The Arb: An antidote to “nature deprivation disorder”

A few years ago someone coined the term “nature deprivation disorder” to describe the ill effects on humans of their ever-growing isolation from the natural world. When I feel the symptoms of “NDD” growing in me, I know that an hour or two in Nichols Arboretum—sitting by the Huron River or walking the woods, meadows, or prairie—will provide some relief. At the beginning of a new season I look back over a few of the soul-restoring visual pleasures the Arb has provided over the past several months.

Dennis Sparks’ “Things Observed” photos and essays encourage readers to slow down to deepen their appreciation of aspects of daily life that may sometimes elude awareness and to see familiar things in fresh ways. You can reach him at dennis.sparks@comcast.net.