Reflections - Nature and the Environment

By Darrell Victor

There is a parallel between nature and people. Nature is diverse and has many moods. We can enjoy it or loathe it sometimes. Perhaps we use parts of the natural environment for our convenience and trample upon it when it suits us as well. Nature can serve us and, at times, master us; it surrounds us but some aspects of it are isolated, unknown or misunderstood - like the depths of the ocean or the great white shark.

Although we do not often recognize it, nature is a central theme in our lives. It affects our mental and physical health, our environment - the quality of our lives in general. Imagine the calming effect of a cool Sunday morning, when the morning dew slowly evaporates from the Earth's surface. You can feel the moisture in the air, the sun appears over the horizon as you hear the birds chirp - even your sense of smell is aroused. Indeed, nature affects all our senses. Whether the storm rages outside or we get caught in it influences how protected and secure we feel.

Our relationship with earth and its other inhabitants is like the love-hate relationship between parent and child. We can revel in some aspects of nature but at other times we explicitly or implicitly assist its destruction. Even excessive consumption - not just of energy - takes a toll on the world. Some of us vow to protect all that is natural while others are indifferent towards it. The devotion of those who protect wildlife might surprise many of us. We wonder why they care so much about protecting snakes or sharks, for instance. It is only because they understand the true value of nature.

Nature can teach us a few lessons. Notice that there is balance in the natural environment; there are carnivores and herbivores, predator and prey. Left on its own, there is a fine balance in the ecosystem. We can do well to find balance in our life in a similar manner. In nature, diversity is accepted. Organic farming seeks to use biodiversity to its advantage - one of many ways in which nature can be harnessed to serve us. We do not need to use harmful pesticides and fertilizers when Mother Nature provides. Indeed, nature teaches us that everything has its place - the rats, flies and sharks all have their role in nature. It teaches acceptance as well. There are many aspects of nature that we cannot control but we can seek to understand and accept.

Speaking of Mother Nature, it is noteworthy that nature is feminized to an extent. "Mother Earth" and "Mother Nature" are common expressions for us. It is a great credit to females that nature is associated with them, especially as it is also resilient. Is it just a coincidence that our natural environment is under-appreciated? Considering that women are also underrated in many parts of the globe, maybe it is not. Perhaps if we treated women better on a whole, we might treat Mother Nature with due respect too.

Some acts of nature are powerful enough for us to call them acts of God. Even still, we have to agree that Mother Nature's effects are positive far more often than negative. When humans fall victim to nature, it is merely unfortunate-it happens without malice or destructive intent. However, when humans destroy nature, it is by choice. So, are you helping nature or hurting it?

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