A Silent Aid

When asked the question about what I am going to go to school for, I find myself answering biology, with an environmental emphasis. Then I get the sympathetic head nod of, “Oh-so-your-one-of-those-trend-eco-go-green-recycle-peace-love-and-happiness girls.” I used to respond defensively and say that my beliefs were stronger and original, not up to date with the latest trend. However, I now realize that I am one of those girls. I believe in the force of nature. Nature has the power to heal, inspire, and glorify life in that strange powerful way that is silent not prejudiced, universally constant to everyone.

This feeling of being in the middle of the forest and hearing the birds calling mournfully to their mates in search of nourishment and companionship, reminds me of the natural splendor in daily life. However, nature is not always bright and sunny, it needs time to revamp and grow, just like me. Things happen in nature and my life, and I am constantly reminding myself that healing takes time. It took me time to realize this silent parallel support that nature offers me through its gloomy days.

Almost everyone can recall a morning, no matter where you call home, where the sunrise was so breathtaking and moving that it sent chills down your spine. Even though this has been warped into a tacky love symbol, it is still an amazing experience. When I wake up on a harsh December morning to see the sun’s rays skip across the snow and I feel a certain pride in my family, world and myself. It is so strange and deterring but feels so miraculous at the same time. You do not have to be in the deep forest to experience this sensation; I have felt the power of nature on a smoggy morning in the middle of downtown Chicago. It is a feeling of renewal and hope in the world, restoration of all good things despite the trouble surrounding me.

I hold this distinct memory of soccer camp last summer. I was having a remarkable time already but it was something about the way the sun was glinting off the goal posts and the wind was smoothly quivering the net. Here, nature took hold of this already overwhelming memory and intensified it and made life that much better in that exact moment. Where would the intensity in my life come from without the constant improvement and power of nature? Life would be a dull occurrence without the mystical force of nature.

The simple acts of nature are simply irreplaceable to me. Now with the ever-increasing damage being done to the environment, it saddens me to think of the possibility of it being gone and not having it there to support me. Nature offers that nonhuman support that I need from day to day. I believe it does not matter where I am; nature is all around me, healing, renewing, and improving.