What is nature to me? The natural world comes to mind. That is a place I love and and where I feel most connected to the source. But there is the nature of people. The nature of politics. The nature of the universe. I had not really thought of nature in this way before. It’s complicated. But maybe not.
I’m disgusted with the nature of politics this year. The individual and the collective natures. I like it when people show their best selves. When I show my best self.
I’m part of the nature that I see out the windows. That I walk in. That I lose myself in. That I see flitting around looking for food. All the different sizes of 4 legged and winged ones. They are a significant and touching part of nature.
The universe? It us touchable yet so very distant. How can my 4th chakra feel the energy of the full moon? Is that just part of nature? The nature of man. How can each be so different? It is good we are so diverse, isn’t it? Would the world really be boring if our collective natures were kind and caring to ourselves and others? How much could we achieve?
Wikipedia notes that in the broadest sense nature is the natural, physical or material world or universe. Although humans are part of nature, human activity is often understood as a separate category from other natural phenomena. Further, Wikipedia notes that nature is often taken to mean wild animals, rocks, forests; in general, those things that have not been substantially altered by human intervention. Or which persist despite human intervention. So a clear cut forest or a blown off mountain top is still nature? In my heart it would be, but that can be a topic for another time.
How am I part of nature? Is it the deeper part of me? My being? My spirit? I hope my nature isn’t just when I’m cranky! But that’s got to be part of it. I want it to be just when I’m happy, loving and deeply connected to the universe.
So back to the question. What is nature to me? Recently, I thought it was the divine spark within. That which is left after all of the layers have been peeled away. Yesterday, I read an email from my dearest and oldest friend. She lived across the street from me when we were little. She told me of some significant health issues she and her husband were having. I have no explanation other than to say upon reading her words and feeling my feelings, I knew, for a split second, the answer to the question. Nature is my whole being. Not profound, but it is my truth.
Rumi said it well, as always:
In your light, I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I do and that sight becomes this art.
Carol Richardson
