Has the great outdoors or the natural wold helped to shape your life?
Post submissions here that match this topic thread in comments.
Has the great outdoors or the natural wold helped to shape your life?
Post submissions here that match this topic thread in comments.
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July 14, 2023 at 8:22 am
Everything in our immediate environment—the physical world, living things, ecosystems, and the environment—is a part of the vast and intricate system known as nature. It gives us resources, biodiversity, and the beauty of the natural world. It is the source of life. Various philosophical and scientific viewpoints exist about nature. Some people emphasize the inherent worth and rights of all living things and the value of ecosystems and the environment as a whole. This point of view frequently advocates for environmental protection, sustainability, and a close relationship with nature. Others may believe that humans should primarily use and exploit nature as a resource. This point of view favors economic expansion and development, which can occasionally result in unnecessary spending, environmental deterioration, and biodiversity loss. It’s significant to highlight that different cultures, societies, and people can have different perspectives and relationships with nature. People’s ideas on how we should engage with and care for nature are shaped by the many beliefs, values, and ethical systems that they hold. The well-being of both present and future generations may ultimately be significantly impacted by our knowledge of nature and the steps we take to protect it. For sustainable growth and the long-term well-being of our planet, a balance must be struck between human needs and the protection of the environment.
July 14, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Interesting argument… what life experience do you have that makes you believe this?
July 14, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Spending time outside, taking in various ecosystems, watching natural events, and realizing how intertwined all life is can inspire wonder and an appreciation for how complicated nature is. This connection frequently results in an understanding of the essential worth and significance of nature.
July 14, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Kelsey U
Stepping outside the boundaries of our hometowns and traveling the world, enjoying the beauty and fine details of nature nourishes and replenishes the soul. We as humans get so absorbed by our overwhelming and demanding work-oriented lives that we forget the simple things in life to be appreciated. Going on an adventure, whether it is as pricey as a vacation across the world, or as simple as a local hike, can reduce stress and help restart a bad week. I was reminded of this by a recent trip to the Azores, where I left work, school, and my everyday responsibilities in hopes to find a relaxing and peaceful state of mind. Upon arriving, I realized that the beauty was one that nobody could ignore. The landscape contained numerous mountains as far as the eyes could see, engulfed by trees and wildlife. I was immersed in the unique songs of the birds and absorbed the warmth of the sun in the summer’s breeze. It was at this moment that I knew how I was going to spend my elapsing days on such a beautiful island: cherishing every moment with the beauties of nature rather than the artificial lights on a phone screen. Each day I embarked on a new adventure to make the memories of a lifetime and document them to freeze and capture the moments in time. I realized that this is what life is about and how we take even the simplest forms of nature for granted. Instead of striving for likes and followers on social media, we should be enjoying the world that we live on. To get away from the busy lives we possess for even just a few hours a week can drastically benefit our mental health. Some of the most relaxing classical music pieces have been derived and inspired by nature. This is why I believe that no matter what one is going through, a trip through Mother Nature is a fulfilling remedy.
August 7, 2023 at 8:52 pm
I am one as well to embark on adventures outside the confines of my home. I think it is important to appreciate what the natural world has to offer to us even just going down the street one can find many things in there surrounding ares such as plains of tall grass running water in rivers and large trees that canopy a fortress and many many more especially depending on where you live.
August 9, 2023 at 11:40 pm
well written! I used to think that nature was dangerous and I would have never associated it with the words peaceful and relaxing. But reading this has changed my whole perspective on nature. Thanks to you I look forward to exploring the great outdoors.
July 22, 2023 at 1:51 am
Cooper W
All kinds of animals call Earth home, and though some people might know the names of all the species, few people know much more than that. That lack of knowledge can lead to an unnecessary fear of animals, as well as situations where animals’ benefit to the world is reduced. Bees are a great example. Their populations around the world are falling, and one of the reasons is that people fear them. Because of the fear of being stung, people want to kill them and clear out the hives that bees need to play a vital role in the ecosystems around the world. Another huge factor in the reduction in bee populations is climate change. This is why I believe that awareness of animals, their traits and beneficial qualities need to be shared for the sake of the environment. The first step toward respecting the environment is to become aware of what is out there, because sometimes simply knowing the magnitude of the number of organisms that live in ecosystems globally can change someone’s perspective on the importance of their own impact on nature. People can benefit from learning about animals, and it doesn’t just have to be through higher education classes. Even simple books and videos about animal facts are valuable. The internet and social media makes the information more accessible than ever, and it’s easy to implement the lessons for students in elementary schools and high schools. Whatever way people get more educated about animals, the result will be positive. When people know more about how their lifestyle affects animals, they are more willing to make lifestyle choices that make a beneficial impact on animals and the environment.
August 1, 2023 at 10:35 pm
I could not agree more. Humans have had a long history recently of abusing animal rights by using them as test dummies. Corporations will not admit to any wrongdoing unless we step up as a society and demand that animals be treated fairly.
We do not stand for other humans being abused, so what makes other species different? Nothing.
August 10, 2023 at 12:18 am
For Humans only being around 200,000 years, it’s crazy that we’ve made such an impact on our climate on Earth. It makes me wonder what comes next for all of us if the last 200 years has increased our carbon imprint so much due to the start of industrial revolution. I hope that companies soon can take responsibility for their carbon emissions, because they are the biggest contributing to what animals living conditions are today.
September 6, 2023 at 1:59 am
Good point acknowledging company’s impact on climate change. Climate activism is good but unless companies that have the most impact on the climate take responsibility, and make an effort to change who knows what will happen in another 200 years.
