Shauntelae C
Something that made me wonder about the world which includes nature is how everything in the universe has some type of connection to each other, besides everything being made up of atoms which connects us all and is an interesting thing to think about another example would be how similar the mycelium of mushrooms is to the human brain, especially the synapses of the brain and how they’re both similar to the internet when talking in terms of types of networking systems. Mycelium not only branches in many different directions looking similar to the nervous system but the mycelial network actually has more connections than our brain’s neural pathways which is fascinating and the network actually works much like our brains, by using electrical impulses and electrolytes which is also how mushrooms make a noise similar to music,when you think about it humans make music but so do different plants, especially mushrooms in their own way as a form of communication, through the electrical impulses they produce vibrations that can be turned into music in a process known as Biodata Sonification, It’s made by translating changes of electricity in mushrooms into audible tones which sound similar to music. Another intriguing fact is that fungi are more closely related to humans than are other microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses and have consciousness, awareness and a high intelligence despite not having a brain and share resources in the form of nutrient transport through the cells, and exchange information about their environment like the human brain because fungal mycelia form networks in the soil which interconnect with plants and other fungi, the sensitivity of fungal hyphae is evidence of the consciousness of a single hypha when these filaments are linked in a network, which means consciousness is elevated to the level of a multicellular organism another intriguing observation that many others and I have made is how the human eye and space galaxies look similar and an even more similar specific example is how the helix nebula resembles a human eye which is quite beautiful that something out of this world has some similarities to something beautiful and deep in this world our eyes which are unique windows to the soul. The eyes have an Iris made to absorb light and send information to the brain to have an awareness of the surroundings and similarly the galaxies are held together by massive black holes that are also made to absorb light and work in motions. There’s many different examples of how we’re not just all connected on this planet but how we’re all connected in some way to even things out of this world which makes me wonder “why?” and if more people truly saw all the different similarities would it change how humans and even other life forms out of this world view everything including each other in a more positive way and even possibly find the beauty in it? And would it make this world and the next a better place? I believe anything is possible, but this is something that made me wonder about the universe.
Chris Kierstead,
I honestly can relate so much to this text in the sense that these seemingly “small” discoveries of connect between the human species towards fungi are treated so(no other way to put it) as simple. These things that time us as humans to the ever expanding universe are so small but in a large aspect so significant. And I wish more people understood these types of topics widely as you, Shauntelae, and I thank you for your wisdom presented in this article, because now I can sit and contemplate this even further.
Yeah, it’s actually so crazy how seemingly unrelated things can be interconnected. This reminds me of the Wikipedia game, it’s where there’s like a daily prompt between two random things, like, Kevin bacon and iodized salt or something, and you have to get from one page to the other using the imbedded links in the pages. It’s kind of crazy how many things are connected we don’t think about.
i think you’re closing questions are spot on. I think the world would increasingly benefit if everyone was able to see nature for its beauty and not just as a resource.
For as long as I can remember when somebody asked me what I liked the most, I would say “animals.” I had cats since I was two, and though I wasn’t used to dogs, I found them quite entertaining. To me, they weren’t just “pets” or “animals.” I found friendship with them, and I saw a living, breathing creature with feelings and personality just like humans. I believed they deserved respect and dignity just like the rest of us. Of course, I couldn’t put my feelings into the words I’m using now. I was only four years old.
There was one incident that really drove that belief into me, and made me stand strong in my opinion about the treatment of animals. I have a deck overlooking the neighbor’s yard. It was evening and everything was peaceful. The neighbor’s little dachshund was barking at me. It was a bit irritating but I could deal with it. My neighbor came out and started yelling at the dog to be quiet. She then grabbed a rolled-up newspaper/magazine and began beating the dog on the head. The whack-whack sounds made me feel sick. I was in complete shock. I remember tears starting to roll down my face. “How could anyone do that to their pet?!” I thought. I could never have done that to my cats. Yes, the barking was annoying, but hey, haven’t we all annoyed someone at some point in our lifetime?
I feel like just because animals are sometimes smaller than us, doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve to be treated poorly. Animals contribute to the world and our lives. Our pets in particular bond with us, and see us as their caretakers. Don’t abuse the trust they have in us. Treat all animals with respect, they deserve it. As Jeremy Bentham (1789) asks, “The question is not, Can they reason? Nor can they talk? But, can they suffer?”
I completely agree with you. I’ve always had a strong connection with animals, and like you said, say them as living breathing things with emotions. I absolutely hate when I see people treat any animal like they are some piece of trash. Yesterday I saw a bee struggling to even move, so before anyone saw it and killed it, I put in in a container with holes for it to breathe and gave it honey until it was able to move freely. I made sure to put him outside on flowers and put honey in each flower, so he knew where to go when he was in need of nutrients. It doesn’t matter what animal it is, the size, or what it could do to you. If you were struggling and in need of serious help, you would want someone to help you.
I couldn’t agree more! I used to have two small dogs of my own and they were the loudest dogs ever. Sadly one passed away this summer but everyone found them annoying except me because in my mind I knew they weren’t doing it to annoy anyone…they just wanted to be heard. I find it shameful that your neighbor did that and I’m so sorry you had to witness that at such a young age but I’m glad it made you realize how strong your connection is with animals. I have always been an animal activist since reading Charlotte’s Web in fourth grade. That book changed my life forever. The day I found out they wanted to kill Wilbur for simply living horrified me. No one should be killed for consumption. That was when I began vegetarian. I have been since 9th grade and it was the best thing that happened to me. I think it’s important to be the voice for the voiceless!
The way this writing touched me. I completely understand. I have 4 dogs and a leopard gecko. I have always been around animals my entire life and I see my dogs as family members. When I witness an animal get hurt, abused or simply just hurt, without fault of a human, my mood is changed for a week. Nothing upsets me more than people who believe this is okay, or don’t look at animals as living things with personalities and feelings as you said. Well done!
I completely agree! For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a close connection with animals, particularly cats. It’s truly amazing how much a creature will learn to trust you if you smile, speak gently, and treat them with tenderness. People who treat animals with violence, never mind their own pet, don’t understand the beauty they show with tranquility. Animals that live with us show us nothing but love. We’re their entire world, and they deserve every bit of happiness we can offer. After all, if there was a human being suffering, naturally the right thing to do would be to lend a hand. So why should it be any different with any other of nature’s beautiful creations?
Our world is increasingly intangible: computers that electronically ponder, economics are more akin to intrusive thoughts of the market’s cerebrum, philosophy is spat out like sunflower seeds. Few things are physical anymore as the world shrinks into a computer screen or ink on a textbook. As a result, things are faster and more complicated. Nothing can be beautiful without being complex.
I believe that there is beauty in stillness and that which is stationary. Trees, oceans, rocky mountains, each of these things are nigh stagnant-barely moving over the course of years, yet they capture the hearts and minds of all who witness them. More appreciation should be towards them than the bright, fast, and loud world we have made ourselves.
Although we aim to approach the future which is built upon the intangible, why can’t we still appreciate the woods, rocks, and life that make up our past? I believe it should be the goal of everyone to approach balance in how they go throughout life-taking part in both the modern horizons of the future but also basing themselves in the slow-paced natural beauty in the world around us. It’s backwards to ignore the future and work opposite to it, but every now and then I think we should visit our roots in nature. Pun intended 🙂
Ruthca N.
I completely agree with you. While reading your comment, I was thinking about something similar. Everyone is always moving at the speed of light and not really taking the time to appreciate nature or the world around them. About a week ago, I forgot to charge my headphones for an hour-long trip. It was boring at first, but I started to just stare out of the window and enjoy the scenery outside and the soft music in the car. It happened to be raining that day and I was able to just slow down and watch the rain fall.
Joshua A.
Hello Philip, I like your idea on the complexity in the modern age of technology vs the peacefulness and simplicity of nature. I find my self night after night becoming extremely tired but unable to put the phone down. When I finally make that disconnect from my screen and come back to reality its like I joined a completely different world. Media warps are surroundings not always for the better. So I agree I believe we should all disconnect from tech every now and then and smell the flowers.
I think that the way that you wrote this was amazing, and I completely agree with what you had to say. I think that a lot of people have much lower attention spans nowadays, which can cause us to not appreciate all of the things that this life has to offer us. Excellent job :))
Sean P.
As I was read through comments your comment really stuck out to me. As you talk about the beauty in stillness it inspired me, as I recently have been trying to cut back on my time that I use my electronics and just go out and see this beautiful world. I love your idea of balance that you mention as innovation is useful but sometimes moves too fast. Staying in touch with nature and slowing down is just good for everyone.
I fully agree. As I have grown up, I feel like I have become disconnected from nature, become more engrossed in school or technology, and lost sight of what I loved doing as a kid. I used to love climbing all over little rock formations and running outside. While I’m not climbing rocks anymore, I try to slow down more and enjoy the time I spend outside and absorbing the world around me.
Since the moment my hands first touched snow, I always liked cold weather. I don’t like being in the snow itself anymore but I appreciate it from a distance. Waking up after a snowstorm was always the best feeling. The snow would be fresh and white on the ground, nearly blinding me. The trees would look more alive in a way. They would be wearing a fresh new look that never seemed to bore me. These mornings are the reason why I always believe that the most beautiful season is winter.
Usually winter is associated with death and loss. But I see it more as a simple pause in life before a rebirth. Winter is a moment of change for the world. It’s a time for us all to rest and simply enjoy nature as it takes its course. The level of detail nature puts into winter is a spectacle as well.
The detail that exists in each snowflake is immaculate. The way the snow drapes on the trees is breathtakingly beautiful. It creates such a serene feeling that everyone can relate to. Imagine sitting inside as you look outside at the falling snow, enjoying the warmth of your home as outside is slowly powdered in white.
As many authors, artists and philosophers say, “In death there is beauty.”
I fully agree with this. I’ve never understood the hatred for Winter that some people have, both “halves” of the year are beautiful to me. If we only had the greens of summer, wouldn’t it get boring after a while?
This is great and I also agree with you! The detail nature has within each season is astonishing and very complex. Nature is very beautiful and I love being in it.
You have an amazing depiction of winter. My favorite line was “I see it more as a simple pause in life before a rebirth”. Although, Winter is not my favorite season you made it sound very beautiful. I was able to see it from a different view and better understand the beauty of it.
