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Wind stirs;
Waterfall sends cold sounds
Moonrise over the foothills
Shines its light on my bamboo window.
Dearer with age,
These mountains ways.
If I die at the foot of this cliff,
Even my bones will be pure.
Jakushitsu (1290–1367)
The struggle of civilization vs nature has been a common theme in literature from The Epic of Gilgamesh to Lord of The Flies.
After a lifetime of reading, I still don't know if humanity is essentially good or evil.
But I do think that nature is pure.
Since we are part of nature, we could also be pure, if we tried.
But have we, as a species, ever really tried?
Whenever the stench of civilization gets to be too much, I go to nature.
Lately, I have been going a lot.
Like the American nature writer John Burroughs, "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."
My forays into the wild always make me feel better.
It works.
Safe and effective.
True story.
Maybe some day, with enough exposure to nature, even my bones will be pure.
Been for my walk around the valley today - enjoying the trees and plants. Came across the term chromonormativity on a systemic podcast - https://thesystemicway.buzzsprout.com/1724804/14926892-gender-sexuality-and-adventures-beyond-the-binary-in-conversation-with-amanda-middleton and thought about nature having many fractal like times. When I go into nature it is to a different place and while biology is interesting doesn't capture the spirit of nature. Could be hermit, would have to be a married hermit through. Nature is endlessly interesting and I always look forward to going back to walk in the forest when back in the human realm.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Alex
I am basically a married hermit... and we both love it! We are co-hermits. Is that a thing? It is now.
DeleteThere were hermits on both sides of my family that inspired me when I was young. Luckily, I met Linda who also doesn't mind being alone (by herself, and with me). It's us and nature living in blissful harmony.
The past couple of weeks we have been watching fledgling barn and tree swallows in our back yard. Barn swallows are a threatened species in Canada, so it is a thrill to see so many right in our yard.
I bookmarked the podcast. Thanks for the link.
- Gregg
Thinking about it I'm probably a hermit, I think my work as a systemic psychotherapist makes me feel more social than I really am as I see a lot of people and talk all day, but always in a certain context. If I was a computer scientist and could work from home I suspect I would rarely see anyone apart from immediate family.
DeleteIt is a shame about the decline of nature and the UK is severely depleted.
Alex
I am chronoabnormal - have always been on my own clock. My friends called me Sloth Man.
DeleteYour work sounds challenging. It is hard enough working with individuals, let alone pairings and groups.
- Gregg
It's always challenging, you solve one complex problem and then there is completely different one waiting.
DeleteThat sounds like teaching.
Delete- Gregg