August 16, 2023 at 8:24 pm
An excellent point it’s quite astonishing what people believe about animals. Bees are an excellent example. Even amongst those who want to save wildlife. Honey bees for example are not the bee species that are threatened most people don’t realize this. It’s the native bees that the European honey bees took over that is threatened. plus the fear and hatred we as a society aim towards numerous species like spiders shark anything that doesn’t look cute in general. it’s truly a shame really as many ecological discoveries are currently happening. Ravens have begun domesticating wolves. ants having farming since possibly before we existed (and that one species that has a multi-continent spanning colony) flamingos living in near-boiling saltwater people seem adamant on destroying nature before even realizing the full potential of what exists.
August 1, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Averi L
Millions of animals live on earth with us; I think we as humans have forgotten that. We take over a vast amount of the planet and claim it as our own to selfishly benefit the human lifestyle; however, we fail to recognize one crucial fact: animals have just as much of a right to live here freely and safely as we do. Each and every day animals are dying. Whether it’s from deforestation, overfishing, or pollution, their lives are in a constant state of danger. Yes, animals dying is part of the natural circle of life, however, it is unnatural for them to be dying in the manners in which they are. These animals are dying due to humans. Although animals face many threats in their daily lives, some of the most damaging are pollution and overfishing.
Our oceans are one of the most important parts of our ecosystem, they help regulate our climate, are responsible for most of the oxygen we breathe, and absorb 50 times more carbon dioxide than our trees. Humans polluting our ocean destroys all of its benefits, not to mention the animals it kills. Sea turtles die with plastic stuck in their throats because they think a plastic bag floating is a jellyfish for them to eat. It is very common for animals to believe they are eating food, but in actuality they are eating plastic that has been left in the ocean by humans.
In addition, overfishing causes a greater threat to the environment than is typically believed. These threats include destruction of our coral reefs, and killing additional animals other than the fish and crustaceans that were intended to be caught. Entanglement in fishing nets, for example, is one of the biggest threats for whales and dolphins killing about 300,000 per year.Although these acts are causing an alarming amount of issues with the environment and the aquatic ecosystem, I do believe that people have the right to fish and eat fish if they would like to; however. I think the important thing to remember is balance. If we fish too much, we hurt our planet and animals; if no fishing takes place at all, we have overpopulated oceans. Neither of which is good for our planet. That is why there needs to be that balance.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that humans need to take care of our earth. It is the least we can do considering our earth takes such good care of us.
August 2, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Thanks for sharing! For yourself or anyone else interested in sustainability and environmental issues, we have a chapter of the student organization MASSPIRG on campus, which addresses a lot of these concerns. Here is a page with more info: https://masspirgstudents.org/chapters/umd/
August 1, 2023 at 11:17 pm
Jad A
Nature is a beautiful thing. We gaze upon its complex beauty and wonder; this wonder ignites curiosity; we, as humans, are curious creatures. We try to understand everything surrounding us, which forces some people to come to conclusions without understanding the complete picture. Many conclude with something divine, something for us to never understand. Some suppose that nature is inevitable, up for grabs, and for us to take advantage of. People poison and destroy forests for their own gain, disrupting entire ecosystems as if we are above it all. However, they fail to realize that they, too, are a part of this nature, we are living animals, and in destroying forests for factories and chemical plants, they are squandering their own home. Their crusade to complete their goal is plagued by their greed, destroying nature’s beauty. Nature, for me, persuaded me to become curious; why do things work like they do. Whether it’s the trees in the forest or the furthest planets in our galaxy, they all inspire me to be curious. This curiosity drives me to reach for the stars; I want to understand nature and its complexity. This also includes the nature of our human peers; why do we work the way we do? Why do we feel the need to destroy beauty? Why do we consider some things beautiful and other things ugly? Who gets to decide? For that reason, nature, or the nature of something, will always be one of my greatest wonders. I will forever be grateful for nature’s complexities and continue to use nature to inspire me to understand its complexities. There is still so much for us to understand, yet we don’t even know the extent of what we don’t know.
August 6, 2023 at 11:59 pm
I feel the same way about how people think nature and our environment is automatically theirs to take and destroy. It’s really comforting to know that there are other people out there that care about this. I wish people cared to learn more about the world they live in.
August 13, 2023 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for sharing, I also feel the same way about how others think about nature and how to destroy it without thinking clearly about the consequences.
September 5, 2023 at 2:59 am
I like your point of view and It made me wonder why people burn forests for farmland even though the amazon forest provide 60% of the materials for anticancer medicines.
September 5, 2023 at 4:12 pm
I find it fascinating how the human race has been studying nature since it’s inception and still have such a long way to go. The world is mysterious and will continue to fuel wonder and discovery for the foreseeable future. What a beautiful place to call our home.
August 6, 2023 at 11:49 pm
Abigail O
I believe that humans are forever indebted to nature.
Nature is taken for granted. I’m not sure if this is a controversial subject or if people even really think about this but it’s something that bothers me. Every time I drive somewhere, I’ll almost always pass an animal that has been hit by a car and left in the road. I’m sure most people think that it’s sad. I’ve been in the car when my friends or family have hit something before and it’s almost always the same response; “Oh my gosh that thing ran right out in front of me!! What was I supposed to do?” Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of close encounters, but it’s almost like people expect these poor animals to understand what a car is.
I think something for people to take into consideration is that nature was here billions of years before us and will be here billions of years after us. We cannot expect everything around us to adapt to us just because we’re forcing our lifestyles on it. These animals were here before cars and it’s not like someone is out there teaching them what a vehicle is. We can’t just keep on not paying attention while driving, hitting an animal, and blaming the animal for running out in front of us. I really believe that people feel so entitled to this world and everything in it, that they can’t even remember that we did not come first, nor do we deserve anything more than anyone or anything else.
People eat incredible amounts of meat, vegetables, fruits, and other products provided to us by nature. Nature provides us with fresh air to breathe, trails to walk on, land to live on, and so much more. Yet humans think that they are owed that and more. They deserve to cut down those trees because it’ll help them get that new truck they wanted. They deserve to clear that patch of land because it’ll help them buy that boat for their lake house. People just take and take from nature without giving back and can’t even see why their wrong.