I really appreciate your acknowledgement of the beauty of winter. There are people who are quick to resent winter because of the cold temperatures, which in my mind seems unfair. However, there are also people who feel the same resentment towards summer’s hot temperatures. Personally, I love the beauty of every season and I extremely grateful for living in a part of the world where I can experience all of them.
Kathleen H.
This is such a nice way of looking at winter! I have always dreaded how cold and gray it gets but this has encouraged me to change my perspective. It is important to have balance in nature and to appreciate its ever-changing design.
A few years ago when me and my friends travelled to the Vineyard for vacation, when we were going to be a sophomores, we went into a retail store connected to a Stop and Shop, and found a bee floatie that we soon after gave the name ‘Bluca’ which was the name Luca, just with a B (for obvious reasons). This may have seemed very insignificant to just 3 teenage girls and even to whomever could be reading this. But as we grew fonder of this icon of youth, other things came- every time we noticed a bee, we’d get excited and shout out “Bluca!” Through this although ‘joke’ we had developed with Bluca, we also developed almost, a soft spot for our fuzzy pollinators who don’t get nearly as much credit as they should. Noticing these declining populations due to people being too scared, not knowing the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets, and especially using pesticides to ‘get rid of the pests’. People are unknowingly, killing off one of the most efficient creatures that allows life to even have a possibility on this planet: Bees. Through my 3 year- ongoing lifeguarding career, every one person I save, there are at LEAST 10 bees that I retrieve from the water, which are alive, that, because of my actions, get to go and pollinate things like trees, which provide oxygen for us to breathe, and flowers which make our Earth beautiful, and exciting to live on. Protecting these creatures is essential to ours and every living thing’s survival.
Caroline L
I have been terrified of insects or scary dangerous animals like sharks for a long time. It came to the point where I had almost a phobia of these things. No doubt today I still have a phobia of spiders, kill them, stomp on them, do whatever you can to get them away. As long as I don’t know they’re around me then I’m good! My father has changed my thought process in the past few years. He’s very smart and what he told to me was, insects, reptiles, humans, we are all earthlings. That really clicked in my brain and since then I’ve made a conscious effort not to kill spiders or harmless bugs but capture them if they’re in my house and release them outside. I’ve developed a love for sharks and realized how poorly and dangerous the media portrays them. Not all sharks are like how great whites were portrayed in media and it’s not like sharks WANT human blood. Trust me, we don’t taste good to them. Something else that my dad said that resonated with me was how we are all living things like bugs and fish, we have feelings, and the right to live. So that made me see the bright side of the animal kingdom. I love animals more now, I love nature and how beautiful the world is. Even bugs like ants and butterflies. (Yes I was scared of butterflies…)
Naxon P
I’m glad you’ve grown into loving animals and insects! Your father seems like a great man. I never realized how terribly the media portrays bugs until you shed light on it. My sister is the same way that you used to be and I hope she reads this post and grows into someone that can love animals the same way you do!
Philip S.
It’s awesome to hear your newfound appreciation for creepy-crawlies! Although they can be really scary they’re sort of a necessary evil for balancing out the ecosystem and such. For everything cute and fluffy their has to be something scaley and slimey. Your experiences are a great reminder not to judge something-or someone-by the they look.
Danny N
Since the dawn of human intelligence mankind has not only thrived but completely dominated Earth’s food chain and ecological hierarchy with our unchallenged ability to invent and use tools to the advantage of our underwhelming, hairless bodies. What started off as sticks and rocks 2.6 million years ago has evolved relatively quickly into Bluetooth, hydrogen bombs, etc.– an unexpected advancement of technologies which has left many natives of the planet wondering “How did we get here?”
Although a vast majority of these modern inventions have had significant benefits for humanity, our overall effect on the planet has unfortunately been one which reflects our deepest flaw as a collective species: selfishness. Motivated by technological progression, we have leveled forests, endangered species, and polluted the airs and waters of our one and only home. We took from Earth and gave to ourselves, destroying what mother nature gave us in an astronomically small fraction of the time it took to create.
Today, we stand upon a mountain of our mistakes. We were the only thing that could cause this destruction, and now we are the only thing that can fix it. The same brains we used to come so far from our roots now need to be used to think of ways to revert our negative outcome on the planet while still maintaining the ease of survival we worked so hard for. We just need to recognize that it’s our selfishness which got us here in the first place, and work together using our brilliant minds selflessly to invent solutions for a better future.
This was beautifully written. You made a very interesting point that it is up to use to fix what we destroyed. I think about this idea often, with one different decision, the world could be so different than what we know now.
Joshua A.
The way the human brain works is fascinating. I believe people are not naturally evil nor good but their innate desires to be “fulfilled” can cause people to change the world around them.
In my personal life their is one man in particular who made my views so crystal clear. He is my brothers best friend and he was my manager, what makes “john” fulfilled is money like a lot of people. Their was one day after a shift where I was talking to him and I asked him, “How can i become like you” his response was cold but enlightening. He told me, ” Josh to become like me you would need to lose everything that makes you, you. You are too kind hearted to be like me, I put my job before everything, if it meant losing my family and your brother I would do it in a heartbeat”. In that moment I realized why people are corrupt, why they sabotage others futures for their own. We all have what we want to achieve above all else and reaching that goal is what gives our life meaning. Whether its reaching a certain amount of money in your bank account, finding love, creating lust or reaching a certain “status”.
Being able to recognize that everyone has a goal makes it easier to understand their perspective on life. Using a bit of compassion you can see everyones natural desires and why the world operates the way it does.
Understanding what drives others helps us see why they act the way they do, revealing that our paths to fulfillment are as unique as we are.
(This post is about human nature I am hoping that counts for this theme)
This is very interesting and it is crazy to think about how people’s brain are wired in different ways where one person would never think about doing a certain thing while others would do it in a heartbeat like you said.
What makes me curious about the world is nature. It provides us with the life force and vitality we need to survive in this world. One of my favorite things to do as a child was to climb mountains because I loved to witness the beauty of nature. I remember that even though climbing mountains was difficult and every step required a lot of effort, I was pushed by an invisible inner force and didn’t want to give up. All I had to do was keep climbing, and at the top of the mountain, I could see the scenery that I couldn’t see from the bottom of the mountain.When I finally stood on the top of the mountain, my tiredness was suddenly replaced by an indescribable joy.I inhaled deeply, inhaling the scent of the natural world combined with the verdancy of summer and the crispness of the mountains.At that moment, my efforts paid off. The clouds were dyed red by the setting sun, and I smelled a faint fragrance of flowers and grass.
This feeling made me realize that true beauty is often hidden in the arduous journey, and only through hard work and persistence can we experience unique tranquility and satisfaction. The moment I stood on the top of the mountain, I was no longer just a child, but a close companion of nature, finding my own peace and ease between heaven and earth. In my opinion, if you feel tired, you might as well look at nature.
Samanta M
Something that made me wonder about the world is how often we forget that it exists. We spend our childhoods running outside with friends or catching bugs to show to our parents, but as we grow older we seem to forget that nature is such a powerful thing in our lives. Without nature, we wouldn’t see how things around us revolve around one another. Whenever life got rough, I would take a walk. I think this became a habit once my dog passed, I was the main one to walk her from about six years old to thirteen. Every day I would take her out and once she had gone I felt like I couldn’t walk without feeling like I was missing something. Now whenever I walk, I walk as a way to remember how simple life had been for me when she was there. How sometimes something so uncomplicated, such as going on a walk and taking the time to listen to the world without people telling you things you’ve heard time and time again, or just looking up from your screen can make someone notice how life doesn’t have to have such a strong definition. I believe that to live is to notice the world around you as it coexists with us, as you remember that one time you saw a really cool bug, and once you got home you searched it up just to know the name. All I’m saying is it doesn’t hurt you to take a walk if you feel like you need it.
This was so beautifully written and I completely agree with you. I am always at peace when I am with nature, and it is one of the only things that will always be there for all of us.
Have you ever stopped and absorbed the feelings you get when your eyes make a connection with the world? Some people like to avoid the environment around them whereas others think the scenery is fascinating. The emotional connection you make with the world around you makes a huge impact on your life. I believe people take this for granted.
I had the opportunity to travel and escape reality over the summer. Although it was for one week, Nevada now has a place in my heart. Why? Looking out the window every morning, right before the sun breaks the horizon of the mountains, was a sight I could wake up to everyday. It felt refreshing, restoring and it always started my days off with a smile. Traveling through the city, I began to constantly notice myself drawn to the sights. The feeling of seeing so far was indescribable. I felt so free and relaxed. I began to wonder why the citizens whose lives were brought up in this “dream land” did not admire it more. For me, this place was paradise. The sky, the clouds, the air, the water, you name it, it was perfect! How could someone wake up to these views everyday and not feel like a whole new person? As I come home from one side of the country to the other, my feelings of feeling refreshed soon drift off. I catch myself looking outside again but instead of the mountains I see trees. Instead of being disappointed, I looked at what nature had to offer me. The sun peeking through the green leaves made me feel like I was where I belonged. Different emotions overwhelmed me as I walked through the woods of my very own backyard. I felt adventurous, energetic and lively.
I’ve noticed that the tone you set in an environment shows what your true emotions are when it comes down to details. So don’t take it for granted. When you get the chance to take a step back and enjoy your surroundings, you may find yourself falling in love with the new feelings that overcome your body.
Nature is such a beautiful way to connect back to our human roots. I think appreciating and caring for nature is a key factor to making the world a better place. This world belongs to all of us, and we are all created equal as humans.
For a long time, I have felt that we as human beings are always apart in some way. Whether that would be emotionally, physically, or mentally. But have you ever noticed the different species of plants and animals, and how they interact with each other? How they are always connected no matter the circumstance? I feel as if viewing or being with nature gets rid of the barrier of “unfamiliarity” with one another. Even something as simple as looking at the squirrels in the backyard with someone, you can automatically feel the connection that you have and the bond that you just created with that person. I was once driving down one of my local roads and I wondered what was the hold up on traffic. As I got closer, everyone had gotten out of their car to help out a flock of ten ducks that were stuck in a ditch. To think that just a minute ago everyone was a stranger beeping their horns and yelling at one another is unbelievable. This simple and unexpected event caused everyone to come together as one and help out. After this situation, I observed that the once aggressive people were having a full and peaceful conversation. As I look back on this event I can’t help but notice that every time we acknowledge nature we are connected in some way or another. I believe that acknowledging this world and its inhabitants can benefit not only us as human beings but nature as well.
