While this way of thought runs counter to the narrative of human domination, it is a necessary counterweight and condition to finding our true place on Earth—as Creatures of Cooperation.
With how big a population? What constitutes nature according to human controlled environments? Wild nature? Domesticated nature (including your pets & your gardens)? How much nature are humans able to tolerate with all the digital invasion?
Big open question isn’t it? How do we bring it into being without snuffing out “others” (nature included in the definition of “other”)? Does “wild” still exist? What proportion (of uncontrolled WILD!)???
When we control the “WILD” are we subtly putting “controls” upon our UNIQUE AUTHENTICITY? Yes we have to play the game, except… how much do we have to “sell ourselves” to satisfy some outer goal?
My simple definition of Nature is everything on Earth that is natural, and not manufactured by homo sapiens. We humans are, for the most part, so alienated from Nature that we do not appreciate how essential this non-manufactured world is and how destructive we are in our unhealthy desire to conquer and dominate Nature. In the end, such thinking will lead to our extinction. Nature and the Earth will survive, but homo sapiens will not.
I hear you. Been there... loooked at all current alternatives to oil, coal & now nuclear. I had a communication with a friend involved with thwarting the "nuclear agenda" as an alternative energy option.
He agreed with me, even our solar panels and wind turbines cause damage to the earth. At the same time, personally, I'm not willing to go back to the horse and cart and that era of life and living.
I also have way more faith in the Magic & Majesty of the Earth. I doubt whether humans can kill it, they will kill themselves first and the Earth BEING Earth just keeps regenerating beyond all our "scientific radars". We really have no comprehension of how she came into Existence and/or how she will continue. Our fears really are for ourselves, the human species.
Science has this belief that it can understand everything, except the Earth & IT's LIFE (which we are a part of), ARE UNLIMITED & UNFATHOMABLE! (I suspect you will understand that. I hope so).
I agree. No need or desire to go back to another age. But we can consume less. This is a good start. Can you imagine what the benefit to us would be if we reduced our overall consumption by 10 percent?
Yes, I purchase consciously and I am also not a big consumer. I don't buy things for the sake of buying them, rather as required. It's like the forests... we don't know what we are contributing to in the "vast scheme" of things. Our "small human world views" cannot contain the Unlimitedness of LIFE from invisible to visible & vice-versa.
We can't contain that UNLIMITEDNESS within our psyches, we only receive hints of what can BE!
I love everything about this essay Perry. Thank you. Recently I posted a quote from one of my favorite authors and poets, Madeleine L'Engle about being "co-creators with God" - I'd also say "co-protectors" of His beautiful earth given over to us so freely. How incredibly careless, arrogant and selfish we humans can be about our greatest blessings of earth and nature. ox
Thank you; yes, co-protectors of our beautiful Earth is a good thought, and an idea I wish more people would agree is necessary. Speaking of Madeleine L'Engle. I read A Wrinkle in Time 30 years ago and enjoyed the story. A few years ago, our family watched the movie. We all loved it.🦜🐦🕊
Such a great book and what a beautiful mind she had. Co-creators and protectors - never do we fit into one box of what society deems. We let nature speak "first" and we follow. Thank you again Perry. ox
The reason we moved out in the country about 20 miles from anybody is to be in harmony with nature. I can’t fathom living in a city. Thank you Perry! 🥰
Nature always refreshes me, and I also consider myself a pupil along with my children; we learn a lot together and there is quite a bit that they teach me. Thanks, Perry.
This was an excellent read! Especially loved the first part that highlighted the cyclical nature of times gone by- sometimes it’s easy to forget that we can’t defy time when we’re cooped up in buildings clinging to our technology that likely will stand the test of time. Spending time in nature is always a healthy reminder
This! "The more I commune with Nature, the more that I learn that the non-human world has much to teach us homo sapiens." So why not commune more to learn more?
Another great article Perry. I have known intuitively since I was a boy that Nature is the only order of any significance, at least to my way of thinking. I could never figure out why my parents wanted me to come in from the fields or the backyard or the sandbox, put on a suit and tie, and go to church. Surely that's not what the God I was taught about in Sunday School would want for his children. I was never able to reconcile this. It's why I didn't join the church when the time came in my teenage years.
I agree about learning and teaching, but experience it most profoundly when I teach. To teach one must double down on one's knowledge and get the facts straight before passing them along. This I think creates a deeper and more lasting form of learning.
It is interesting how distorted the idea of 'survival of the fittest' has made the Theory of Evolution. While Darwin never claimed the phrase himself, if he were to speak on the subject, he would likely point out that by fittest he means most adaptable to change. Part of that adaptability, that fitness, is won through cooperation. Going it alone is for bullies. From an evolutionary perspective, being a dictator holds much greater risk than working cooperatively.