I hope that one day, nature will forgive us for all that we have taken and destroyed without so much as a wink of gratitude.
August 7, 2023 at 8:30 pm
I believe that one day I will catch the biggest fish in the sea. Throughout my life I was exposed to fishing in a lot of different mediums. The earliest I can think of is from one some of my favorite tv shows growing River monsters staring Jeremy Wade extreme angler extraordinaire and or some product on a commercial that was being marketed towards me like the newest carbon fiber rod or the strongest braided line you could use fishing has been a big part of my life for awhile now. I enjoyed going out into my local pond and caught whatever I pleased usually a mix of fish in the smaller blue gill family such as species of sunfish etc. Occasionally I would be graced with the opportunity to catch a mid-sized black crappie or small bass. It is not up till recently that I’ve taken the hobby much more seriously. Crank baits lipless cranks Senkos and more I had grown quite the large collection. Not only did I have a span of bait to use but 3 reliable rods to work with each with their different uses and strengths. The tallest of the 3 my Tsunami Spear medium action by 8ft with 20-pound test monofilament line yes that is the rod I intend to catch the biggest fish in the sea with. Technically speaking the biggest fish in the sea is a whale shark but they are filter feeders meaning they eat microorganisms and krill; did I mention that it is extremely illegal to catch one of these too? My quest to catch the biggest fish in the seas is fantastical at best and undoable realistically but to me the biggest fish in the sea doesn’t necessarily have to be pound to pound the largest in the ocean. Rather the biggest fish in the sea to me my search for the fish that I can absolutely bask in its ultimate glory that is the fish I am going to catch. Whether it be a Warsaw grouper, blue marlin or Bull shark I will one day catch the biggest fish in the sea.
August 11, 2023 at 3:32 pm
This is such an interesting and inspiring post about the sea and fishing. I am wondering how long has this quest been going on for? When did this all start, like what year of your life? Were you young when you found this mission, etc? I’d also like to know how much money and time out of your day has it taken to be able to build such a collection?
August 12, 2023 at 4:21 pm
Nature, the origin point of life. Everyone has experienced the great outdoors one way or another. Me personally, I always think of nature in a positive light thanks to how I was exposed to it. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, and they were always big nature enthusiasts. They’d always have something planned to enjoy being outside. From tending to their garden to going on hikes. Even camping, they always found a way to be outside and enjoy the world one way or another. The time I spent with them being outside with my grandparents had helped me realize how much fun it is to be outside, aside from the tedious things that would bother anyone like mosquito bites or the bugs that just can’t keep to themselves.
There’s always something new to do in nature, it never gets boring. There’s always a new fish to catch in the water. a new bird to see when just going outside. Even a new flower you have never seen before to admire and witness how it came to be from its surroundings.
Anywho, nature has always been something to enjoy, from how beautiful the vast forests there are to the little critters found all around. Nature is neverending with something new and fascinating to grab your attention. The flowers that are never quite the same as the other, or the animals that pop up when you’d least expect it. I love nature and what being outside has to offer. The options when being outside are limitless, the fun never ends when you enjoy being outside.
August 13, 2023 at 7:12 am
Julia Harrison
Summer Writing Project
UMass Dartmouth
08/13/23
As I acquire more experiences, I learn that I find more happiness in my art and writing when it is inspired. Inspired by the great outdoors. Inspired by the sky, flowers, the ocean and the stars. When I stop in a moment and have an urge to recreate a picture, or a single sentence pops into mind, creating is a breeze. These trees, disguised as sticks, grow the most authentic projects. Reading offers the same opportunity. I feel safe, connected and clearheaded in the sun with a book open. Literature and art grows from literature and art. It grows from nature and inspired thought. For me, it cannot be forced. Sitting, thinking in a blank space with intention on a finished product is a struggle. But picking up on a page, opening the door, stopping somewhere you’ve never seen before or simply taking a walk can create all the change in your work and the real, captivating feeling your audience will share with you. It will inspire the world to think differently about the way they see things. Nature will change your life if you let it. If you choose to see it. If you choose to write about it. If not, I hope you choose to learn about it. Stories and artistic works exist in the same web, leading to one another and expanding the nature of imagination. And I want nothing more than to be able to create something that can make someone else feel like I do when I step outside.
August 13, 2023 at 12:25 pm
For many individuals, the great outdoors and the natural world have indeed played a crucial role in shaping their lives. For me, activities like hiking, running, or swimming in the natural environment can, and just walking/hiking through the forest helps me focus and calm, and overall well-being. These wondrous landscapes have had a profound impact on my personal growth, my perspective on life, and my relationship with the environment. When I was little I always enjoyed playing outside, I never played games, I didn’t even own a console. This led to countless adventures and experiences that I cherish to this day. Moreover, the great outdoors has become my sanctuary, providing an escape from the chaos and stresses of modern life. Whether it is sitting on a rocky cliff, feeling the breeze, or floating in the ocean, these experiences have taught me the value of slowing down and appreciating the simple wonders that surround us. Beyond the physical and emotional experiences, the natural world has also shaped my understanding of environmental conservation and sustainability. Witnessing the beauty of pristine landscapes mixed with instances of human interference and degradation has fueled my passion to become an advocate for change. This is why my major is Marine Biology. Even though I love doing activities on land, I also love the ocean and the beautiful animals that live there. Through this intimate relationship with the great outdoors, I have become more mindful of my own ecological footprint, taking conscious steps to reduce my impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.
August 14, 2023 at 4:51 pm
Your connection to the great outdoors resonates deeply with me. Engaging in activities like hiking and immersing myself in nature’s beauty similarly brings me clarity and serenity. These experiences have not only shaped my personal growth but have ignited a commitment to environmental advocacy and sustainability. It’s inspiring to see how your connection to the natural world has driven you toward your passion for Marine Biology, reflecting your dedication to preserving the wonders of both land and sea.
