Walk With Nature



Photos taken by me, May 23, 2009 Bronte Creek, Ontario


I have never seen trees quite like these. I wonder as I walk along, how it came to be that one side is so lush and typically green but on the opposite side of the path the trees run jagged and naked, as though they've shed their foliage clothing for more comfortable wear. As I walked along it strikes me that this is how it is with nature. A tornado will wipe out one side of a street and gently leave the opposite as though nothing happened much at all. That is how nature works, completely random, playing no favourites, and us, weak little humans, somehow think we can defy her, think we can conquer her with our chemicals and our science when one big wind, one big storm, one big shake of her hips and we are all so much dust.

How do we become so arrogant? It is impossible to be so, when standing in the middle of this sweet green forest, the feeling of insignificance is almost tangible. How can we become so egotistical to think we can destroy or conquer nature? For the very side affects of our destruction of her will inevitably lead to such a defiance from her as to lead to our own destruction, and we'll be gone, grown over by trees and flowers, buried forever, casualties in her most verdant victory.

Nature is to be lived in, to be enjoyed, to be appreciated and to be bewildered by. We should be accompanying her along our journey not cutting our way through, leaving scars on her suntanned skin. How dare we treat her so. As we go along seeing each side of her, every facet of her beauty, finding ways to coexist with her we always must remember, she is the one with the power. We may dent her and damage her but should we push too hard, she'll push back.

When I look at her lush riches, her expansive beauty, the random organisation of her creatures I feel that I am a part of her and not her enemy. It makes me strong to be on her side, to know that to protect her is to protect myself and my family. Green is not only a way to save the earth, it's the way to save ourselves. For we are nothing without the cozy warmth of her earthy scent and sweet smelling leaves and grasses. It feels good to know, I am her friend and she is mine.

Walk with nature, appreciate her and flow with her, tread lightly and leave a small footprint. She is our friend, our mother and with gentle coexistence, will be for our children and theirs as well.

I'm reminded of a Native American quote "Think not forever of yourselves, O chiefs, nor of your own generation. Think of continuing generations of our families, think of our grandchildren and of those yet unborn, whose faces are coming from beneath the ground".
...Peacemaker, Founder of the Iroquois Confederacy (circa 1000 AD)




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Comments

Sara Diana said…
Lovely pictures and a thought provoking post
Anonymous said…
so lush and serene.
Anonymous said…
Hear hear! Wonderful post Breeze! I cannot believe the "arrogance" we have shown to our earth - it is such a tragedy. I love how you defined our human behavior and lack of regard. You need to be working for Environment Canada, making some serious awareness happen!
How is your broken bone doing? Thinking of you!
xoxoxo
Anonymous said…
Hear, hear! What a beautiful tribute to planet earth! I wish that you worked in communications for Environment Canada - this post is a beautiful way to teach others of the damage we are causing daily.
How is your broken bone? I am thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.
xoxoxo
Daria said…
Beautiful pics ... how are you doing? Please keep us posted.
park ranger said…
interesting insight as to why the trees are so different.

This may add to your argument... the sumac trees on the left are part of forest sucession. The area just beyond the sumacs has developed golden rod and other "weeds" -- about 150 years ago the soil in this area was used to make bricks. --- the plants have slowly grown and died -- developing a lush layer for more plants on which to grow. This has finally allowed sumacs and pines to grow.
Park Ranger~Thank you! Yes they did make the bricks..it's very interesting because we came home covered in red dust from the creek bank yet the stones were green. I knew that but didn't make the connection because I didn't have the information, thank you for giving it to me! It does add to my argument doesn't it. I'm so happy you have given your insight into this. I was wondering why both sides of the road were so different.

Breeze