I agree; cooperation is at the heart of Darwin's theory of evolution. It is evident in Nature; it is evident all around us. It is weakest among one species: humans. I have my theories on why and I might write about it.
I too enjoyed being outdoors the whole day as a youngster, even in cold Montreal winters, which you know about. We were good, as long as we came home for supper.
Thank you for this thoughtful article, Perry. Your thematic emphasis on cooperation always resonates with me and I’m enjoying how you continue to develop this in your writing. Understanding that as humans we are a part of the natural world is a step toward healing the habitat of the world.
Yes, I think cooperation is the most natural thing we humans can and need to do. We need healing, too, in that our harmful ways emanate from unhealthy thinking about our place in the world. But knowing you as I do from your writing and comments, and your love of your furry companions, I can say that you are well aware of this need and live by it. Thank you for your response, Heidi 🕊🦜🐦
Thank you, Perry. The more we understand that we are, in fact, animals, specifically great apes, the more we can see ourselves as a part of the natural world. It is the only world.
What a lovely post, and sweet photos. We are so in-sync. You know one of my first posts was about Humans being Biophiles.
Nature is where I truly feel alive, where the Machine world fades away and only beauty remains,where the lies crumble and in there place blooms the magnificence and astonishing beauty that this REALITY was meant to be for us to experience. I just did a post yesterday on The Living River within.. I hope you come by and check it out... It echos your message about harmony.
Same rule here; insects are more often than not carefullty placed outside on the grass. No chemicals are used. Ever. Moreover, I rarely cut the grass and only rake the leaves to place around the trees and alongside the bushes.
Good morning Perry, a lovely essay to kickoff the weekend. Thank you. I’ll be thinking about our connection to nature as I paint a roseate spoonbill this weekend.
Harmony. Nature. The seasons. The cycles. The invisible yet palpable energy that connects us all.
I stood at Hawk cliff this week for 2 hours and got lost in the music. 150 Kestrel Falcons, a few broad wing hawks, 10 Harriers, ospreys, massive flocks of blue jays all flew over. Hugging the lake shore. Knowing its time. To head for warmth.
What awe you must have felt seeing the avians take wing south, following their natural instincts, honed by millions of years of instruction. This is music, Jamie.
Nice article. The key point is that humans need to integrate a care of love of nature into culture and society. Right now, we have a love for technology and money, and that is contradictory with a love of nature. Without a spiritual connection with nature, the majority will not understand this in rational terms.
I am not sure if people love technology or even money. My thinking is that they are trapped by a human construct, a false reality, that says these are what ought to be valued. It is foolish nonsense and once you commune in the reality of Nature, such illusions (and delusions) fall away.
Well, I guess it might be more accurate to say that people are addicted to technology and it has taken the place of a saviour in their minds, to use the words of Henryk Skolimowski. The biggest problem may be that even if people wanted to show a greater respect for nature, they would have a lot of trouble since destroying it is part of making a living for many, even if in our private lives we can be more respectful. That's another reason why the final ingredient of getting closer to nature may involve serious revolutionary action.
I do not agree with revolutionary action, since it always includes violence and destruction, including of the natural world. People do not have to accept work that is destructive; they can choose not to. I did in 1993 and am better as a result.
That is not true, Perry. Revolutionary action need not consist of destruction of the natural world. It need not be people taking to the streets to destroy random things, nor does it need to always use physical violence.
For example, a computer virus disabling the operations of an environmentally destructive company. Tree-spiking is another. Modern corporate power would love you to think that revolutionary action is ineffective and dangerous but the truth is that it is not. And global capitalistic forces uses violence and destruction all the time, mainly against the natural world.
Well-used force is not at all destructive violence, if used with compassion. If a person you loved was about to get hit by a car, surely it would be logical to run and push that person out of the way, even if that act is forceful. Sometimes, we must use force to prevent others from destroying what we loved. If someone broke into my home with the express purpose of causing me harm, I would use force to stop them.
Revolutionary action can be like chess. With the right moves, it can accomplish much without undue harm to any person or environment. Only we are conditioned to shy away from it through the mass media.
I love that song! And I also think most of us have some co-operative relationships with friends and family that we can acknowledge, and maybe inspire us going forward.
Don't we all yearn for that feeling of connection with others: people, creatures, our planet?
Thanks for posting, Perry. I appreciate what you're expressing.
With how big a population? What constitutes nature according to human controlled environments? Wild nature? Domesticated nature (including your pets & your gardens)? How much nature are humans able to tolerate with all the digital invasion?
Big open question isn’t it? How do we bring it into being without snuffing out “others” (nature included in the definition of “other”)? Does “wild” still exist? What proportion (of uncontrolled WILD!)???
When we control the “WILD” are we subtly putting “controls” upon our UNIQUE AUTHENTICITY? Yes we have to play the game, except… how much do we have to “sell ourselves” to satisfy some outer goal?