August 13, 2023 at 10:31 pm
Allison S.
As someone who prefers to stay inside and read a good book instead of going out during the summer, I’m amazed at how much nature has shaped me.
I always feel at ease when I do go outside, and I tend to marvel at the blooming flowers and trees around me, because, let’s be honest, they’re stunning. I can always appreciate a well-maintained garden bed or free growing flowers on the side of the road. Heck, if I look up while I write this, there will be a vase of fake flowers in front of me. I enjoy looking at them because they’re just so interesting to me, the different varieties and colors and shapes. I find them very calming, so I use flowers when I decorate. It gives my space a peaceful, serene feeling that can be very comforting when I’m upset.
I don’t just enjoy flowers though. Anyone else just love to listen or watch a good thunderstorm? Now that’s what I call therapy. The sound of the rain just pitter-pattering away on the roof is a calming, mind-blanking experience for me. For a long time, I was having trouble falling asleep because my mind is almost always thinking of something. Whether it’s a constant song playing, thinking about comebacks to arguments I had years ago, or just remembering things I’ve done that I regret, the sound of rain always helps me to clear my mind and give in to sleep.
I may not be an outdoorsy person, but nature has always been a calming presence in my life, no matter if it’s by sound or by sight. It’ll always be something I turn to when I feel I need to chill out, and lose my worries for a while.
August 14, 2023 at 2:19 am
The great outdoors has helped shape my life in a monumental way. The outdoors has been a part of everyone’s life, whether it be picnics in the park with your family, hikes through the woods with friends, or competing in an outdoor sport. Nature has been there for everyone and will continue to be. For me, nature has been a part of me during the time I trained for sports. The sports I practice are cross country and track and field. Two sports that require a lot of running especially more for me because I prefer the long distance races. Since middle school, I have been dedicated to my training. I have gone on runs on roads, through forests, on beaches, and even up a mountain once. I have taken my runs no matter what nature throws at me whether it is scorching hot outside, downpouring rain, or the streets blanketed with snow. The reason I go to such lengths to get my run in is because I find being in nature is healing physically, emotionally, and mentally. Running through all these beautiful sceneries, testing my body to its limit feels like it washes all the stress and worries out of my life. Being outside, I’m running not only to improve for my races but is my outlet away from the day-to-day thing we call life. Nature has changed me – without it I am confident to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today. For that, I will forever be thankful and caring towards nature.
September 7, 2023 at 12:08 am
This is such a great outlook, it feels like so many people forget how much of an impact nature has had on our lives and often overlook it. Good to see someone appreciate nature.
August 14, 2023 at 2:29 am
Ryder C.
I believe that the outdoors in general is beneficial for people not just physically but mentally as well. Through my adventures in scouting I’ve come to realize the benefits of the outdoors. I’ve seen it grow people and change their mental state. I observed this in more depth this summer when I got to visit New Mexico.
When I was in New Mexico I and a group of other scouts got to go on a two week long hiking trip through the mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch. Immediately I noticed a drastic change in everyone’s mentality. I changed from mopey and unmotivated to amazed and excited to see all of the beautiful scenery. I just felt good to be out there even if we had 60 pound packs on the whole time. It didn’t matter, watching the sunrise in the morning every day as we made it to our next camp felt great. Even if I was already tired from the previous day of walking because I just felt free.
In previous years I had gone to summer camp with my Boy Scout troop. When I was there I just felt like I wanted to be on my phone or go on social media. However as the week progressed I no longer thought about things like that and just enjoyed my time outdoors. Finally, when it would come to an end and I get home I surprisingly missed being out there and this makes me truly think that as humans, the outdoors can help or even heal us both physically and mentally.
August 14, 2023 at 3:12 am
No one can doubt without nature; life would have been possible. The answer, to these million dollars questions of nature molding living things, would only be confirmed with a visit to ‘Mars’: where there is vast land with adorable outdoors and great nature, yet survival on such a planet is impossible!
Humans have come far to believe that life would have been impossible without the supernatural provisions of the creator of all things. The Air to breathe, the water to survive on, the plants, crops, and animals to feed on, the sun and moon providing lights with a sense of living; as well as the non-living organism that broadens the understanding and knowledge of Mankind.
According to scientists, exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally but also contributes to your physical well-being. I attest to the fact that I am one of the most fortunate to be created on this planet called Earth, decorated with great outdoors and most of it all natural resources to aid my survival.
Every single provision in this world supplies my basic needs and creates an extent of passing on to the next generations. However, the most basic desire at heart and quest to satisfy centers on sustainability. Having achieved all my basic needs through these natural means, how do I pass on to the next generations?
Designing greenhouse, green environments, planting trees, protecting the water bodies, and ensuring environmental security for today and the future generation should be a priority and not a choice.
August 14, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Nature, a profound gift, stands as the beacon of inspiration that has ignited the creative flames within poets, writers, and artists across time. Its splendor has woven mystical threads into the fabric of human expression, breathing life into the imagination. However, in our fast-paced present, this treasure often slips from our awareness, fading like a forgotten melody.
Picture the magnificence of nature as a brush that paints the canvas of human creativity. Its strokes have yielded the most exquisite literature and art, leaving behind footprints in the sands of time. The verdant forests, the roaring oceans, the endless skies – all have whispered secrets to the souls sensitive enough to listen, their stories echoing in verses and tales.
