We Are Nature

We are not apart from nature.
We are a part of nature.
We are nature.
And nature is us.

Harm we do to nature is harm we do ourselves.
Good we do to nature is good we do ourselves.
We are nature.
And nature is us.

This is a set of sentences (Dare I call them a poem?) that I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. Specifically, how they encapsulate much of what I think about our current connection to the planet.

Have we lost our sense of connection to nature?

We often think of ourselves as being separate from nature and the environment. It’s a place that we go to escape everyday life or to get away from work. It’s a mindset that inherently disconnects you from the world, and to me partially represents what we’ve lost: a sense of stewardship and connectedness to the world we call home.

Restoring the connection

This poem instead reflects and emphasizes the interconnectedness and unity between humans and the natural world – We are fundamentally linked to and dependent on the environment, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole.

We are biological, subject to the same laws of nature as every other living being on earth. We are born from nature, rely on its resources for survival, and are impacted by its processes and changes. And importantly, our actions can have significant consequences for the environment and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

To me, acknowledging our connection with nature can have a profound effect on our attitudes and behaviors. It encourages us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to adopt more sustainable practices that promote the well-being of both us humans and the natural world. And even if you’re someone who doesn’t care at all for the well-being of humans and the natural world (you monster), there are also significant benefits to be found for our own happiness, health, and connection to our friends, family, and community.

This poem also highlights the need for conservation and responsible stewardship of the Earth’s resources. By recognizing that we are a part of nature, we may feel a greater sense of responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations, ensuring the sustainability of life on our planet.

You are a part of nature, whether you choose to be or not. How do you choose to act?

As a part of nature, every action we make has an effect. We can have a positive impact on nature, and thus on ourselves, or we can pollute and contribute to it’s destruction, and thus ourselves.

Realizing that, viewing ourselves as an integral part of nature can imbue your life with a sense of harmony and interconnectedness, encourage a more mindful, conscious, and sustainable relationship with the natural world that will have benefits for you and all you are connected to.

After all, you are nature. And nature is you.