjoy nature while 'm up there. I'll often go on long nature walks around his , or I'll lounge around on his parked pontoon boat and feel the rocking of the waves and the wind as i read a book. That's why I often go to visit him in the summer: to get away from it all and just enjoy the serenity of not being near some sort of city. I think more teenagers need a place like that, a place to relax and experience one of the most miraculous parts of our world: nature.

I think that Ms. Hovnanian's art exhibit is a good idea, but it's a bit ironic. The artificial aspect of the room makes me question if you're really stepping away from the blue light. I understand that people may not have the time to go outside the city, but it's better to plant a rooftop garden, instead of a rooftop swimming pool. I could not spend time in the NDD Immersion Room knowing that there's more to see that isn't LED lights and surround sound. Humans don't need contact with nature, but it certainly helps boost your mood, and has other health benefits. People can be healthy in a city or in the country, we see it happen every day. People who choose to spend their time in the city can be just as healthy, but it's always better to spend a little more time outside. I spend time in nature when I need a break from my day. Whether it's a walk to the waterway or a 2 AM run around my neighborhood, nature is my pause button. Everyone loves a good adventure with friends, but to me, time really stops when it's the middle of the night and everything is silent. If I'm up doing homework, the outdoors will always dissipate my brain block. There's no whirring, buzzing, or even tapping of fingers on a screen. Nature speaks to me the most when it's so silent you can hear your own heartbeat. People today spend enough time outdoors to be healthy. Of course, there will always be a lust for the outdoors, but with new technology it's not uncommon for your headphones to tag along.

Ms. Hovnanian's exhibit is a great idea, it’s crazy how many people are addicted to their phones today (including myself to some degree). I do also think that people need some degree of contact with nature to be mentally healthy. I’d gladly try out the NDD Immersion Room for a while, getting away from all the stress that technology brings isn’t exactly a bad thing. I don’t think we spend enough time outside, I know I certainly don’t. When I do decide to go outside I enjoy taking walks around the woods near my neighborhood. I usually just end admiring the beautiful scenery. As addicted to technology as I am, some things just can’t be perceived the same way through a screen.

Honestly, I don't know how this is art. It's cool that someone is trying to get people to put down their phone, but it's not really art, it's just a faux nature room. I also wouldn't give up my phone. I have a slight addiction to it, and I can admit that. I would not give up my phone to pretend I'm in nature when I can just go to real nature with my phone. In this day and age, technology is apart of us, and we have to get used to that. We don't need nature, all though it helps, to maintain our health. We have exercise machines, specified diets, and apps that help us sleep to maintain our health, and a couple trees and some squirrels don't have the same effect they once had. I live near the water so I go kayaking a lot over the weekends and go to different islands to explore. I look around and see if there's any cool stuff on the islands. I've found multiple boats and a gently used multi-tool which I still have. Do I think it's fun to go kayaking and explore? Yes. Do I think it greatly impacts my health? Ehh, not so much. I think people spend a lot of time outside. I spend a lot of time outside and spend time in nature whether its on a beach or on some islands or on the water, I think I receive a healthy dose of nature, even though I bring my phone with me. I feel independent when I'm outside. I feel like I'm the king of my own little universe, and nothing can touch me. I do feel like I can only achieve this in nature because it's the only place where it's absent of people.

Being outside is everything to me, it is my espace. I am my true self when I am outdoors. Ms. Hovnanian's outdoor art exhibit is something that I would gladly take part in. I love going camping in the mountains and my favorite part is when I have no cellular reception. Being able to unplug is the key. Disconnect yourself from the stress and worries that often comes from a cell phone. I would definitely give up my cell phone while checking out Ms. Hovnanian's exhibit. So many of my friends are indulge with their xbox. They take shelter in their climate controlled rooms, it drives me crazy. I sit in class and dream about the wave I should be riding or the hike I should be on. I make better connections with people in nature. The idea of going back to our roots is the way it should be.

Although I do love my phone, I would love to give this exhibit a try! I think it's healthy to try to spend some time away from technology, and try to reconnect with nature. By doing this you can allow yourself to decompress and escape from the hustle of everyday life for a bit. I live at the beach, so for my nature fix I go to the ocean. My favorite spot is the top of a parking deck right on the water, where you can see all of the stars. My best friend Margot and I go here quite often, especially in the summer, to hear the ocean waves and try to find constellations in the night sky. I never feel more relaxed and happy than I do on these warm nights, surrounded by the love of my best friend and the sounds of nature. I never can feel this way while inside, there's something about the atmosphere inside that you can never compare to the fresh air of nature.

I love the idea of this exhibit and I’d totally give up my phone to experience it. The only reason I’d be a bit hesitant to leave my phone is I don’t have any other camera to take pictures with, but that’s an easily solvable issue. In the article, the artist is referred to as ‘anti-tech’. I love technology and use my phone a bit more than I like to admit, but I also love to spend time in nature. So I definitely wouldn’t call myself ‘anti-tech’, but I think almost everyone could benefit from more time in nature. As much as I enjoy social media and technology, it also causes me a lot of stress. Going out to enjoy nature helps me distance myself from the stress of online interactions. I love taking long bike rides because it’s a good exercise and it’s also oddly relaxing. Because of my tough school schedule, I don’t have as much time as I’d like to commit to bike riding, but I notice that when I can find the time to, I feel much more productive after a bike ride.

I would totally give my phone up to experience the outdoors in a cool environment like the NDD room. Even though I enjoy the outdoors daily, I would like to see what the room is all about. This is an innovation that could cure the nature deficit disorder but it could also provide a “staycation” to people who can’t afford to actually travel to tropical areas. The article states that “the room can provide the user, with the excitement of seeing a new place, without having to travel there.”This is key for not only the user but for the person that dreams of traveling the world. Humans do need contact with nature to be healthy, without it there would be more depression because vitamin D comes straight from the sun. This allows the person outside to feel more uplifted and better about themselves. I wouldn’t want to constantly get my nature fix from a machine. Personally I enjoy getting my fix from the local beach or even traveling up to the mountains. I think that getting it from a machine constantly would make us underestimate the importance of going outside and it would stop a lot of people from going outside. The machine can help many people but if we take advantage of it we may realize that using it isn’t helping all of us.