My simple definition of Nature is everything on Earth that is natural, and not manufactured by homo sapiens. We humans are, for the most part, so alienated from Nature that we do not appreciate how essential this non-manufactured world is and how destructive we are in our unhealthy desire to conquer and dominate Nature. In the end, such thinking will lead to our extinction. Nature and the Earth will survive, but homo sapiens will not.
I hear you. Been there... loooked at all current alternatives to oil, coal & now nuclear. I had a communication with a friend involved with thwarting the "nuclear agenda" as an alternative energy option.
He agreed with me, even our solar panels and wind turbines cause damage to the earth. At the same time, personally, I'm not willing to go back to the horse and cart and that era of life and living.
I also have way more faith in the Magic & Majesty of the Earth. I doubt whether humans can kill it, they will kill themselves first and the Earth BEING Earth just keeps regenerating beyond all our "scientific radars". We really have no comprehension of how she came into Existence and/or how she will continue. Our fears really are for ourselves, the human species.
Science has this belief that it can understand everything, except the Earth & IT's LIFE (which we are a part of), ARE UNLIMITED & UNFATHOMABLE! (I suspect you will understand that. I hope so).
😀✨⚛️💖🦋🕊🖖
I agree. No need or desire to go back to another age. But we can consume less. This is a good start. Can you imagine what the benefit to us would be if we reduced our overall consumption by 10 percent?
Yes, I purchase consciously and I am also not a big consumer. I don't buy things for the sake of buying them, rather as required. It's like the forests... we don't know what we are contributing to in the "vast scheme" of things. Our "small human world views" cannot contain the Unlimitedness of LIFE from invisible to visible & vice-versa.
We can't contain that UNLIMITEDNESS within our psyches, we only receive hints of what can BE!
I love everything about this essay Perry. Thank you. Recently I posted a quote from one of my favorite authors and poets, Madeleine L'Engle about being "co-creators with God" - I'd also say "co-protectors" of His beautiful earth given over to us so freely. How incredibly careless, arrogant and selfish we humans can be about our greatest blessings of earth and nature. ox
Thank you; yes, co-protectors of our beautiful Earth is a good thought, and an idea I wish more people would agree is necessary. Speaking of Madeleine L'Engle. I read A Wrinkle in Time 30 years ago and enjoyed the story. A few years ago, our family watched the movie. We all loved it.🦜🐦🕊
Such a great book and what a beautiful mind she had. Co-creators and protectors - never do we fit into one box of what society deems. We let nature speak "first" and we follow. Thank you again Perry. ox
The reason we moved out in the country about 20 miles from anybody is to be in harmony with nature. I can’t fathom living in a city. Thank you Perry! 🥰
🐦🕊🦜
Nature always refreshes me, and I also consider myself a pupil along with my children; we learn a lot together and there is quite a bit that they teach me. Thanks, Perry.
This was an excellent read! Especially loved the first part that highlighted the cyclical nature of times gone by- sometimes it’s easy to forget that we can’t defy time when we’re cooped up in buildings clinging to our technology that likely will stand the test of time. Spending time in nature is always a healthy reminder
Thanks, Amaranta. I find this to be true, and a helpful reminder of our connections to forces outside us.
This! "The more I commune with Nature, the more that I learn that the non-human world has much to teach us homo sapiens." So why not commune more to learn more?
My sentiments, Gary.
🙃🙃🙃🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰
Another great article Perry. I have known intuitively since I was a boy that Nature is the only order of any significance, at least to my way of thinking. I could never figure out why my parents wanted me to come in from the fields or the backyard or the sandbox, put on a suit and tie, and go to church. Surely that's not what the God I was taught about in Sunday School would want for his children. I was never able to reconcile this. It's why I didn't join the church when the time came in my teenage years.
I agree about learning and teaching, but experience it most profoundly when I teach. To teach one must double down on one's knowledge and get the facts straight before passing them along. This I think creates a deeper and more lasting form of learning.
It is interesting how distorted the idea of 'survival of the fittest' has made the Theory of Evolution. While Darwin never claimed the phrase himself, if he were to speak on the subject, he would likely point out that by fittest he means most adaptable to change. Part of that adaptability, that fitness, is won through cooperation. Going it alone is for bullies. From an evolutionary perspective, being a dictator holds much greater risk than working cooperatively.
Thank you, John.
I agree; cooperation is at the heart of Darwin's theory of evolution. It is evident in Nature; it is evident all around us. It is weakest among one species: humans. I have my theories on why and I might write about it.
I too enjoyed being outdoors the whole day as a youngster, even in cold Montreal winters, which you know about. We were good, as long as we came home for supper.
Thank you for this thoughtful article, Perry. Your thematic emphasis on cooperation always resonates with me and I’m enjoying how you continue to develop this in your writing. Understanding that as humans we are a part of the natural world is a step toward healing the habitat of the world.