I agree, i love to see how nature can break down those barriers and create a sense of unity among people. Just like you mentioned, even something as simple as watching squirrels or helping ducks can foster a connection and unite people . Nature has a unique way of reminding us that we’re all part of a larger, interconnected world.
My ever-growing fascination with the ocean began during my sophomore year of high school. I was instantly hooked when I secured a summer job at a boatyard. I spent my days washing boats, shining hulls, and engaging with many people. The more time I worked, the more I fell in love with the ocean and boats. The intricate designs and management of space, angles in the hull to keep the ship steady, radius to divert water, and composites to keep it all together are all tied to how the vessel treats the water. Currents ripping accompanied by the wind howling, boats undergo many challenges mother nature presents. These components may be tailored to a particular issue or demand, such as tug boats, freight carriers, or jet boats. These vessels allow us to explore the most profound depths and the strangest creatures, make scientific discoveries, or have fun tubing in a river. Whatever you may be looking for, the ocean has something for everyone. Fun or work, you have to find your reason for loving it.
Eliana A
Hey Nicholas! I’m happy to see we have something in common!! I also love the ocean, it’s a precious part of our world. My favorite part of it are the animals and treasures it holds within. Although I’m not much into boats but id hope to learn more about them soon, they seem really cool!!
Christopher Kierstead
Since I was a child nature and the heavens in itself has always been a comfort to me, regardless if it dealt me with pain and joy. The environment has created great change in every aspect of my being for the absolute better. And growing up to the young adult I am now I realize this that I still am doing exactly that, growing, just like the plants within environment. And the environment continues to bless me with great moments again and again.
A moment when I was experienced great pain within nature was at the youngest age I can remember, 4, where I had been running through the woods and trips over a root scraping my knee, the true first moment of physical pain I can remember. And to this day this moment has stuck with me as I have learned to watch for my surroundings with caution, yet curiosity. But a moment that overlaps this greatly is the moment of pure joy I experienced with my family when we all went on a picnic. To this day in any time of absolute peace of mind I am immediately drawn back to this moment. Somehow with both and many more greatly felt events like these, nature never seizes to amaze me in the sense that I will learn something new.
My reason towards my conviction to this conclusion is from the hardships I faced and still face to this day, this ideal is greatly significant to me and my character, due to this being one of the main reasons why I make the decisions I do. As I previously stated on how the environment taught me to be “cautious, yet curious” I am able to make some of the best choices through these basic skills. But why others should follow this basic understanding is, because nowadays this “basic” concept isn’t so basic with great advances in technology and I think we should slightly revert back to this point.
But I shall leave this with a final quote, stated by, Zeno, “The goal of life is living in agreement with nature” and this has stuck with me, because I find it so true. In the sense that if we are not one with nature we cannot be one with ourselves.
Thank you
Drake B
Hey Christopher! I couldn’t agree more with your understanding of nature and how you need to be one with nature in order to fulfill yourself. Being in nature makes me feel comfortable and at ease. The environments we live in can heavily dictate how we feel and act, but it most cases it makes me feel at home and in a healthy peace of mind. Although nature can hurt us in many ways whether its physically or mentally, it will always spread joy and glee to myself and hopefully others around me.
You can never be able to experience the world around you from just looking through pictures on Google, or scrolling through Instagram. Scrolling through the pictures may seem like they are taken at breathtaking places, but they could never be what they seem. They may be faked, or only set up to look like a dream paradise. But to be able to actually be there and see it for yourself is can be a once and a lifetime experience. A natural event I always look back on is sunsets. In my mind, sunsets have a deeper meaning to life. In my mind they represent the most important thing in your life and are the brightest. This is shown by the sun itself. Now the brightest things in people’s lives can be many different things, from friends, family, to significant others. The warm brighter colors around the center or, second most important things, are like jobs, education, free time, hobbies. But inside of a sunset they are always the dark colors furthest from the center. The dark colors represent all the negative things in one’s life. But the sunset shows the most negative things in your life, no matter how bad a situation can be, it shows that those problems are far away from the more important things in life. You shouldn’t ever let the problems in life get to the center of your sunset, because if you do the sunset will turn into the night sky, just full of negativity. So, the next time you look at a sunset, ask yourself, what is the sun in your life?
You know the shower thoughts we randomly get? Or the questions that keeps us up late at night thinking of a solution for it? Recently I’ve been catching my mind just randomly wondering, if humans weren’t the ones in power, who would it be? Some might say aliens, but we got to think more rational, a species who’s already on the earth. Others might say monkeys, but the more “obvious” choice would be dolphins, due to how intelligent their species are. Dolphins are known to be second to humans when it comes to intelligence. They have a high brain to body ratio, which helps them learn rapidly. They are able to solve complex problems and understand abstract concepts and many other facts proven by science, but what if I told you there was another animal similar to dolphins. This animal would be the ant, they are known as one of the smartest insects in the world, due to them also having a high brain to body ratio. Ants are known to be able to perform surgery on each other, especially the Florida carpenter ant, it will clean another ant’s wound and then decide if the body part is to amputate or not. They also have farms, they can grow food for themselves, and they are great at communicating, navigation, adaptability, group decision and learning. Some species of ants have a bigger brain to body ratio, of course not all of them are as smart. There are many more facts about them, but the only thing stopping them is their size. What do you think? Is there any other species that has a chance to take over?
Hi Eliana! I love thinking about stuff like this. The part about the dolphins makes me think of the book series “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglass Adams where one of the plot points is that dolphins are secretly much smarter than humans and basically rule the world.
In my opinion, another contender for taking over the world are corvids like ravens and magpies. They’ve been shown to have problem-solving skills at least as good as the average seven-year-old human! They have complex communication with each other and even investigate when another of their kind dies to see if there is still a threat. They are also the only other animals besides humans and apes that know how to build tools and use them.
Hi, this is an essay on my belief in life. Still, it is mainly dedicated to a comic action-adventure series called FeliaxMsysaka, a story about a world where fantasy beings are trying to normalize fantasy with a substance to mistake that kills it and makes genres more realistic the faction that doing this is the industrialization Realm they response for kingdoms, villages, strongholds, company’s, etc. there trying to find the right antique to channel MYSTSAKA control and destroy it normalizing it effectively but then a different faction against this plan called the nomaddaean forces group of gangs who what to keep that fantasy going but they ruin life and environment to get it there a three faction the ones who are three to have peace with each other called the Xylux peace inc they want to help balance the cycle of mistake and make it fit every one linking and fix to end the Halia hatred an opposite to Felia love these two are tied to calling the MYSTSAKA GODS THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE
Why I choose this is pretty simple. I believe stories Are told to be fresh and unique. Telling the same story over and over kills what makes a human feel a certain connection To certain characters that fuel your interest, my charade of my character actors have those qualities. Hasano one of the Main characters is the only human in this realized fantasy world as a world were you wonder, dream, and created being in inhuman ways. It makes human experience characters in a different way making them real living it helps to use fantasy as a way to let you feeling out to other community who would love and cherish your story. You will meet another human when the passion is the same as you
FeliaxMystska is a story I believe about how evil and good make life itself think about this life about experiencing the unknown future ahead you can’t get there if you don’t let your heart open to your fantasy where your world is your human layout for you to see that make you powerful and unique treat you fantasy as a positive not a negative even if it negative their help for you help is a feature to life it makes you understand but now to explain the depth in feliaxmystsaka
Vivian P
After witnessing a mother bear and her two cubs at my grandparent’s backyard I became more concerned about taking over their habitat. I realized the more space we inhabit there is less space for all wildlife. All the new housing developments, strip malls, and fast-food chains have significantly reduced the amount of land for wildlife. It concerns me to see a family of bears so close to our backyards. This indicates to me that their food sources and habitats have decreased. Their proximity to our living space is dangerous for them and us. There have been multiple news reports of close bear encounters in Western Mass over the past several years, I have noticed an increase of these reports. It was sad to see a group of girls pulling bear cubs out of a tree near an apartment complex in North Carolina. As a result of poor judgement on the people’s behalf the cubs were separated from their mom, and one was taken to a rehabilitation center. We have concerned for their safety as well as our own. It is never good for a family to be separated in the wildlife, cubs need their mom to learn how to forage and fend for themselves in the wild. This is just one recent story of cubs being separated from their families. There are stories of recent bear attacks in the area which resulted in bear euthanasia. These instances should make people aware of bears and other wildlife and what we can do protect them and us.
Something that made me wonder about the world is our negligence as humans to take of mother nature rather than destroying it with our modern technology. Whether it’s the car emissions, microplastics, and even deforestation. The list goes on but the fact that we are not taking more drastic measures in order to save our planet is alarming to me. As much as I love new inventions and original products, The harm to our environment and mother nature cannot be unnoticed. The greener our planet is the better, the last thing I want to see in my lifetime is a once blue sky polluted and the clear oceans ransacked by garbage. Without an environment to live in, many species of animals and creatures could go extinct. The human race is already responsible for making many species go extinct because of our poor ecological actions. To this day we have programs and protection services to help endangered species to go extinct, which we would have never needed if we didn’t desecrate the environments. It may not affect my lifetime or the ones after me, but for the far in the future generations this can and will affect them. Preserving nature and all its beauty should be a high priority objective for global leaders and people in power. Cleaner air, clearer waters, and bluer skies will both bring happiness and healthiness to all creatures. I just hope we can see the flaws in some of our methods and correct them to make earth a greener place.
Something that made me wonder about this world is how disconnected we are from nature. Sometimes I find myself so consumed in my phone that I forget what is actually happening around me. I think it’s sad but accurate representation of my generation. Our generation is known as the fully “digital native”. We are unlike any other generation before us because we have grown up with technology. Technology has made us more disconnected with each other, more anxious and depressed. I feel a sense of calmness when I’m in nature. This new feeling began when I was simply walking my dogs. I saw how much a walk in nature made them happy and wondered if that could do the same for me. Now being apart of nature is a necessity for me to find me inner peace. I had to deal with many hardships growing up but whenever I was sad I could always rely on nature to do a mental reset on my mind. Though at the time my problems seemed so drastic I realized how small I am in this universe and that my problems were the end of the world. I developed a new perspective and gratitude. When you look around at this beautiful planet we take for granted, you begin to see the man made imperfections that are present. I think if we just pick are heads up from out phones for just a few seconds we can see the beauty and destruction is our world. When nature becomes your happy place, you feel responsible when it is being taken advantage of. I believe we own it to Mother Earth to make a small change in our lives to save the planet!