Mother nature, the very source of our existence, often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Our negligence is evident as we continue to degrade the environment. The rising population drives an escalated consumption of natural resources. The manufacturing sector’s expansion fuels a higher demand for coal and petroleum, contributing to air pollution. Industries and vehicles release smoke, tainting the air we breathe. Regrettably, mankind routinely abuses mother nature without regard for the consequences
In the modern world, as we strive for progress, let us not lose sight of the sanctuaries nature provides. For within its embrace, we find solace, rejuvenation, and a canvas for our own creativity. As the whispers of nature continue to weave their magic, may we remember that we are custodians of this wondrous gift, entrusted with the duty to cherish and safeguard its splendor for generations yet to come.
August 14, 2023 at 9:31 pm
I believe nature helps shape my worldview and better appreciate the life I was given. I am reminded of how little my problems really matter to the world as a whole everytime I step outside. I often take walks in nature. It’s an activity I find therapeutic. Walking through a vacant trail, surrounded by plants and animals whose lives are so different from my own. It reminds me of how small my life really is. I am only one small inhabitant of this grand world. My life is but a flash in the lifetime of this planet as is everyone else’s. I feel connected to the flora and fauna that surrounds me, and I appreciate the mere existence of it. I look at the canopy of trees above and acknowledge no matter what I do in my life, whether I succeed or fail, the earth will be here when I die. As it was before I was born. In the modern world, it’s easy for your perspective to morph into a main character-esque view of yourself. You become engulfed in your own problems, and develop tunnel vision. Inflating your sense of self and becoming blind to the world around you. This method of thinking certainly does affect the way you live your life and treat others. This is why I believe every human needs something to remind themselves of how inconsequential their lives really are. Regardless of what it may be. For the sake of themselves and the people around them.
August 14, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Nature has always been significant to me. When I was younger, I lived on a street with five other kids, and we were all very close; we went to the same school together, caught the same bus back and forth to school, and we were all neighbors. After school, we would drop each other off at home and then rush to do our homework so we can be able to play. I lived on a dead-end street. All 5 of us lived at the end of the road, so that we would knock on each other door daily. When we first met, we used to play tag, hide and seek or play with chalk, but as time passed, we switched to bikes, scooters, skateboards, and more. The older you get, the more responsibility you are given. Our moms let us stay outside until pitch black, especially in the summer. Woods surrounded all of our houses, and at the end of the street, there was a pathway that we all used to be terrified of when we were younger; this one time, we were laying truth or dare, and I dared my friend Erick to walk the path, and he did. This path led to one of our new favorite places we called “the hill” The hill was a vast grass hill on the back side of apartments where we used to chill at and talk about anything at any season. We loved it here, our mom would scream our names to come home, and nothing would work. They would have to walk to reach get us. The best time to go was during winter. We used to sled down the hill together, but once again, time went on, and years past, and we all moved, but my love for nature is still here. I sit outside in my backyard almost every day with my two dogs, just soaking up the sun, and these memories from when I was younger always come through.
August 15, 2023 at 1:21 am
Through hikes, walks, or just being in nature has always impacted my life. It has always helped me stay and feel grounded in my own life. The sounds of nature are calming, you can always sit there or as you are hiking or walking, you can listen to a river running or birds chirping and feel calmer. Another thing about nature is that there is so much that is a part of it that it can be interesting to learn about, such as the different kinds of plants and how they might help your body or the different animals and their habitats. It is especially important to preserve because we also need to help animals from becoming extinct. Not protecting the environment can develop into the spread of invasive species, climate change, and maybe even the spread of diseases. Expanding upon the topic of plants, some examples include things like making tea, how different fruits could help with your health, etc. That is why it is so important to preserve and protect nature, because of my experience it helps me but it also can help other people as well as help other animals thrive in their environment. Hiking and such can also expand on one’s abilities such as navigation, planning, and maybe even emergency management. I also find nature to be beautiful and just looking at it and around also helps me feel grounded and I believe nature can make someone feel peaceful. Throughout the topics of nature I have previously stated, those are why I believe nature should be protected and how I think nature can make someone feel grounded or momentarily feel a bit peaceful.
August 15, 2023 at 1:58 am
Elijah Jordan
Whether it be sitting at a desk job all day or lounging around on our phones, most people in the modern age are guilty of spending too much time indoors. In the last 15 to 20 years, mankind has furthered technology by a massive amount. This influx of new and exciting movies, games, and devices, means there are now more than ever, insane amounts of ways to keep ourselves preoccupied inside. This decline of time spent in the great outdoors seems to be causing many problems for humankind such as depression, anxiety, and alienation. Depriving your body of natural amenities such as sunlight and fresh air can lead to poor mental and physical health. These mental health issues, while prevalent now, will continue to be a major issue in subsequent generations if we don’t take measures to repair them now. If we as the older generations don’t step up and limit ourselves to be role models for our children, we could be in serious trouble. While this problem may be serious, there are a countless amount of simple solutions that hardly effect our lives. It could be as easy as taking a 20 minute walk, limiting our screen time, or even having a family outing. Whatever it may be, there are many fun and easy activities that people of all ages can enjoy outdoors.
August 16, 2023 at 12:37 am
I agree, sometimes it’s just nice to sit out in the sun for like 5 minutes, it’s calming.
August 15, 2023 at 3:16 am
For me, nature will always remind me of my childhood. As a kid, nothing would excite me more than being told of a sudden outdoor excursion. Whether it be to the local woods, the beach, or a nearby field, I was bound to have a blast.
Outside was a paradise of immeasurable possibilities. An infinite world to be explored by one tiny child. A world far away from the noise of the city and away from the putrid smells of gasoline and smoke. I have distinct memories of finding and showing off my discoveries to other child peers or whoever adult was assigned to keep watch of me. These would range from new hiding spots, bugs and critters, or just a really cool rock.
Now as an unathletic shut-in, I have recognized the importance of going outside, especially after spending 2020 in quarantine. As a result, I’ve tried going on hikes on a semi-regular basis in recent years. Gone are the days of me embracing the outdoors. Now I’m gasping for breath going up steep hills, being eternally irritated at insects buzzing by and in my ears, and fearing grass stains and dirt every time I have to sit on the ground. My past sanctuary had become an unfortunate hell.
