Tides rising and falling, leaves fluttering from trees, the sun gliding across the sky and flowers blooming anew… what do all of these events have in common? They signal the passing of time without the use of a clock!
Every January, we take the opportunity to commemorate the turn of the clock through celebrations and reflection. A new year signals us to breathe in the crisp air of a fresh start. While you make your New Year’s resolutions, we challenge you to consider a few that support your health, your community and the world around you.
Mindful Moments
Perhaps a bit of stillness was already on your list of resolutions, but we suggest adding to the experience by taking time to be in, on, under or near water to experience its calming effects (known as “blue mind”) or walk among the trees in the immersive practice of “forest bathing”.
Gazing out over the water is proven to relax our mind and body.Try Something New
Meet like minded people by attending a conservation event in your community! Trying something new can feel a bit scary, but our conservation team is ready to share their knowledge and make you feel included at litter sweeps, outreach events and more.
Clean Up Outside
We don’t precisely mean for you to take a broom outside! Challenge yourself to pick up at least one piece of debris (or more!) anytime you go on a walk around your neighborhood, the beach or a trail. Share with us the spoils of your efforts by recording your findings in the Litter Journal.
Pro Tip: Bring a small/mesh bag on your nature walks!Meal Prep
Plan to cook with or dine on local seafood from one of our Good Catch partners! If you don’t eat seafood, challenge yourself to use all local or seasonal produce or meat instead. Tell us all about the new food you tried in the Good Catch Seafood Survey.
Investigate Rising Tides
Sea level rise impacts our community regularly enough that it is seen as “just another day in Charleston”. Take some time this year to learn about how sea level rise and flooding may impact your community and contribute to citizen science data collection by recording flooding events in the SeaRise Project.
Citizen scientist data directly supports solutions to flooding.Remember, the passing of time is visualized each day in numerous forms and the best resolution is to listen to the ebb and flow within yourself to make changes that are right for your unique life.
Learn more about our conservation efforts and events, the projects in the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science app or how to get involved so you can find the right conservation-related New Year’s resolutions for you.
Published January 8, 2024