Yes, I think cooperation is the most natural thing we humans can and need to do. We need healing, too, in that our harmful ways emanate from unhealthy thinking about our place in the world. But knowing you as I do from your writing and comments, and your love of your furry companions, I can say that you are well aware of this need and live by it. Thank you for your response, Heidi 🕊🦜🐦
Thank you, Perry. The more we understand that we are, in fact, animals, specifically great apes, the more we can see ourselves as a part of the natural world. It is the only world.
Lovely post, Perry! Beautiful photos too.
And I've always loved this song by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Thank you for the uplift 💕🙏 🪶
Thank you, Veronika 🐦🦜🕊
What a lovely post, and sweet photos. We are so in-sync. You know one of my first posts was about Humans being Biophiles.
Nature is where I truly feel alive, where the Machine world fades away and only beauty remains,where the lies crumble and in there place blooms the magnificence and astonishing beauty that this REALITY was meant to be for us to experience. I just did a post yesterday on The Living River within.. I hope you come by and check it out... It echos your message about harmony.
Will drop by today to read, Karafree. I am finding out that more people find their true natural selves in Nature.🕊🦜🐦
Beautiful, Perry. I wholeheartedly agree with what you wrote. I try and live this way, too.
We have a rule at our house: let the insects outside. Don't kill anything.
And we don't use chemicals of any kind in our yard. Our daughters are completely on board. It's lovely.
Same rule here; insects are more often than not carefullty placed outside on the grass. No chemicals are used. Ever. Moreover, I rarely cut the grass and only rake the leaves to place around the trees and alongside the bushes.
I make sure to use the leaves for winter shelter for insects and small animals.
Good morning Perry, a lovely essay to kickoff the weekend. Thank you. I’ll be thinking about our connection to nature as I paint a roseate spoonbill this weekend.
Good morning, Maureen. This sounds like a wonderful way to spend the weekend. 🐦🦜🕊
Thanks Perry.
Harmony. Nature. The seasons. The cycles. The invisible yet palpable energy that connects us all.
I stood at Hawk cliff this week for 2 hours and got lost in the music. 150 Kestrel Falcons, a few broad wing hawks, 10 Harriers, ospreys, massive flocks of blue jays all flew over. Hugging the lake shore. Knowing its time. To head for warmth.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
Bless you
What awe you must have felt seeing the avians take wing south, following their natural instincts, honed by millions of years of instruction. This is music, Jamie.
I’ll go weekly now and yes awe. The coopers, red shoulders, red tails still to come. 🙏❤️
Nice article. The key point is that humans need to integrate a care of love of nature into culture and society. Right now, we have a love for technology and money, and that is contradictory with a love of nature. Without a spiritual connection with nature, the majority will not understand this in rational terms.
I am not sure if people love technology or even money. My thinking is that they are trapped by a human construct, a false reality, that says these are what ought to be valued. It is foolish nonsense and once you commune in the reality of Nature, such illusions (and delusions) fall away.
Well, I guess it might be more accurate to say that people are addicted to technology and it has taken the place of a saviour in their minds, to use the words of Henryk Skolimowski. The biggest problem may be that even if people wanted to show a greater respect for nature, they would have a lot of trouble since destroying it is part of making a living for many, even if in our private lives we can be more respectful. That's another reason why the final ingredient of getting closer to nature may involve serious revolutionary action.
I do not agree with revolutionary action, since it always includes violence and destruction, including of the natural world. People do not have to accept work that is destructive; they can choose not to. I did in 1993 and am better as a result.
That is not true, Perry. Revolutionary action need not consist of destruction of the natural world. It need not be people taking to the streets to destroy random things, nor does it need to always use physical violence.
For example, a computer virus disabling the operations of an environmentally destructive company. Tree-spiking is another. Modern corporate power would love you to think that revolutionary action is ineffective and dangerous but the truth is that it is not. And global capitalistic forces uses violence and destruction all the time, mainly against the natural world.
Well-used force is not at all destructive violence, if used with compassion. If a person you loved was about to get hit by a car, surely it would be logical to run and push that person out of the way, even if that act is forceful. Sometimes, we must use force to prevent others from destroying what we loved. If someone broke into my home with the express purpose of causing me harm, I would use force to stop them.
Revolutionary action can be like chess. With the right moves, it can accomplish much without undue harm to any person or environment. Only we are conditioned to shy away from it through the mass media.
I love that song! And I also think most of us have some co-operative relationships with friends and family that we can acknowledge, and maybe inspire us going forward.
Don't we all yearn for that feeling of connection with others: people, creatures, our planet?
Thanks for posting, Perry. I appreciate what you're expressing.
I think that we do, Diana; it is deep within us all. This need and desire for healthy connections. In some people, it is dormant and needs nurturing.