Life Angles: The Metaphysical Connection Between Man and Nature

I think we would probably all agree that there is some kind of an edifying metaphysical connection between man and nature.

Nature just seems to refill our tanks, clear our minds and re-align our desires.

I don't know about you, but I'd say that for me, having the ability to relax periodically in a nature ambiance ranks right up there with having a roof over my head.

Having not studied the subject myself to any substantial degree, I'm going to draw upon my own experiences with nature in my attempt to portray this connection.

Close your eyes and imagine the following:

...On second thought, you should probably keep your eyes open so that you can READ the following. But you can PRETEND that you closed your eyes, and that someone else is reading it to you. ;)

[Imaginary eyes closing NOW...]

So here you are, living your life the best that you know how.

You're all caught up in the business of life; all your worries, distractions, to-do lists, and deadlines.

Your responsibilities, and even the random hobbies and interests that you've recently developed are all hanging out in the forefront of your consciousness.

You're probably chronically stressed to some degree, and may not even realize it.

You've got important decisions periodically weighing down on your mind.

And throughout all this, you're totally accustomed to being surrounded by completely lifeless materials.

For the longest time, you've been swimming in a pool of drywall and paint, carpet and vinyl, pavement, asphalt, gravel, metal, glass, plastic, paper, fabric, and bright LCD screens.

This is your environment. It's what you're used to.

Then one day, for one reason or another, you find yourself in what I like to call a "nature spot".

Maybe you went on that yearly camping trip.

Or maybe you're just at the local park, laying on your back on the grass, under a majestic tree that outdates your existence on this earth.

You're looking up at the beams of soft sunlight that are meandering through the lively-green, semi-transparent leaves. It may be your mind playing tricks on you, but the light seems to be actively bouncing around, almost rococheting from leaf to leaf, in vibrant swirly patterns reminiscent of fireworks.

Everything is alive.

You're staring at the cotton candy clouds through the windows in the leaves and branches, and meanwhile your lungs are being graced by a cool, gentle breeze that just smells alive. It carries with it the freshness of the moisture and the plants that surround you.

And all your worries melt away.

You're suddenly basking in a sense of peace.

Your stresses are taking their proper place in your soul; they're relocating down to the safe, manageable place where they belong.

Your mind is clear, and as you're basking in this temporary place of zen, you have a couple flashes if inspiration that prove to be very applicable to some of the issues that you're currently facing in your life.

You feel happy. Content to be living your life in this world. Motivated to be better.

And what spawned all this?

Nature.

Why does this happen? What is responsible for this metaphysical connection between man and nature? Perhaps it's because we're from the same stock.

Humans, animals, fishes, bugs, bushes, trees, flowers, leaves, and blades of grass; we were all created from the dust of our nurturing Mother Earth.

So back to you. Here you are, in your nature spot. This is good for you.

But, unfortunately, sooner or later this enlightening, relaxing experience comes to an end, and you're back to your life swimming in the pool of man-made and man-altered materials.

Now I want to pose you a question:

What if you could bring some of that "nature spot" back with you, to keep you company in your urban pool of abrasiveness? Well, guess what.

You can.

Close your eyes and do a mental scan of all of the places where you spend most of your time throughout the day.

How do your cages and your lairs rate on the scale of lifelessness?

Is your environment 95% inanimate and lifeless or more (not counting the presence of other people)?

If so, you might benefit tremendously by redecorating a bit.

It's as simple as buying a $40 desk fountain to put by your bedside, or a $60 potted plant to put by your swing on your back patio.

And it wouldn't be a bad idea to maybe lighten up that paint on the wall and install some better lighting. Clean up those clutter spots, install some curtains, and open the window! Feel that breeze.

Buy your wife some flowers!

How about a poster or a painting that portrays a beautiful nature scene?

And best choice of all, why not use that tax return to summon some landscaping men and sic them on your back yard?!

Create that peaceful place in YOUR environment. That way, you won't have to drive to a spot where you can meditate and connect with nature.

Don't get me wrong...

By all means, keep going on your yearly camping trip. Continue spending some Saturday afternoons at the park.

But bring some of it back with you.