Tyler Nunes
For as long as I can remember, nature and my life have been intertwined. Living in a predominately wooded areas, I more often than not encounter things that people in more urban areas wouldn’t. Many can’t relate to seeing deer in the front lawn in the mornings or turkey’s roaming the street. They can’t relate to the echoing sounds the frogs make in the late nights of late spring and early summer. It is for this reason that I have taken for granted what it’s like to live in an area independent of the constant hum of electronics and machinery. To be able to look up at the starry night and be able to see the display of stars and not the barrier that is light pollution. It is for this reason that I am forever grateful that I am able to witness this everyday.
A moment that I truly realized how much I appreciated this was during an unlikely place. During a Cross Country race I had gotten hopelessly lost. Somehow I manage to not be able to find the path markers and somehow got off course. I ended up running in a random forest that I had never been in and in a town I had never even heard of before that day. However, despite being far away from home, I still felt comforted by the nature that surrounded me. The similar tapestry of branches and leaves reminded me that even though my current situation was unfortunate. I was surrounded by natural wonders that I would never see elsewhere in the world. Logs making rudimentary bridges across rivers were things I use to imagine all the time in fantasy lands, but I saw it unfold right in front of me. The wonder of nature and the natural world will always make me happy for its influence on my life. Even when it’s ever present forces cause me to get lost, I still am ever fortunate to get to experience its beauty. This is why I believe that everyone should get to experience the rawest form of life without any interruption from outside distractions. To get a chance for everyone to see how they truly exist and have meaning in a world that many struggle to find themselves in.
I believe that humans and nature are essentially one and the same. I believe that the distinctions many draw between them are both irrelevant in a philosophical sense and harmful in a practical sense.
The first seeds that blossomed into this belief were planted when I learned what atoms were for the first time. I was only a young child, perhaps about six or seven years old, but I clearly remember being told that everything in the universe– including ourselves– were fundamentally made of the same ‘stuff.’ It blew my mind. I’d had this intuition that we were special, and that even our basic composition would somehow reflect that. But that intuition was dispelled, and a new notion of oneness began to take root.
This idea grew when I finally reached a similar breakthrough on the topic of origins. As a child homeschooled by religious fundamentalists, I didn’t have easy access to consistent and reliable information on the subject. But when I was thirteen and finally came to the conclusion that all living things share common ancestry, my world was once again changed. For many, including myself initially, it was existentially distressing to realize that on a physical and biological level, we humans are not special. But this disappointment faded when this conclusion led me to break down the barrier between humans and nature on a more philosophical level.
Too often, our culture poses nature as something that we live in or go to, but this framework is not helpful. I believe that nature is something that we are a part of. Yes, our efforts have contributed to sweeping changes to the physical landscape, for better or worse– but nature is dynamic. Whether through sudden disasters like earthquakes, gradual processes like erosion, or even the deliberate constructions of animals like beavers or ants, the environment is constantly in flux. Life adapts to the circumstances surrounding it, and so do we.
Consequently, I believe that breaking down this artificial distinction allows us to address climate change from a more helpful perspective. Sometimes people frame the issue as a conflict between human desire for immediate prosperity versus the long term effects of exploiting the planet’s resources. If we see ourselves not only as stewards of nature but as an active part of it, the necessity of preserving our ecosystems becomes obvious. The health of the planet itself is by far the most important part of our collective prosperity. I believe that because we are a part of nature, unsustainable development patterns don’t just degrade our surroundings, but degrade us.
What was always fascinating for me about nature was seeing how animals communicate with each other through the sounds and actions they make. It was always incredibly interesting. For instance, when I was younger, I had two pet rabbits. Rabbits are silent and quiet animals. They don’t particularly make any noises unless they are in pain or they feel some kind of distress. And what was intriguing was when I noticed that they communicate by the way they position their bodies. An example is if one rabbit was trying to deter the other rabbit it would thump the action by slamming its hind legs on the floor, making a “thump noise” or it would make a soft hissing/growl noise. Other than the pets, what was always a pleasant experience was seeing wild animals such as deer and turkey cross through my backyard just their presence would make me stop what I was doing just to gaze at them. Besides animals, another belief of mine is that nature has some form of spiritual healing presence. All of us have experienced some form of anxiety which can cause us to get depressed or lead to worse feelings so it’s crucial that we find ways to help us relieve unwanted and stressful emotions. For me, I found just taking a simple walk outside and observing the landscape breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the sun allows me to take a step back away from my troubles to reminisce on what life is really about.
From the rolling hills of Acadia National Park to the peaked mountains of the Grand Tetons, I have had a lot of time to interact and reflect on what Nature has to offer. Yes, at face value it gives you life, but through all these trails and hikes I’ve taken, I’ve noticed something a lot deeper. I believe nature is always trying to convey something, tell us something, In one way or another. I believe nature has always been an attention seeker, trying to show off all her attributes, from the beautiful to the gross. But right now, nature is hurting, feining for attention more than ever, but humans given our deep history and connections to nature we have started to drift from it. We have become to inclined onto our devices that we don’t get the time to see the wonders right outside our doors. Instead of going on a walk through a trail, we watch videos of people taking walks in the woods. This new digital world has become so easy for us, we look forget to look past these conveniences into what nature has to offer. The attention that we used to give nature, to take care of and to warship its attributes is now ignored. The only attention that nature gets now is negative, from something as simple as forgetting a piece of trash on the beach to leaving fires going unattended. People seemed to have forgotten how to appreciate what we have while we still have it. Because nothing in nature lasts forever, not even us.
Ethan Harris
What is nature? Well, we think it is the life that naturally grows for the earth right not exactly. To me, nature is a term our form normal and nature can be tied to the emotions, actions, and personality of living and non-living things. Take humans, for example, we are creatures who constantly grow in ways like in talents, but we can also be better a destroying than creating because it is easier to do so we also have a good nature where we wombat anything to do with bad nature. Today world has changed social media is the main source of social we consume itt everyday from youtube, twitter, instagram, and Facebook have fan, toxic and disrespectful people
Nature is an integral part of our lives, providing us with beauty, tranquility, and essential resources. From the majestic mountains to the serene beaches, nature offers a sense of peace and wonder that is unparalleled. The natural world encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems, each teeming with life and playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the planet.
Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall happiness. The beauty of nature has the power to inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the magnificence of the world we live in.
Furthermore, nature provides us with essential resources such as clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil. It sustains life in all its forms, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. The intricate web of life in nature serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is crucial to maintain a strong connection to nature. By appreciating and protecting the natural world, we can ensure that future generations will also have the opportunity to experience its beauty and benefits. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk in the park or embarking on a wilderness adventure, nature has the power to enrich our lives and remind us of our place in the larger tapestry of existence.
Connor Chamrin
In our fast-paced digital age, the call of the wild often gets drowned out by the buzz of notifications and the glow of screens. Yet, reconnecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits that no virtual experience can match. Spending time outdoors can rejuvenate our spirits, enhance mental clarity, and improve physical health.
Nature’s beauty has a unique way of grounding us. Whether it’s the tranquil murmur of a forest stream or the vast expanse of a mountain range, natural landscapes help us step away from daily stressors and reconnect with a simpler, more serene world. Studies consistently show that spending time in green spaces lowers stress levels, boosts mood, and even enhances cognitive functions.
Getting outdoors doesn’t require elaborate plans. A walk in the park, a hike through the woods, or even just sitting in a garden can provide a refreshing break from routine. Simple activities like these promote physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Moreover, nature has a way of sparking creativity and problem-solving. The natural environment encourages us to slow down and observe, which can lead to new insights and inspirations.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider stepping outside. Embrace the natural world, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of the outdoors offer a much-needed respite. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
I realy do agree in what you are saying in your blog post, I couldn’t agree more than when you talked about how when you are feeling overwhelmed in this world maybe going outside into nature could calm you down.
Nadia T
I will never be at more peace than when i am in nature, whether its the sound of waves crashing and sand all over me or the singing of birds as things break under my feet I am always truly connected to my mind and body. Nowadays it feels like we never have a chance to sit back and connect with everything around us without a video camera experiencing it first, but when you can a look around nature with no blue light glasses and no headphones to stop you from hearing the wind flowing through all the trees it will truly let you just breathe for a moment. I am also a victim of doomscrolling and spending far to much time consuming meaningless content but, their is a point where it becomes free pass time to an addiction to social media, and in times when I find it hard to stop scrolling on TikTok or stalking people on TikTok, it can be as simple as a stroll around my neighborhood with my dog or sitting on the shoreline to make everything that I just saw on my phone feel small and meaningless.
As long as I can remember back to my best memories have been not when I am crammed in house but when me and my loved ones are outside in nature, we all have been given so much and one of the biggest joys in life is being able to sit and breath in the world around us, the serenity and peace that one can find in the nature around them is like no other.
July 2, 2024 at 3:13 am
Shauntelae C
Something that made me wonder about the world which includes nature is how everything in the universe has some type of connection to each other, besides everything being made up of atoms which connects us all and is an interesting thing to think about another example would be how similar the mycelium of mushrooms is to the human brain, especially the synapses of the brain and how they’re both similar to the internet when talking in terms of types of networking systems. Mycelium not only branches in many different directions looking similar to the nervous system but the mycelial network actually has more connections than our brain’s neural pathways which is fascinating and the network actually works much like our brains, by using electrical impulses and electrolytes which is also how mushrooms make a noise similar to music,when you think about it humans make music but so do different plants, especially mushrooms in their own way as a form of communication, through the electrical impulses they produce vibrations that can be turned into music in a process known as Biodata Sonification, It’s made by translating changes of electricity in mushrooms into audible tones which sound similar to music. Another intriguing fact is that fungi are more closely related to humans than are other microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses and have consciousness, awareness and a high intelligence despite not having a brain and share resources in the form of nutrient transport through the cells, and exchange information about their environment like the human brain because fungal mycelia form networks in the soil which interconnect with plants and other fungi, the sensitivity of fungal hyphae is evidence of the consciousness of a single hypha when these filaments are linked in a network, which means consciousness is elevated to the level of a multicellular organism another intriguing observation that many others and I have made is how the human eye and space galaxies look similar and an even more similar specific example is how the helix nebula resembles a human eye which is quite beautiful that something out of this world has some similarities to something beautiful and deep in this world our eyes which are unique windows to the soul. The eyes have an Iris made to absorb light and send information to the brain to have an awareness of the surroundings and similarly the galaxies are held together by massive black holes that are also made to absorb light and work in motions. There’s many different examples of how we’re not just all connected on this planet but how we’re all connected in some way to even things out of this world which makes me wonder “why?” and if more people truly saw all the different similarities would it change how humans and even other life forms out of this world view everything including each other in a more positive way and even possibly find the beauty in it? And would it make this world and the next a better place? I believe anything is possible, but this is something that made me wonder about the universe.
