Living Intentionally in the Physical World: Laura Jersild Pardo's ’90 Sabbatical Journey

Her sabbatical was inspired by the increasingly disembodied nature of kids’ lives—both in and out of school—and sought to understand how reconnecting with the physical world can restore balance and well-being.

Laura immersed herself in research on the impact of nature on the brain, completing a 96-hour certification as a Forest Bathing Guide through the Forest Therapy Hub. She visited Copper Island Academy, a Finnish-model school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and participated in a backcountry expedition with Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries. Along the way, she swam in two Great Lakes, completed a triathlon, and visited the Grand Canyon, all part of her goal to “live intentionally in the physical world”—from backpacking and skating on a frozen stream to experiencing the night sky.

Her work invites us to ask: How can we help students be in “discovery mode” rather than “tell-me mode”? How can we allow for more mystery in kids’ lives? Laura’s sabbatical challenges educators to create learning environments that encourage curiosity, embodiment, and deep connection with the natural world.