The Disappearing World We Live In

by Galactic Dreams | May 28, 2008 at 11:05 am

190 views | 5 Recommendations | 3 comments

Is it just me, or does it seem like more and more people are
forgetting to take notice of the natural world we live in, thus it is slowly disappearing from our minds?

Winter brings a lull in the activity of and growth of the wildlife and vegetation in the California hills, but when spring comes along everything changes. The insects buzz happily from one wildflower to the next and the sun shines it's light down upon the wild landscape with vibrant energy. All the animals -- wild or not are thoroughly enjoying themselves and relaxing in the long warm spring days.
As spring comes to a close the hills transform from an emerald green hue to a soft golden yellow glow; this precedes the dry winds of summer and the warm starlight nights. These peaceful days are long and full of awaiting adventure. There are so many activities to participate in during this time of year, yet most people are sitting behind a computer or are trapped inside a building all day long; and when given the chance to venture outside, most don’t even notice what is around them.
The world is disappearing -- it is fading from our minds quickly, more so now than ever before; but not because we are doing anything to it -- but rather because we are not.

Remember that favorite stuffed animal you had as a child, the one who without, you could not even think about falling asleep or going to eat breakfast? What happened to that favored toy? It was forgotten, put aside, and never given a serious thought again.
Could that begin to happen with things as common as ladybugs, clouds or even the stars? Will we soon be so busy that we hardly notice them and don‘t even give them a passing glance?

When interviewing some businessmen and women I found that the majority of them went though their busy day and hardly ever looked up at the sky, or took notice of the flowers blooming just outside their office door.
When asked ‘What color are the flowers blooming near the fountain in the courtyard below?’ They would look at me, think for a moment and reply with ‘There is a fountain down there?’ Or ‘Well I think they have green on them’. Only a select few could tell me they were bright pink flowers known as: Argyranthemum.
The most troubling thing is that once it is forgotten it won’t be thought about, or cared for. Entrepreneurs will look at a huge piece of wild preserve and only see a new housing development or a shopping mall -- money.

If it is forgotten, will it come back? Can you call nature back to your notice just like you call a dog back to your side? I don’t think so. A person has to want to see nature in order for it to be noticed. To really see it you must open not only your eyes, but your heart. The natural world around us is so complex and wonderful, it’s an amazing beauty.
By not appreciating the world around you, it’s like not noticing the way the sun warms your skin when outside and beckons the flower petals open in the morning light.
The next time you walk outside for your lunch break, look up and really see with your heart all the beauty around you. Natural beauty can be anything from the crafty art sculpture in the garden, or the tall sixty-five story building across the street. It doesn’t have to be green, colorful, or alive for it to deserve notice. The world is full of art, it is inescapable; what matters is how you embrace the world.

Think again back to the time when you were a child, walking by a stream, pond or even the ocean and you picked up a rock and threw it into the water. You watched the splashing rippled effect with joy and amusement -- perfectly content with life. Did you notice the ripple, how it continued on in a perfect pattern, and never seemed to have an end?
Do you notice now the ripples of the water -- they are still there, reminding you to never forget.

- Angela Smith

The thing is when you are cooped up in an office, businesses don't exactly encourage you to have 'a soul'. It's head down and ' reach your targets'. It is an unnatural setting and crushes the spirit. It's difficult to get motivated and inspired in a formal office building with 'regulation office desks and blue swivel chairs' with photos of directors frowning in the corner (why not a picture of a beach or waterfall?!). Actually, it would be fun more fun to come into the office if it was a 'Rainforest Office'!

However, what they forget, is that we are human and yes,we do look out the window and think about these things. For example, on a sunny day you want to head towards the beach or perhaps hike up a hill or sit by the river. I cycle, write poetry and sketch and I appreciate nature a lot more because of this and it gives me perspective.

When I was at school I remember we used to go out to study in the sunshine and I remember how enjoyable it was and inspiring but poor old bank employees are stuck in the office for hours on end, surrounded by smiling marking posters, and they only get a rushed break at lunchtime. It is a shame employees can't take a lap top outside for a few hours and work.

NowPublic

Environment

The Disappearing World We Live In

Photos