In a world where technology rules our lives, it’s hard to detach ourselves.

While making our lives easier, devices have built this barrier between us and the natural world. Instead of keeping nature a part of our lives, we choose to live separate.

In fact, the separation is so strong that St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley’s 2012 budget proposal included closure of 20 local parks to save $10 million annually. Fortunately, he announced last week that the parks would remain open. It’s still shocking that this would even be a consideration. Saving money is not as important as preserving a place that provides citizens with a safe, natural environment. Thoreau said, “The civilized man has the habits of the house. His house is a prison.” Being around infrastructures all day, with no natural interjection, can be mentally exhausting. I know when I stop to appreciate natural surroundings, the exposure to trees and pure oxygen positively effects my mood. So many get caught up in everyday life and forget there’s a simple way to silence suburban chaos. The issue of park closure may come up again. If we ever lose our parks, this chaos could never be silenced.