August 14, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Chris Kierstead,
I honestly can relate so much to this text in the sense that these seemingly “small” discoveries of connect between the human species towards fungi are treated so(no other way to put it) as simple. These things that time us as humans to the ever expanding universe are so small but in a large aspect so significant. And I wish more people understood these types of topics widely as you, Shauntelae, and I thank you for your wisdom presented in this article, because now I can sit and contemplate this even further.
August 27, 2024 at 2:13 am
I appreciate your response Chris, and I’m glad you’re interested in this topic like I am
August 26, 2024 at 6:45 pm
Yeah, it’s actually so crazy how seemingly unrelated things can be interconnected. This reminds me of the Wikipedia game, it’s where there’s like a daily prompt between two random things, like, Kevin bacon and iodized salt or something, and you have to get from one page to the other using the imbedded links in the pages. It’s kind of crazy how many things are connected we don’t think about.
August 29, 2024 at 3:51 pm
i think you’re closing questions are spot on. I think the world would increasingly benefit if everyone was able to see nature for its beauty and not just as a resource.
July 14, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Maria S.
For as long as I can remember when somebody asked me what I liked the most, I would say “animals.” I had cats since I was two, and though I wasn’t used to dogs, I found them quite entertaining. To me, they weren’t just “pets” or “animals.” I found friendship with them, and I saw a living, breathing creature with feelings and personality just like humans. I believed they deserved respect and dignity just like the rest of us. Of course, I couldn’t put my feelings into the words I’m using now. I was only four years old.
There was one incident that really drove that belief into me, and made me stand strong in my opinion about the treatment of animals. I have a deck overlooking the neighbor’s yard. It was evening and everything was peaceful. The neighbor’s little dachshund was barking at me. It was a bit irritating but I could deal with it. My neighbor came out and started yelling at the dog to be quiet. She then grabbed a rolled-up newspaper/magazine and began beating the dog on the head. The whack-whack sounds made me feel sick. I was in complete shock. I remember tears starting to roll down my face. “How could anyone do that to their pet?!” I thought. I could never have done that to my cats. Yes, the barking was annoying, but hey, haven’t we all annoyed someone at some point in our lifetime?
I feel like just because animals are sometimes smaller than us, doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve to be treated poorly. Animals contribute to the world and our lives. Our pets in particular bond with us, and see us as their caretakers. Don’t abuse the trust they have in us. Treat all animals with respect, they deserve it. As Jeremy Bentham (1789) asks, “The question is not, Can they reason? Nor can they talk? But, can they suffer?”
July 22, 2024 at 3:57 pm
I completely agree with you. I’ve always had a strong connection with animals, and like you said, say them as living breathing things with emotions. I absolutely hate when I see people treat any animal like they are some piece of trash. Yesterday I saw a bee struggling to even move, so before anyone saw it and killed it, I put in in a container with holes for it to breathe and gave it honey until it was able to move freely. I made sure to put him outside on flowers and put honey in each flower, so he knew where to go when he was in need of nutrients. It doesn’t matter what animal it is, the size, or what it could do to you. If you were struggling and in need of serious help, you would want someone to help you.
August 15, 2024 at 2:31 am
I couldn’t agree more! I used to have two small dogs of my own and they were the loudest dogs ever. Sadly one passed away this summer but everyone found them annoying except me because in my mind I knew they weren’t doing it to annoy anyone…they just wanted to be heard. I find it shameful that your neighbor did that and I’m so sorry you had to witness that at such a young age but I’m glad it made you realize how strong your connection is with animals. I have always been an animal activist since reading Charlotte’s Web in fourth grade. That book changed my life forever. The day I found out they wanted to kill Wilbur for simply living horrified me. No one should be killed for consumption. That was when I began vegetarian. I have been since 9th grade and it was the best thing that happened to me. I think it’s important to be the voice for the voiceless!
August 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm
The way this writing touched me. I completely understand. I have 4 dogs and a leopard gecko. I have always been around animals my entire life and I see my dogs as family members. When I witness an animal get hurt, abused or simply just hurt, without fault of a human, my mood is changed for a week. Nothing upsets me more than people who believe this is okay, or don’t look at animals as living things with personalities and feelings as you said. Well done!
September 2, 2024 at 1:23 pm
I completely agree! For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a close connection with animals, particularly cats. It’s truly amazing how much a creature will learn to trust you if you smile, speak gently, and treat them with tenderness. People who treat animals with violence, never mind their own pet, don’t understand the beauty they show with tranquility. Animals that live with us show us nothing but love. We’re their entire world, and they deserve every bit of happiness we can offer. After all, if there was a human being suffering, naturally the right thing to do would be to lend a hand. So why should it be any different with any other of nature’s beautiful creations?
July 28, 2024 at 10:02 pm
Philip S.
Our world is increasingly intangible: computers that electronically ponder, economics are more akin to intrusive thoughts of the market’s cerebrum, philosophy is spat out like sunflower seeds. Few things are physical anymore as the world shrinks into a computer screen or ink on a textbook. As a result, things are faster and more complicated. Nothing can be beautiful without being complex.
I believe that there is beauty in stillness and that which is stationary. Trees, oceans, rocky mountains, each of these things are nigh stagnant-barely moving over the course of years, yet they capture the hearts and minds of all who witness them. More appreciation should be towards them than the bright, fast, and loud world we have made ourselves.
Although we aim to approach the future which is built upon the intangible, why can’t we still appreciate the woods, rocks, and life that make up our past? I believe it should be the goal of everyone to approach balance in how they go throughout life-taking part in both the modern horizons of the future but also basing themselves in the slow-paced natural beauty in the world around us. It’s backwards to ignore the future and work opposite to it, but every now and then I think we should visit our roots in nature. Pun intended 🙂
July 29, 2024 at 8:42 pm
Ruthca N.
I completely agree with you. While reading your comment, I was thinking about something similar. Everyone is always moving at the speed of light and not really taking the time to appreciate nature or the world around them. About a week ago, I forgot to charge my headphones for an hour-long trip. It was boring at first, but I started to just stare out of the window and enjoy the scenery outside and the soft music in the car. It happened to be raining that day and I was able to just slow down and watch the rain fall.
August 12, 2024 at 3:41 pm
Joshua A.
Hello Philip, I like your idea on the complexity in the modern age of technology vs the peacefulness and simplicity of nature. I find my self night after night becoming extremely tired but unable to put the phone down. When I finally make that disconnect from my screen and come back to reality its like I joined a completely different world. Media warps are surroundings not always for the better. So I agree I believe we should all disconnect from tech every now and then and smell the flowers.
September 3, 2024 at 5:11 am
I think that the way that you wrote this was amazing, and I completely agree with what you had to say. I think that a lot of people have much lower attention spans nowadays, which can cause us to not appreciate all of the things that this life has to offer us. Excellent job :))
September 3, 2024 at 7:10 pm
Sean P.
As I was read through comments your comment really stuck out to me. As you talk about the beauty in stillness it inspired me, as I recently have been trying to cut back on my time that I use my electronics and just go out and see this beautiful world. I love your idea of balance that you mention as innovation is useful but sometimes moves too fast. Staying in touch with nature and slowing down is just good for everyone.
September 3, 2024 at 8:35 pm
I fully agree. As I have grown up, I feel like I have become disconnected from nature, become more engrossed in school or technology, and lost sight of what I loved doing as a kid. I used to love climbing all over little rock formations and running outside. While I’m not climbing rocks anymore, I try to slow down more and enjoy the time I spend outside and absorbing the world around me.
July 29, 2024 at 8:41 pm
Ruthca N.
Since the moment my hands first touched snow, I always liked cold weather. I don’t like being in the snow itself anymore but I appreciate it from a distance. Waking up after a snowstorm was always the best feeling. The snow would be fresh and white on the ground, nearly blinding me. The trees would look more alive in a way. They would be wearing a fresh new look that never seemed to bore me. These mornings are the reason why I always believe that the most beautiful season is winter.
Usually winter is associated with death and loss. But I see it more as a simple pause in life before a rebirth. Winter is a moment of change for the world. It’s a time for us all to rest and simply enjoy nature as it takes its course. The level of detail nature puts into winter is a spectacle as well.
The detail that exists in each snowflake is immaculate. The way the snow drapes on the trees is breathtakingly beautiful. It creates such a serene feeling that everyone can relate to. Imagine sitting inside as you look outside at the falling snow, enjoying the warmth of your home as outside is slowly powdered in white.
As many authors, artists and philosophers say, “In death there is beauty.”
August 2, 2024 at 4:22 pm
I fully agree with this. I’ve never understood the hatred for Winter that some people have, both “halves” of the year are beautiful to me. If we only had the greens of summer, wouldn’t it get boring after a while?
August 19, 2024 at 10:27 pm
This is great and I also agree with you! The detail nature has within each season is astonishing and very complex. Nature is very beautiful and I love being in it.
August 26, 2024 at 7:41 pm
You have an amazing depiction of winter. My favorite line was “I see it more as a simple pause in life before a rebirth”. Although, Winter is not my favorite season you made it sound very beautiful. I was able to see it from a different view and better understand the beauty of it.
September 2, 2024 at 7:35 pm
I really appreciate your acknowledgement of the beauty of winter. There are people who are quick to resent winter because of the cold temperatures, which in my mind seems unfair. However, there are also people who feel the same resentment towards summer’s hot temperatures. Personally, I love the beauty of every season and I extremely grateful for living in a part of the world where I can experience all of them.
September 3, 2024 at 10:56 pm
Kathleen H.
This is such a nice way of looking at winter! I have always dreaded how cold and gray it gets but this has encouraged me to change my perspective. It is important to have balance in nature and to appreciate its ever-changing design.
