When you think of ‘nature’, you’re probably thinking of green spaces, trees, creeks, rivers, etc. But what else could that word encompass? This post is about questions pertaining to perspective and perception; about what constitutes nature.
Are humans considered part of the natural world?
Or are we something apart from nature?
Here’s how Google’s Oxford Languages Dictionary source defines it:
noun
- 1.the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations.
So, we’re not part of nature, apparently. To me, though, that doesn’t feel correct on a gut instinct level. Is there some cutoff line a species crosses during evolution and adaptation to be on one side or the other of ‘natural’?
Maybe this is WHY we crave the things that constitutes nature?
If, at some point, we did cross a line and are no longer part of the natural world, then maybe that’s why we miss it so much when we aren’t experiencing enough of it. Perhaps the thing that constitutes nature brings balance to us on a spiritual and physical level. Perhaps it fills the void left open when we allegedly crossed the undefined defining line.
Perception of Nature
What a person perceives to be ‘nature’ matters a lot, if my theory about needing to experience it somehow brings us balance is true. Because what I consider to be ‘nature’ ranges from sub-atomic and whatever unknown smaller things exist right here on earth, to the largest. It also includes whatever’s existing in the farthest reaches of the infinite Universe.
It includes all that is known and unknown. Except, apparently humans and the things humans have created.
But The ‘Disconnect’ is a Myth
If you understand and embrace that there is nature EVERYWHERE: on the ground beneath your feet, in the air you breathe, in the water you drink, all over your very own skin and even within your body, in everything you encounter in every situation, you will realize that you are never separated from nature at all. Even if you can’t see a tree or blade of grass, touch moving water in a creek, or hear the warblers sing, you are still, always, connected to nature. ~ Madison Woods, What Constitutes Nature
What some people DO lack is a varied diet of nature experiences. But there’s never a total disconnect from nature. The broader your perception of what constitutes nature becomes, the more varied your experiences can be. By it’s very nature, nature is always there in whatever space you’re in. It’s just a matter of your perception, and recognizing ways to add more variety to your nature experiences.
The Typical Perception
When most people think of nature, they’re probably thinking of green spaces, trees, creeks, rivers, animals, plants… the usual things a person sees that aren’t manmade. I have to admit that I do love this sort of nature, too. And because of where my husband and I live, we have a full spectrum of nature experiences, always on tap.
Expanding Your Perception of What Constitutes Nature
Nature exists on levels so much more than what we might already see and know! Expanding your perception of it can greatly expand opportunities to observe, interact, and experience nature more often.
Consuming a varied diet of nature experiences doesn’t mean it’s always pleasant or fun. Weather offers a way, and work can too. Winter is coming around again and it’s time for us here at Wild Ozark to get ready for it. Cutting and pulling standing dead trees, splitting, and stacking firewood is hands-on interaction with nature. Using the wood later to keep warm while it snows and freezes outside is, too.
I don’t have the answers, but I do have opinions about what constitutes nature and ways to experience it. In future posts I’ll talk about some of the more uncommon ways a person can perceive and experience nature. I’d love to hear your ideas, too!
More in This Series about What Constitutes Nature
I’ll add to this list as the articles are written and posted:
Random Nature Connections
Here’s a series of older posts I’ve made called Random Nature Connection. These are philosophical connections to how I experience nature out here at Wild Ozark.
.
Author/Artist Info
________________________________
I make Paleo Paints from the lightfast pigments foraged from Madison county, Arkansas, creating under the pseudonym Madison Woods. Most of the colors I use comes from rocks gathered from our own creeks here at Wild Ozark. I outsource titanium for white, lapis for blue, and grow garden thyme for yellow.
My inspiration is nature – the beauty, and the inherent cycle of life and death, destruction and regeneration. My work is a partnership with the land. Immersing in her color, absorbing inspiration, taking communion. A painting begins with a foray to collect rocks, soot and bone. Each pigment, alone a portrayal of beauty, combined in a painting, becomes a whole reflection of the very soul of the Ozarks.
My Portfolio is HERE
Click here to join my mailing list.
I’m also a REALTOR® with Montgomery Whiteley Realty, under my real name Roxann Riedel. If you’re thinking of moving to the Ozarks of Arkansas and would like me to be your Buyer’s Representative, email, text, or call me at (479) 409-3429! And if you’re moving away from or selling property in Madison, Newton, or Carroll county, I’m happy to be your Listing Agent.
wpDiscuz