In the times of me hating the outdoors, I sometimes think back on my old love of it and mourn its loss for my childhood self. While some could say that it shows how much I’ve grown up and changed from kid me, I think I would have preferred keeping that connection to nature.
August 15, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Jasmin S.
When I was little I lived in the country side with my grandmother in the Dominican Republic. In the country side the houses are small and the only thing around you is animals like cows, horses, and chickens. We also didn’t really watch T.V because the electricity always went out. So my grandmother and I use to always take strolls around town. Look back now I think that’s why I enjoying taking walks outside so much. Growing up like this and only being able to enjoy nature for fun has mad me a mindful, open minded and grateful person. I’m happy I had the opportunity of experiencing this side of life.
August 16, 2023 at 3:47 am
I relate to finding comfort in the joys of nature in my family’s home country. My family comes from Burma, a country of Southeast Asia. The natural beauty of the country has allowed me to appreciate the true wonder of the natural world like the winding dirt paths, and ripe fruit hanging in wait to be plucked on trees by the edge of the jungle. I still miss those long walks around the countryside in Burma I took with my mother on the rare occasions I got to visit, and I hope to return someday when the civil war is over.
August 15, 2023 at 3:38 pm
As someone who is an angler, hunter, and avid camper, nature has shaped my life by bringing me happiness and peace. I love everything about being out in the wilderness. The sounds, smell and the scenery are very relaxing and bring me peace. Being in the wilderness and gazing at views helps you forget about all the bad things going on in the world. It’s nice to get away from the highways and cities and get a nice breath of the most fresh air. I also love seeing wild animals and their natural habitat, the ways they survive amaze me. Out in the wild the animals survive by taking it day by day, finding food and surviving. Fishing and hunting have been passed on for generations in my family, everyone is an outdoorsman. I have picked it up and hope to continue to pass it on. Camping with friends out in the wilderness has become one of my favorite summer activities, no phones no electricity, just friends having fun together. People tend to get wrapped up in social media so much nowadays and being out in nature can help with that. As I get older, I would love to travel and see nature in other countries besides the United States.
August 15, 2023 at 6:34 pm
I’ve always loved the outdoors. The world is a tapestry woven with an array of colors, textures, and scents, each brushstroke reflecting the Earth’s unparalleled artistry. Every swaying leaf, glimmering dewdrop, and birdsong come together in perfect harmony, a testament to the intricacies of life. From towering peaks to endless oceans, the enormity of the world reminds me to not let the little things slow me down. Horizons stretch beyond my vision, inviting me to step beyond the familiar and explore the uncharted territories that await. Every moment spent contemplating nature’s marvels brings me closer to realizing how much remains undiscovered. Nature stands as an eternal teacher, offering insights into the delicate balance of existence, the resilience of life, and the connections that bind us all. The ecosystems’ intricate web that sustains us urges me to be a responsible guardian of the beauty that envelopes us. With every sunrise, I’m inspired to travel, to explore the untouched corners, and to witness the transformative beauty that awaits. The world is vast, and I’m eager to embrace its revelations through the lens of my own adventures.
August 30, 2023 at 12:13 am
I appreciate your complex admiration of nature and sober reflection on your personal life; and what really gets you going. However, If you are eager to embrace the revelations of nature through the lens of your adventures. Could you possibly help me know the structures and strategies you may deploy in your adventure, possible to make nature the best point of admiration? Thank you
August 15, 2023 at 8:33 pm
The natural world has always been intriguing to me. I remember when I was younger I rewatched Blue Planet and Planet Earth to no end.(great documentaries by the way) For me, this was during a time where I was considered a problem child at school, and watching animals just go about their business without being punished for their nature was cathartic for me.
Nature also told stories to me. They were often cruel stories but stories nonetheless. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the pod of killer whales exhausting a gray whale calf and killing it just to eat its tongue, or watching a prehistoric documentary and watching a colony of ants nervous a newborn bird just as it hatched. But Just as much as I saw these stories of the unbound callousness of the natural world, I saw other stories where the animals lived in spite of nature’s attempts to kill them. After the destruction of a coral reef, its eggs return to slowly seed a new reef, or when grass of all things still thrives after being set on fire, drowned, uprooted, drowned, baked, and frostbitten. Funny how a wild plant can go through so much yet our flowers wilt with the wrong amount of water.
If there’s one thing nature taught me, its resilience. The world is cruel, yet the natural world lives on. If an animal can die so cruelly, then maybe my life isn’t so bad in comparison, and if organisms can survive the worst tortures the world can throw at them, then surely I can get through whatever troubles are before me.
August 15, 2023 at 9:42 pm
Juan V
What do you believe?
My belief is closely tied to nature and the wonders of our world. I started traveling a couple years back. Getting to experience the cultures of the world and sightseeing some of the greatest architectural landmarks have been some of the best moments of my life. Along with walking amongst nature. I now hold strong to this belief that we were not meant to limit ourselves to the confined places we encounter every day. There is so much to the world for us to see and experience.
Not only does travel help me dive into the unfamiliar cultures of the world but it also provides me with the gift of perspective as I get to experience natures wonders. Nature is a beautiful thing that guides me to peace and clarity. Traveling to experience different types of nature and the natural world helps me overcome some of the challenges I face on a day to day. What I enjoy the most about traveling is connecting with the world, not only with nature but with the various types of people you find in the different places you explore. Being able to witness how beautiful and diverse our world is allows my belief of the intrinsic goodness in people to be reaffirmed.
In conclusion, my belief to living life to its fullest coincides with my passion for travel and sightseeing in nature. Traveling serves as a canvas for me to actualize my belief. Through exploration, connection and personal growth, I am able to embrace all that life has to offer with many different adventures and experiences. I am committed to carrying out my belief, collecting moments and memories that enrich my vision of life.