August 2, 2024 at 1:00 am
Kathryn M
A few years ago when me and my friends travelled to the Vineyard for vacation, when we were going to be a sophomores, we went into a retail store connected to a Stop and Shop, and found a bee floatie that we soon after gave the name ‘Bluca’ which was the name Luca, just with a B (for obvious reasons). This may have seemed very insignificant to just 3 teenage girls and even to whomever could be reading this. But as we grew fonder of this icon of youth, other things came- every time we noticed a bee, we’d get excited and shout out “Bluca!” Through this although ‘joke’ we had developed with Bluca, we also developed almost, a soft spot for our fuzzy pollinators who don’t get nearly as much credit as they should. Noticing these declining populations due to people being too scared, not knowing the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets, and especially using pesticides to ‘get rid of the pests’. People are unknowingly, killing off one of the most efficient creatures that allows life to even have a possibility on this planet: Bees. Through my 3 year- ongoing lifeguarding career, every one person I save, there are at LEAST 10 bees that I retrieve from the water, which are alive, that, because of my actions, get to go and pollinate things like trees, which provide oxygen for us to breathe, and flowers which make our Earth beautiful, and exciting to live on. Protecting these creatures is essential to ours and every living thing’s survival.
September 3, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Such a cute story! I love this simple and cute message, protect the Bees!
August 2, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Caroline L
I have been terrified of insects or scary dangerous animals like sharks for a long time. It came to the point where I had almost a phobia of these things. No doubt today I still have a phobia of spiders, kill them, stomp on them, do whatever you can to get them away. As long as I don’t know they’re around me then I’m good! My father has changed my thought process in the past few years. He’s very smart and what he told to me was, insects, reptiles, humans, we are all earthlings. That really clicked in my brain and since then I’ve made a conscious effort not to kill spiders or harmless bugs but capture them if they’re in my house and release them outside. I’ve developed a love for sharks and realized how poorly and dangerous the media portrays them. Not all sharks are like how great whites were portrayed in media and it’s not like sharks WANT human blood. Trust me, we don’t taste good to them. Something else that my dad said that resonated with me was how we are all living things like bugs and fish, we have feelings, and the right to live. So that made me see the bright side of the animal kingdom. I love animals more now, I love nature and how beautiful the world is. Even bugs like ants and butterflies. (Yes I was scared of butterflies…)
August 12, 2024 at 10:01 pm
Naxon P
I’m glad you’ve grown into loving animals and insects! Your father seems like a great man. I never realized how terribly the media portrays bugs until you shed light on it. My sister is the same way that you used to be and I hope she reads this post and grows into someone that can love animals the same way you do!
September 3, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Philip S.
It’s awesome to hear your newfound appreciation for creepy-crawlies! Although they can be really scary they’re sort of a necessary evil for balancing out the ecosystem and such. For everything cute and fluffy their has to be something scaley and slimey. Your experiences are a great reminder not to judge something-or someone-by the they look.
September 4, 2024 at 2:50 am
That is a good way to think about it. I am glad that your dad was able to teach you a different perspective. Great essay!
August 9, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Danny N
Since the dawn of human intelligence mankind has not only thrived but completely dominated Earth’s food chain and ecological hierarchy with our unchallenged ability to invent and use tools to the advantage of our underwhelming, hairless bodies. What started off as sticks and rocks 2.6 million years ago has evolved relatively quickly into Bluetooth, hydrogen bombs, etc.– an unexpected advancement of technologies which has left many natives of the planet wondering “How did we get here?”
Although a vast majority of these modern inventions have had significant benefits for humanity, our overall effect on the planet has unfortunately been one which reflects our deepest flaw as a collective species: selfishness. Motivated by technological progression, we have leveled forests, endangered species, and polluted the airs and waters of our one and only home. We took from Earth and gave to ourselves, destroying what mother nature gave us in an astronomically small fraction of the time it took to create.
Today, we stand upon a mountain of our mistakes. We were the only thing that could cause this destruction, and now we are the only thing that can fix it. The same brains we used to come so far from our roots now need to be used to think of ways to revert our negative outcome on the planet while still maintaining the ease of survival we worked so hard for. We just need to recognize that it’s our selfishness which got us here in the first place, and work together using our brilliant minds selflessly to invent solutions for a better future.
August 31, 2024 at 1:28 am
This was beautifully written. You made a very interesting point that it is up to use to fix what we destroyed. I think about this idea often, with one different decision, the world could be so different than what we know now.
August 12, 2024 at 3:10 pm
Joshua A.
The way the human brain works is fascinating. I believe people are not naturally evil nor good but their innate desires to be “fulfilled” can cause people to change the world around them.
In my personal life their is one man in particular who made my views so crystal clear. He is my brothers best friend and he was my manager, what makes “john” fulfilled is money like a lot of people. Their was one day after a shift where I was talking to him and I asked him, “How can i become like you” his response was cold but enlightening. He told me, ” Josh to become like me you would need to lose everything that makes you, you. You are too kind hearted to be like me, I put my job before everything, if it meant losing my family and your brother I would do it in a heartbeat”. In that moment I realized why people are corrupt, why they sabotage others futures for their own. We all have what we want to achieve above all else and reaching that goal is what gives our life meaning. Whether its reaching a certain amount of money in your bank account, finding love, creating lust or reaching a certain “status”.
Being able to recognize that everyone has a goal makes it easier to understand their perspective on life. Using a bit of compassion you can see everyones natural desires and why the world operates the way it does.
Understanding what drives others helps us see why they act the way they do, revealing that our paths to fulfillment are as unique as we are.
(This post is about human nature I am hoping that counts for this theme)
August 18, 2024 at 5:46 pm
This is very interesting and it is crazy to think about how people’s brain are wired in different ways where one person would never think about doing a certain thing while others would do it in a heartbeat like you said.
August 12, 2024 at 10:42 pm
Jingxuan Z
What makes me curious about the world is nature. It provides us with the life force and vitality we need to survive in this world. One of my favorite things to do as a child was to climb mountains because I loved to witness the beauty of nature. I remember that even though climbing mountains was difficult and every step required a lot of effort, I was pushed by an invisible inner force and didn’t want to give up. All I had to do was keep climbing, and at the top of the mountain, I could see the scenery that I couldn’t see from the bottom of the mountain.When I finally stood on the top of the mountain, my tiredness was suddenly replaced by an indescribable joy.I inhaled deeply, inhaling the scent of the natural world combined with the verdancy of summer and the crispness of the mountains.At that moment, my efforts paid off. The clouds were dyed red by the setting sun, and I smelled a faint fragrance of flowers and grass.
This feeling made me realize that true beauty is often hidden in the arduous journey, and only through hard work and persistence can we experience unique tranquility and satisfaction. The moment I stood on the top of the mountain, I was no longer just a child, but a close companion of nature, finding my own peace and ease between heaven and earth. In my opinion, if you feel tired, you might as well look at nature.
August 13, 2024 at 3:49 am
Samanta M
Something that made me wonder about the world is how often we forget that it exists. We spend our childhoods running outside with friends or catching bugs to show to our parents, but as we grow older we seem to forget that nature is such a powerful thing in our lives. Without nature, we wouldn’t see how things around us revolve around one another. Whenever life got rough, I would take a walk. I think this became a habit once my dog passed, I was the main one to walk her from about six years old to thirteen. Every day I would take her out and once she had gone I felt like I couldn’t walk without feeling like I was missing something. Now whenever I walk, I walk as a way to remember how simple life had been for me when she was there. How sometimes something so uncomplicated, such as going on a walk and taking the time to listen to the world without people telling you things you’ve heard time and time again, or just looking up from your screen can make someone notice how life doesn’t have to have such a strong definition. I believe that to live is to notice the world around you as it coexists with us, as you remember that one time you saw a really cool bug, and once you got home you searched it up just to know the name. All I’m saying is it doesn’t hurt you to take a walk if you feel like you need it.
August 31, 2024 at 1:29 am
This was so beautifully written and I completely agree with you. I am always at peace when I am with nature, and it is one of the only things that will always be there for all of us.
August 13, 2024 at 6:11 am
Courtney Boies
Have you ever stopped and absorbed the feelings you get when your eyes make a connection with the world? Some people like to avoid the environment around them whereas others think the scenery is fascinating. The emotional connection you make with the world around you makes a huge impact on your life. I believe people take this for granted.
I had the opportunity to travel and escape reality over the summer. Although it was for one week, Nevada now has a place in my heart. Why? Looking out the window every morning, right before the sun breaks the horizon of the mountains, was a sight I could wake up to everyday. It felt refreshing, restoring and it always started my days off with a smile. Traveling through the city, I began to constantly notice myself drawn to the sights. The feeling of seeing so far was indescribable. I felt so free and relaxed. I began to wonder why the citizens whose lives were brought up in this “dream land” did not admire it more. For me, this place was paradise. The sky, the clouds, the air, the water, you name it, it was perfect! How could someone wake up to these views everyday and not feel like a whole new person? As I come home from one side of the country to the other, my feelings of feeling refreshed soon drift off. I catch myself looking outside again but instead of the mountains I see trees. Instead of being disappointed, I looked at what nature had to offer me. The sun peeking through the green leaves made me feel like I was where I belonged. Different emotions overwhelmed me as I walked through the woods of my very own backyard. I felt adventurous, energetic and lively.
I’ve noticed that the tone you set in an environment shows what your true emotions are when it comes down to details. So don’t take it for granted. When you get the chance to take a step back and enjoy your surroundings, you may find yourself falling in love with the new feelings that overcome your body.
August 17, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Nature is such a beautiful way to connect back to our human roots. I think appreciating and caring for nature is a key factor to making the world a better place. This world belongs to all of us, and we are all created equal as humans.
August 13, 2024 at 9:48 pm
Jordan W
For a long time, I have felt that we as human beings are always apart in some way. Whether that would be emotionally, physically, or mentally. But have you ever noticed the different species of plants and animals, and how they interact with each other? How they are always connected no matter the circumstance? I feel as if viewing or being with nature gets rid of the barrier of “unfamiliarity” with one another. Even something as simple as looking at the squirrels in the backyard with someone, you can automatically feel the connection that you have and the bond that you just created with that person. I was once driving down one of my local roads and I wondered what was the hold up on traffic. As I got closer, everyone had gotten out of their car to help out a flock of ten ducks that were stuck in a ditch. To think that just a minute ago everyone was a stranger beeping their horns and yelling at one another is unbelievable. This simple and unexpected event caused everyone to come together as one and help out. After this situation, I observed that the once aggressive people were having a full and peaceful conversation. As I look back on this event I can’t help but notice that every time we acknowledge nature we are connected in some way or another. I believe that acknowledging this world and its inhabitants can benefit not only us as human beings but nature as well.
