The problem in defining an experience with nature is my inability to define the relationship between each element in this universe that
begs the title "nature." Sure I'm able to label things I see as 'natural' but I fail to visualize the congenital hierarchy which seems to govern
everything i may or may not perceive. What is the correspondence between human nature and environmental nature?
It's easy to say that the only truth I can believe is that which I've experienced, but when I see no order to that which I've experienced,
it's time to look big picture.
"A single thing is only so far beautiful as it suggests the universal grace. "Nature is that which inspires one to look beyond; to look around
and recognize that there's something larger going on than this world. The reason we find it entrancing, beautiful, and mysterious, is because
that which it reflects is so.
Emerson says that "each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field it beholds, every hour, a picture that has never been
seen before and which will never be seen again." This is why exploring nature, having a unique encounter with the natural world, is
is so exciting to us: its a unique encounter with the astounding beauty and ultimate majesty of the one who created. THIS is why those moments
of experiencing the beauty of nature forces us to think clearly, to think larger, to suddenly have our priorities straight. This is why one can examine
the most miniscule of natural commodities and marvel at its intricacies for hours. This is bigger than us, and it's in everything.
We can experience it on a daily basis, and in in least likely situations. When searched for, it will present itself (he is where Emerson and I disagree)
and in the most curious ways immaginable.
An experience of nature, in my opinion, is completely unique to the person themself. Of course its different; clearly were all different people.
Each moment is a special gift in which we have the ability to encounter, and should be honored lest it be taken for granted.
How better to know the creator than to admire and experience his handiwork?
Anne Frank sums it up:
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
3 comments:
So I really like the picture at the top of your blog...and the music is really lovely to listen to while reading it. I think it's interesting how you open up by first talking about the comparison about relating humans with nature. I would've never thought of that, and I think it's very aprapo (or however you spell that) how you mention the "congenital hierarchy."
I think it's also very cool how you talk about our unique experiences within nature, and how it is always so exciting. I like how you disagree with Emerson, because I think that he has the right idea, but it's true, if we look for nature, we always find it...even if it is in a curious way. :)
The Anne Frank quote sums up the post very nicely. It really puts into perspective how by just going outside we can improve our mood, because of how amazing and gorgeous the world really is.
Can I just say to begin that I love Dean Martin and I love the fact that you have him on your blog. <3
Okay, now on to the blog! I love the fact that you put the thought into attempting to define nature, and yet you have the humility to admit that maybe you can't define it.
The idea that nature is the reflection of "the one who created" is beautiful in itself. It's thought provoking, the concept that nature itself isn't necessarily beautiful, but rather that which created it is beauty itself.
The individuality of experiences too is a wonderful concept. I agree that every person interacts with nature in their own way. But at the same time, it's amazing that we all have the ability to commune with the world surrounding us. It's an astounding tie bonding us together as human beings.
Great post!
I had exactly the same problem. What is nature and how exactly do you define nature? I also needed to look at the bigger picture of nature and see how everything goes together. I then realized that everything has a specific job that makes nature work. For example, during my nature experiment I observed a hummingbird that was flying above in my backyard. I realized that without hummingbirds, less pollination would happen and there would be fewer plants. So everything on the planet has a role, everything is planned out in perfect order and this order makes nature function. I then questioned what are our roles as humans in nature? I concluded that in current times our race is seen as destructors. There are so many problems in our world right know, many of them caused by man.
How do you express your experiences with nature? It's hard because usually these feelings that nature portrays you have never felt before and it's confusing but at the sametime refreshing.
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