August 15, 2023 at 11:43 pm
I’ve always loved nature, and the woods. My parents took me camping and backpacking all the time. I’ve backpacked everywhere from local mountains, to Yellowstone and Bryce Canyon national parks. I’ve been taught about the creatures that live in those places, and I’ve appreciated their natural beauty. One of my most fond memories about nature is when I was in third grade, and all week I was super excited for a weekend backpacking trip with my dad, so I told all my friends about it over and over the entire week. I’m sure they were tired of it all by the time Friday came and we left for our weekend trip, but I was ecstatic.
We recently got back from a trip out West to visit my extended family. It’s really beautiful out there and for the first half, we stayed in the ponderosa pine woods of Arizona. I’ve only been there three times, but I’ve remembered each visit vividly. The trees are beautiful, and the dirt is red, and even though there are venomous spiders living in the ranch house it’s one of my favorite places on the planet. There isn’t any service so I ended up staying off of my phone, and it made me realize just how little I need to use some of the apps, and how nice disconnection can feel. I hiked in the woods, and I learned Pinochle from my aunts and uncles, which isn’t super nature related, but it’s part of the feeling of being there. After we stayed at the ranch, we went to Arches National Park in Utah and did the hike to Delicate Arch. It was such a fun hike, and reminded me why I loved hiking in the first place. The views were gorgeous and it was so nice to just be out there.
Honestly, this whole thing was a reflection on how nature is beautiful, and I’d like to add on to myself by saying we should do everything in our power to cherish and protect it, because if we don’t, it won’t last.
August 16, 2023 at 12:35 am
Nature is a gift we all take for granted. The way the wind blows and how the tall grass bends to its will. Nature is more of an escape from reality without having to mentally leave the planet, so to speak. Mother Nature has a way of setting herself straight again. We come in, pick flowers, kill ants, and every year the flowers grow back and more ants are born to invade our picnic baskets and kitchen cupboards. I believe nature is beauty and life in its truest and simplest form. I’ve been out in the rain on three different days willingly and both times were marvelous. The first time was when I was little, stomping in puddles at a family member’s home in a city I’ve forgotten, but I always remembered the black concrete and the small puddle of rain. The second time was the summer between my junior and senior year. The sky was as orange as a tangerine or a clementine, the sprinkling rain drenching my hair and skin. It was beautiful that day, the sun setting behind the clouds. The third time was when I sat in the front of my house and let the rain fall on and around me, the sun soon came out. Despite the fact that there were no rainbows, the rain glittered in the sunlight and was gorgeous nonetheless. I remember the days I gazed out the window of my bedroom and watched the rain create color against the gray sky. The dirt darkening in shade, making the green of the grass, oak leaves and pine needles seem as if they were glowing brighter. I believe nature is beautiful and it’s the little things that it does on its own that make it all the more stunning.
August 25, 2023 at 5:59 pm
The way this is typed so beautifully encompasses nature.
August 16, 2023 at 12:47 am
Levi Richard
What do I believe about Nature? I believe that nature in its entirety is almost always taken for granted. When you hear the word nature, what do you think? I’m guessing the color green, trees, grass, flowers, animals, the color blue, water, the ocean, birds, fish, and so many other creatures. That’s definitely the first thought in my head, because that’s the image always associated with nature. When someone says nature, it usually means whatever hasn’t been created by humans. We have a tendency to view it as the antithesis of humanity. I thought that too for a long time, but more recently I’ve started to view nature differently. Just as a little thought experiment, what about a house makes it unnatural? Because it’s created by humans? Does that mean humans are unnatural? No, we’ve always been a part of nature and still are. So then does that mean that the unnatural part is simply us converting things that were there already into the resources needed for a house? Well, think about a beaver. You’d say that since it’s an animal it’s part of nature, right? Beavers build dams, and we consider those natural because the need for beavers to make themselves a shelter is its natural need. Because all of that happens without a human touch, it’s natural. But if we are part of nature and do the same thing as beavers with our same natural need for shelter, that would mean that a house is just as natural as a beaver dam. This is how I like to view the world. Nature has two parts: nature outside our sphere of influence and nature inside of it. Electronic devices, architecture, vehicles, space travel, technology of every kind is just as natural as anything else in the world; it is simply nature within our sphere of influence. Electrons move in our phones and electrons create brilliant bolts of lightning. Both come from the same natural processes. The sun produces light that gets converted into useful forms of energy by solar panels and by plants. Both are from a very similar natural process. I believe that viewing nature in this way can be beneficial to everyone’s appreciation of all aspects of the world. It can help the outdoors lover better appreciate the technology that perhaps they like to avoid and help the tech enthusiast appreciate the outdoors that they perhaps don’t spend quite enough time admiring.
September 1, 2023 at 6:25 am
I really agree with you that nature is taken for granted. I love how you put nature into perspective with your writing it is very engaging to read. You’ve definitely made me realize I need to enjoy the outdoors and what it has to offer more!
August 16, 2023 at 2:55 am
Jonathan B
The great outdoors has affected and shaped me as a person for the better over the course of my life in many ways. My family always enjoyed spending time together outside, especially with animals. When I was around 7 to 9 years old my father owned a small hobby farm, with chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs, etc. So instead of going home after school and playing video games I would get picked up by my dad and head to the farm. While I was there I ran around with the sheep and goats, and loved riding my bike around the farm and explore around the farm. This gave me a sense of freedom that I really never experienced before, because of always being told where I could and couldn’t go in places like the neighborhood and school. Later on in life I still find this feeling by taking a bike ride into the woods near my house. It’s a great place to go to clear my head and think about things or to not think about things, thats really the beauty of the woods. You could either lose your self in the endless trails or think about things without anyone else to distract you from your thoughts. This peacefulness of the woods really helped keep me afloat during the years of covid. Where we didnt get to go out with friends due to the fear of getting the covid-19 virus that at the time we knew little about. The time I’ve spent at the farm and in woods really helped me become who I am today and the woods give me a brief escape from the rush of life.