August 27, 2024 at 12:23 am
I agree, i love to see how nature can break down those barriers and create a sense of unity among people. Just like you mentioned, even something as simple as watching squirrels or helping ducks can foster a connection and unite people . Nature has a unique way of reminding us that we’re all part of a larger, interconnected world.
August 14, 2024 at 1:03 am
Nicholas Castro
My ever-growing fascination with the ocean began during my sophomore year of high school. I was instantly hooked when I secured a summer job at a boatyard. I spent my days washing boats, shining hulls, and engaging with many people. The more time I worked, the more I fell in love with the ocean and boats. The intricate designs and management of space, angles in the hull to keep the ship steady, radius to divert water, and composites to keep it all together are all tied to how the vessel treats the water. Currents ripping accompanied by the wind howling, boats undergo many challenges mother nature presents. These components may be tailored to a particular issue or demand, such as tug boats, freight carriers, or jet boats. These vessels allow us to explore the most profound depths and the strangest creatures, make scientific discoveries, or have fun tubing in a river. Whatever you may be looking for, the ocean has something for everyone. Fun or work, you have to find your reason for loving it.
August 14, 2024 at 10:56 pm
Eliana A
Hey Nicholas! I’m happy to see we have something in common!! I also love the ocean, it’s a precious part of our world. My favorite part of it are the animals and treasures it holds within. Although I’m not much into boats but id hope to learn more about them soon, they seem really cool!!
September 4, 2024 at 12:30 am
Isabella S
Very interesting view of the ocean Nicholas. I personally like going on a boat and looking at the environment around me!
August 14, 2024 at 6:11 pm
Christopher Kierstead
Since I was a child nature and the heavens in itself has always been a comfort to me, regardless if it dealt me with pain and joy. The environment has created great change in every aspect of my being for the absolute better. And growing up to the young adult I am now I realize this that I still am doing exactly that, growing, just like the plants within environment. And the environment continues to bless me with great moments again and again.
A moment when I was experienced great pain within nature was at the youngest age I can remember, 4, where I had been running through the woods and trips over a root scraping my knee, the true first moment of physical pain I can remember. And to this day this moment has stuck with me as I have learned to watch for my surroundings with caution, yet curiosity. But a moment that overlaps this greatly is the moment of pure joy I experienced with my family when we all went on a picnic. To this day in any time of absolute peace of mind I am immediately drawn back to this moment. Somehow with both and many more greatly felt events like these, nature never seizes to amaze me in the sense that I will learn something new.
My reason towards my conviction to this conclusion is from the hardships I faced and still face to this day, this ideal is greatly significant to me and my character, due to this being one of the main reasons why I make the decisions I do. As I previously stated on how the environment taught me to be “cautious, yet curious” I am able to make some of the best choices through these basic skills. But why others should follow this basic understanding is, because nowadays this “basic” concept isn’t so basic with great advances in technology and I think we should slightly revert back to this point.
But I shall leave this with a final quote, stated by, Zeno, “The goal of life is living in agreement with nature” and this has stuck with me, because I find it so true. In the sense that if we are not one with nature we cannot be one with ourselves.
Thank you
August 31, 2024 at 8:51 pm
Drake B
Hey Christopher! I couldn’t agree more with your understanding of nature and how you need to be one with nature in order to fulfill yourself. Being in nature makes me feel comfortable and at ease. The environments we live in can heavily dictate how we feel and act, but it most cases it makes me feel at home and in a healthy peace of mind. Although nature can hurt us in many ways whether its physically or mentally, it will always spread joy and glee to myself and hopefully others around me.
August 14, 2024 at 10:16 pm
Noah M
You can never be able to experience the world around you from just looking through pictures on Google, or scrolling through Instagram. Scrolling through the pictures may seem like they are taken at breathtaking places, but they could never be what they seem. They may be faked, or only set up to look like a dream paradise. But to be able to actually be there and see it for yourself is can be a once and a lifetime experience. A natural event I always look back on is sunsets. In my mind, sunsets have a deeper meaning to life. In my mind they represent the most important thing in your life and are the brightest. This is shown by the sun itself. Now the brightest things in people’s lives can be many different things, from friends, family, to significant others. The warm brighter colors around the center or, second most important things, are like jobs, education, free time, hobbies. But inside of a sunset they are always the dark colors furthest from the center. The dark colors represent all the negative things in one’s life. But the sunset shows the most negative things in your life, no matter how bad a situation can be, it shows that those problems are far away from the more important things in life. You shouldn’t ever let the problems in life get to the center of your sunset, because if you do the sunset will turn into the night sky, just full of negativity. So, the next time you look at a sunset, ask yourself, what is the sun in your life?
August 14, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Eliana A
You know the shower thoughts we randomly get? Or the questions that keeps us up late at night thinking of a solution for it? Recently I’ve been catching my mind just randomly wondering, if humans weren’t the ones in power, who would it be? Some might say aliens, but we got to think more rational, a species who’s already on the earth. Others might say monkeys, but the more “obvious” choice would be dolphins, due to how intelligent their species are. Dolphins are known to be second to humans when it comes to intelligence. They have a high brain to body ratio, which helps them learn rapidly. They are able to solve complex problems and understand abstract concepts and many other facts proven by science, but what if I told you there was another animal similar to dolphins. This animal would be the ant, they are known as one of the smartest insects in the world, due to them also having a high brain to body ratio. Ants are known to be able to perform surgery on each other, especially the Florida carpenter ant, it will clean another ant’s wound and then decide if the body part is to amputate or not. They also have farms, they can grow food for themselves, and they are great at communicating, navigation, adaptability, group decision and learning. Some species of ants have a bigger brain to body ratio, of course not all of them are as smart. There are many more facts about them, but the only thing stopping them is their size. What do you think? Is there any other species that has a chance to take over?
August 15, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Judah J.
Hi Eliana! I love thinking about stuff like this. The part about the dolphins makes me think of the book series “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglass Adams where one of the plot points is that dolphins are secretly much smarter than humans and basically rule the world.
In my opinion, another contender for taking over the world are corvids like ravens and magpies. They’ve been shown to have problem-solving skills at least as good as the average seven-year-old human! They have complex communication with each other and even investigate when another of their kind dies to see if there is still a threat. They are also the only other animals besides humans and apes that know how to build tools and use them.
August 14, 2024 at 11:18 pm
Hi, this is an essay on my belief in life. Still, it is mainly dedicated to a comic action-adventure series called FeliaxMsysaka, a story about a world where fantasy beings are trying to normalize fantasy with a substance to mistake that kills it and makes genres more realistic the faction that doing this is the industrialization Realm they response for kingdoms, villages, strongholds, company’s, etc. there trying to find the right antique to channel MYSTSAKA control and destroy it normalizing it effectively but then a different faction against this plan called the nomaddaean forces group of gangs who what to keep that fantasy going but they ruin life and environment to get it there a three faction the ones who are three to have peace with each other called the Xylux peace inc they want to help balance the cycle of mistake and make it fit every one linking and fix to end the Halia hatred an opposite to Felia love these two are tied to calling the MYSTSAKA GODS THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE
Why I choose this is pretty simple. I believe stories Are told to be fresh and unique. Telling the same story over and over kills what makes a human feel a certain connection To certain characters that fuel your interest, my charade of my character actors have those qualities. Hasano one of the Main characters is the only human in this realized fantasy world as a world were you wonder, dream, and created being in inhuman ways. It makes human experience characters in a different way making them real living it helps to use fantasy as a way to let you feeling out to other community who would love and cherish your story. You will meet another human when the passion is the same as you
FeliaxMystska is a story I believe about how evil and good make life itself think about this life about experiencing the unknown future ahead you can’t get there if you don’t let your heart open to your fantasy where your world is your human layout for you to see that make you powerful and unique treat you fantasy as a positive not a negative even if it negative their help for you help is a feature to life it makes you understand but now to explain the depth in feliaxmystsaka
August 14, 2024 at 11:51 pm
Vivian P
After witnessing a mother bear and her two cubs at my grandparent’s backyard I became more concerned about taking over their habitat. I realized the more space we inhabit there is less space for all wildlife. All the new housing developments, strip malls, and fast-food chains have significantly reduced the amount of land for wildlife. It concerns me to see a family of bears so close to our backyards. This indicates to me that their food sources and habitats have decreased. Their proximity to our living space is dangerous for them and us. There have been multiple news reports of close bear encounters in Western Mass over the past several years, I have noticed an increase of these reports. It was sad to see a group of girls pulling bear cubs out of a tree near an apartment complex in North Carolina. As a result of poor judgement on the people’s behalf the cubs were separated from their mom, and one was taken to a rehabilitation center. We have concerned for their safety as well as our own. It is never good for a family to be separated in the wildlife, cubs need their mom to learn how to forage and fend for themselves in the wild. This is just one recent story of cubs being separated from their families. There are stories of recent bear attacks in the area which resulted in bear euthanasia. These instances should make people aware of bears and other wildlife and what we can do protect them and us.
August 15, 2024 at 1:45 am
Drake B
Something that made me wonder about the world is our negligence as humans to take of mother nature rather than destroying it with our modern technology. Whether it’s the car emissions, microplastics, and even deforestation. The list goes on but the fact that we are not taking more drastic measures in order to save our planet is alarming to me. As much as I love new inventions and original products, The harm to our environment and mother nature cannot be unnoticed. The greener our planet is the better, the last thing I want to see in my lifetime is a once blue sky polluted and the clear oceans ransacked by garbage. Without an environment to live in, many species of animals and creatures could go extinct. The human race is already responsible for making many species go extinct because of our poor ecological actions. To this day we have programs and protection services to help endangered species to go extinct, which we would have never needed if we didn’t desecrate the environments. It may not affect my lifetime or the ones after me, but for the far in the future generations this can and will affect them. Preserving nature and all its beauty should be a high priority objective for global leaders and people in power. Cleaner air, clearer waters, and bluer skies will both bring happiness and healthiness to all creatures. I just hope we can see the flaws in some of our methods and correct them to make earth a greener place.
C’est tout grâce!
