Humans have moved in leaps and bounds to improve the quality of life. The means of doing this have often been counterproductive. We work and strive for a better life, when often a simpler life with less material things might be the best direction for us.
Despite what many people think, money can’t by happiness. From the earliest years we work to “make it” in the marketplace. We want to be at the top of the heap. We become stressed, paranoid and envy of others that are excelling may be a problem. Often, the “utopia” tha we are seeking is within our grasp.
If we do not have time to commune with nature and seek to fit into the rhythms of nature, we will not achieve peace and happiness. Many of the so-called improvements in life have so removed humans from reality that we do not realize how much at odds we are with nature. We contaminate the environment that we say we love. In the U.S. we consume a major portion of the earth’s supply of energy an natural resources. We pollute streams with run-off from golf courses, industrial waste, sewage and condemn everyone but ourselves.
If we do not learn to become a more intimate part of the natural plan, we will become extinct or we will live is such a polluted world that our existence will be a horror story. Sickness, mutation, and unknown problems will plague us.
Conservation and respect for the environment is the first step in becoming a part of the grand plan. We must learn to re-cycle, to take only what we need and to respect the rights of others. Regardless of our station in life, we are all entitled to live in a clean, healthy environment. This should not be a right of the wealthy and privileged only, but for all.
When is the last time that you went for a walk in the park, on a nature hike, placed a bird feeder in your yard, or cultivated plants in your yard or property for wildlife? Do you remember going camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking or any such outdoor activities?
These kinds of activities help you to re-orient yourself to the natural rhythm of nature. You see the environment first hand and realize the fragile nature of it and your responsibility to protect it.
Yes, we are still a part of nature, but we must begin to accept the responsibility that comes with that membership. We are stewards of the environment and it is our duty to protect it and pass it on to the next generations in better condition than we found it.