September 4, 2023 at 9:32 pm
I also feel that the great outdoors has positively affected me and shaped my life to how it currently is. Similarly to your times outdoors, when I was younger, I would spend countless hours during my summers and after school at my grandparent’s house in their backyard, walking around and taking in the lush garden they had built up. I also relate to that feeling you mention with nature, allowing you to feel at ease and backpedal away from the rush of daily life to just a peaceful moment.
August 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Daniel Courtney
Nature has kind of always been a big part of my life, from quite literally living in a little sectioned off area with more woods than the rest of my town to Boy Scout camping trips to random walks with friends I’ve kind of always had a lot of exposure. When I looked around all of my college campuses for selecting a college, UMass Dartmouth had the most areas of trees or just a little more life to them then my other choices, it was by far my favorite campus. My Grandfather owned a greenhouse, so he and my Dad who worked there when he was a kid were always extremely well versed on plants and animals (more specifically birds for some reason) so it’d help when looking outside the window at our bird feeder how my father was able to immediately identify every single bird. Hiking was another large part of it, whenever my family would go out for hikes I would tend to wander off in front and just look at everything while they catch up to me, weird trees, strange animals making strange sounds, caves… it was always better in my opinion then scaring every animal away by walking with my family. I would say that without these experiences, my life would be quite different then it is today.
August 17, 2023 at 6:26 am
Alaa Kaliny
In many ways the Great Outdoors helped me by acting as aid, an aid that will repair me with momentary relief and comfort. While other moments showing me the harsh reality of the world (aka natural disasters). Nature opened my eyes by showing me how lucky we are to be alive today as humans nearly went extinct 1.2 million years ago. We can see nature’s effects in every single person from the smallest microbes to the biggest whales eating all the krill in the ocean. To ants who have massive colonial wars to compete for resources. The same can be said about humans as history showed us that we took nature into consideration while in Greek architecture but modern times have shifted from integrating nature into our surroundings. Some people go around helping the world’s ecosystems thrive while others protest for new laws to protect against deforestation. The natural world showed me that there are many types of humans, narrow minded for those who are too greedy. While open minded people who help find sustainable alternatives to the resources we use. Nature showed me that it is up to us to determine our future as Earth makes up about 0.0003% of the observable universe but has more life within it, compared to the observable universe. Let us not be swayed by our greed and just breathe in the breathtaking moments and help preserve what we have because nature wont let it last. I learnt that Nature is a powerful system that is always changing and improving and we shouldn’t underestimate its power.
August 17, 2023 at 2:14 pm
Natures law on the earth has an complex effect on both the beings on this earth and the energy of the earth, as some can say Nature is our earth. The art of nature from evolution to mutual relationships, Nature continuously proves its underestimated necessity to us. The human body has a core healer to it that has been discovered years ago by natives to their land and to their different environment(ecosystems if you will), and that is simply Nature. It isn’t just one connection its an vast string to the body, almost like instinct. Going outside and witnessing Nature, the sounds of Nature and the sites. It sets multiple moods in the human body depending on the situation and approach to it, Aswell as a home to the animals who are still connected to this God-given home. Nature must not only be thought of its surroundings, it represents the law of this earth alone from Life to Death, to replacement and reproduction, just how that law resents in beings. Nature breathes through earth like blood rushing through veins. Nature is an incredible concept that is an underestimated necessity that flows and patternizes all over this earth.
August 18, 2023 at 12:29 am
Abhi Patel
When I was younger, I used to love playing outside. I used to live in an apartment complex with a little park and sandpit. Loved playing in the sand more than the park. There was also a pond where ducks floated around. Me and my grandma went to feed the ducks bread and feed.
When I moved to North Carolina, I used to go play in a little forest behind my house which had a tiny river flowing through it. It was very beautiful. Me and my brother used to go rolling down a hill or going exploring deeper and deeper every week even though our grandma told us not to go farther than the end of the river.
I feel that nature should be a part of our daily lives, instead of cutting down nature to build, We should build around nature to better improve our lives. When I moved to Massachusetts, one of the things I noticed was that it was much less natural. Most of the trees had been cut down for houses and buildings. There were parks and trails but they weren’t as beautiful. Or maybe it’s just me. Maybe I have lost the wonders of being a child exploring the forest where everything seemed new and exciting.
I miss when nature was a part of my life, and slowly we’re losing that day by day when trees are cut down to make room for development. Who knows if the next generation will still see nature as a part of everyday life?
August 25, 2023 at 5:58 pm
Olive V.
I love nature. Nature is so abstract and complex. It is so beautiful. Its beauty, diversity, and significance extend far beyond what meets the eye. Most nights, I enjoy just simply walking around the block while the starry sky casts down onto the streetlamps. Nature is so much more than the outside aesthetic of swaying grass and bustling trees. Nature can be all organism life, including humans. Observing the cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal, we learn about the impermanence of all things and the importance of balance. Nature can teach us such core values. These values are so vital to our lives and what creates us as such mesmerizing minds and diversity. Nature’s intricate ecosystems teach us the value of interdependence and cooperation, echoing lessons that can guide human societies towards harmony and sustainability. Not to even mention that nature has such a broad and enchanting embrace on earth and is the sole backbone to our lives. Trees recycling oxygen day to day with our endless amount of pollution slowly deteriorating them. Climate change is ruining the core thing in our lives, and we all take it for granted. Wasted papers that we draw on of boredom in school. Plastics dumped into the oceans and oils polluting the systems below. All simply because we misplaced the values, we started with into concepts that don’t really exist. It is vital we act and reroute our way back to our base core values and take care of the world around us. It’s our home after all.