August 15, 2024 at 2:17 am
Ava Lozeau
Something that made me wonder about this world is how disconnected we are from nature. Sometimes I find myself so consumed in my phone that I forget what is actually happening around me. I think it’s sad but accurate representation of my generation. Our generation is known as the fully “digital native”. We are unlike any other generation before us because we have grown up with technology. Technology has made us more disconnected with each other, more anxious and depressed. I feel a sense of calmness when I’m in nature. This new feeling began when I was simply walking my dogs. I saw how much a walk in nature made them happy and wondered if that could do the same for me. Now being apart of nature is a necessity for me to find me inner peace. I had to deal with many hardships growing up but whenever I was sad I could always rely on nature to do a mental reset on my mind. Though at the time my problems seemed so drastic I realized how small I am in this universe and that my problems were the end of the world. I developed a new perspective and gratitude. When you look around at this beautiful planet we take for granted, you begin to see the man made imperfections that are present. I think if we just pick are heads up from out phones for just a few seconds we can see the beauty and destruction is our world. When nature becomes your happy place, you feel responsible when it is being taken advantage of. I believe we own it to Mother Earth to make a small change in our lives to save the planet!
August 31, 2024 at 1:31 am
I agree with you! It is so important to respect the place we call home. We take it for granted too often nowadays.
August 15, 2024 at 3:40 am
Tyler Nunes
For as long as I can remember, nature and my life have been intertwined. Living in a predominately wooded areas, I more often than not encounter things that people in more urban areas wouldn’t. Many can’t relate to seeing deer in the front lawn in the mornings or turkey’s roaming the street. They can’t relate to the echoing sounds the frogs make in the late nights of late spring and early summer. It is for this reason that I have taken for granted what it’s like to live in an area independent of the constant hum of electronics and machinery. To be able to look up at the starry night and be able to see the display of stars and not the barrier that is light pollution. It is for this reason that I am forever grateful that I am able to witness this everyday.
A moment that I truly realized how much I appreciated this was during an unlikely place. During a Cross Country race I had gotten hopelessly lost. Somehow I manage to not be able to find the path markers and somehow got off course. I ended up running in a random forest that I had never been in and in a town I had never even heard of before that day. However, despite being far away from home, I still felt comforted by the nature that surrounded me. The similar tapestry of branches and leaves reminded me that even though my current situation was unfortunate. I was surrounded by natural wonders that I would never see elsewhere in the world. Logs making rudimentary bridges across rivers were things I use to imagine all the time in fantasy lands, but I saw it unfold right in front of me. The wonder of nature and the natural world will always make me happy for its influence on my life. Even when it’s ever present forces cause me to get lost, I still am ever fortunate to get to experience its beauty. This is why I believe that everyone should get to experience the rawest form of life without any interruption from outside distractions. To get a chance for everyone to see how they truly exist and have meaning in a world that many struggle to find themselves in.
August 15, 2024 at 7:35 pm
Judah J.
I believe that humans and nature are essentially one and the same. I believe that the distinctions many draw between them are both irrelevant in a philosophical sense and harmful in a practical sense.
The first seeds that blossomed into this belief were planted when I learned what atoms were for the first time. I was only a young child, perhaps about six or seven years old, but I clearly remember being told that everything in the universe– including ourselves– were fundamentally made of the same ‘stuff.’ It blew my mind. I’d had this intuition that we were special, and that even our basic composition would somehow reflect that. But that intuition was dispelled, and a new notion of oneness began to take root.
This idea grew when I finally reached a similar breakthrough on the topic of origins. As a child homeschooled by religious fundamentalists, I didn’t have easy access to consistent and reliable information on the subject. But when I was thirteen and finally came to the conclusion that all living things share common ancestry, my world was once again changed. For many, including myself initially, it was existentially distressing to realize that on a physical and biological level, we humans are not special. But this disappointment faded when this conclusion led me to break down the barrier between humans and nature on a more philosophical level.
Too often, our culture poses nature as something that we live in or go to, but this framework is not helpful. I believe that nature is something that we are a part of. Yes, our efforts have contributed to sweeping changes to the physical landscape, for better or worse– but nature is dynamic. Whether through sudden disasters like earthquakes, gradual processes like erosion, or even the deliberate constructions of animals like beavers or ants, the environment is constantly in flux. Life adapts to the circumstances surrounding it, and so do we.
Consequently, I believe that breaking down this artificial distinction allows us to address climate change from a more helpful perspective. Sometimes people frame the issue as a conflict between human desire for immediate prosperity versus the long term effects of exploiting the planet’s resources. If we see ourselves not only as stewards of nature but as an active part of it, the necessity of preserving our ecosystems becomes obvious. The health of the planet itself is by far the most important part of our collective prosperity. I believe that because we are a part of nature, unsustainable development patterns don’t just degrade our surroundings, but degrade us.
August 15, 2024 at 11:06 pm
Sam K.
What was always fascinating for me about nature was seeing how animals communicate with each other through the sounds and actions they make. It was always incredibly interesting. For instance, when I was younger, I had two pet rabbits. Rabbits are silent and quiet animals. They don’t particularly make any noises unless they are in pain or they feel some kind of distress. And what was intriguing was when I noticed that they communicate by the way they position their bodies. An example is if one rabbit was trying to deter the other rabbit it would thump the action by slamming its hind legs on the floor, making a “thump noise” or it would make a soft hissing/growl noise. Other than the pets, what was always a pleasant experience was seeing wild animals such as deer and turkey cross through my backyard just their presence would make me stop what I was doing just to gaze at them. Besides animals, another belief of mine is that nature has some form of spiritual healing presence. All of us have experienced some form of anxiety which can cause us to get depressed or lead to worse feelings so it’s crucial that we find ways to help us relieve unwanted and stressful emotions. For me, I found just taking a simple walk outside and observing the landscape breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the sun allows me to take a step back away from my troubles to reminisce on what life is really about.
August 16, 2024 at 3:09 am
Connor B
From the rolling hills of Acadia National Park to the peaked mountains of the Grand Tetons, I have had a lot of time to interact and reflect on what Nature has to offer. Yes, at face value it gives you life, but through all these trails and hikes I’ve taken, I’ve noticed something a lot deeper. I believe nature is always trying to convey something, tell us something, In one way or another. I believe nature has always been an attention seeker, trying to show off all her attributes, from the beautiful to the gross. But right now, nature is hurting, feining for attention more than ever, but humans given our deep history and connections to nature we have started to drift from it. We have become to inclined onto our devices that we don’t get the time to see the wonders right outside our doors. Instead of going on a walk through a trail, we watch videos of people taking walks in the woods. This new digital world has become so easy for us, we look forget to look past these conveniences into what nature has to offer. The attention that we used to give nature, to take care of and to warship its attributes is now ignored. The only attention that nature gets now is negative, from something as simple as forgetting a piece of trash on the beach to leaving fires going unattended. People seemed to have forgotten how to appreciate what we have while we still have it. Because nothing in nature lasts forever, not even us.
August 19, 2024 at 2:32 am
Ethan Harris
What is nature? Well, we think it is the life that naturally grows for the earth right not exactly. To me, nature is a term our form normal and nature can be tied to the emotions, actions, and personality of living and non-living things. Take humans, for example, we are creatures who constantly grow in ways like in talents, but we can also be better a destroying than creating because it is easier to do so we also have a good nature where we wombat anything to do with bad nature. Today world has changed social media is the main source of social we consume itt everyday from youtube, twitter, instagram, and Facebook have fan, toxic and disrespectful people
Nature is an integral part of our lives, providing us with beauty, tranquility, and essential resources. From the majestic mountains to the serene beaches, nature offers a sense of peace and wonder that is unparalleled. The natural world encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems, each teeming with life and playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the planet.
Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall happiness. The beauty of nature has the power to inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the magnificence of the world we live in.
Furthermore, nature provides us with essential resources such as clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil. It sustains life in all its forms, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. The intricate web of life in nature serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is crucial to maintain a strong connection to nature. By appreciating and protecting the natural world, we can ensure that future generations will also have the opportunity to experience its beauty and benefits. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk in the park or embarking on a wilderness adventure, nature has the power to enrich our lives and remind us of our place in the larger tapestry of existence.
August 20, 2024 at 11:39 pm
Connor Chamrin
In our fast-paced digital age, the call of the wild often gets drowned out by the buzz of notifications and the glow of screens. Yet, reconnecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits that no virtual experience can match. Spending time outdoors can rejuvenate our spirits, enhance mental clarity, and improve physical health.
Nature’s beauty has a unique way of grounding us. Whether it’s the tranquil murmur of a forest stream or the vast expanse of a mountain range, natural landscapes help us step away from daily stressors and reconnect with a simpler, more serene world. Studies consistently show that spending time in green spaces lowers stress levels, boosts mood, and even enhances cognitive functions.
Getting outdoors doesn’t require elaborate plans. A walk in the park, a hike through the woods, or even just sitting in a garden can provide a refreshing break from routine. Simple activities like these promote physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Moreover, nature has a way of sparking creativity and problem-solving. The natural environment encourages us to slow down and observe, which can lead to new insights and inspirations.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider stepping outside. Embrace the natural world, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of the outdoors offer a much-needed respite. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
September 1, 2024 at 1:27 am
I realy do agree in what you are saying in your blog post, I couldn’t agree more than when you talked about how when you are feeling overwhelmed in this world maybe going outside into nature could calm you down.
September 1, 2024 at 1:24 am
Nadia T
I will never be at more peace than when i am in nature, whether its the sound of waves crashing and sand all over me or the singing of birds as things break under my feet I am always truly connected to my mind and body. Nowadays it feels like we never have a chance to sit back and connect with everything around us without a video camera experiencing it first, but when you can a look around nature with no blue light glasses and no headphones to stop you from hearing the wind flowing through all the trees it will truly let you just breathe for a moment. I am also a victim of doomscrolling and spending far to much time consuming meaningless content but, their is a point where it becomes free pass time to an addiction to social media, and in times when I find it hard to stop scrolling on TikTok or stalking people on TikTok, it can be as simple as a stroll around my neighborhood with my dog or sitting on the shoreline to make everything that I just saw on my phone feel small and meaningless.
As long as I can remember back to my best memories have been not when I am crammed in house but when me and my loved ones are outside in nature, we all have been given so much and one of the biggest joys in life is being able to sit and breath in the world around us, the serenity and peace that one can find in the nature around them is like no other.