When the energy of nature is harnessed it can be very powerful. The source of that energy is renewable allowing mankind to use it for pleasure and work with little damage to the planet. Living in a snowy place, children will climb to the top of a hill and then slide down on plastic. They may not know what kinetic energy is but they know how to tap into gravity and use it to their advantage. Wind can spin turbines for electricity, the same with ocean waves. Solar energy can create thermal updrafts which birds and hang gliders use. There are many more examples.
We should be taking advantage of natural forces, they are there for all to use. They do not require anything from us in return, no expectations, no financial contribution, it doesn’t even matter what your personality is. Whether or not it is used for a purpose it still continues.
We shouldn’t take this energy for granted, though. There will be times when certain energies cannot be utilized. Maybe the wind won’t blow, the clouds block the sun, or the waves are just too small, we should not be upset. We cannot control these situations and are helpless to change it. But, when initiative and natural forces combine it is true harmony.
Friday, February 5, 2010
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I was appreciating my forest this morning, sleepily surveying the individual trees that make up the whole.
I don't cut them.
Yet I burn wood for heat.
They are not mine to kill, or to spare. They are sovereign entities, beautiful and mortal.
They comfort me: I comfort them.
There are enough of them, that when one dies and falls, I can harvest what remains, to buck, split, stack and burn in the winter months.
The branches serve to build fences and berms, themselves homes for small creatures, birds and insects.
Trees are like huge batteries, storing up the sun's energy, to release back, in death.
I love each one.
All of nature is like that.
Living, giving, dying and being reborn in countless ways.
I, too, am part of nature.
I could never live in a city again.
Even in the city one can see nature, it may be different from the forest, but it is there. Although, I have to admit that the sound of birds singing is a bit more pleasing than the honk of car alarms. Perhaps my ego is a bit judgmental.
In the city, certainly nature may be there, but one has to seek it out so much more.
My tiny garden in London was packed with life, plants, birds, insects, animals...
It was my refuge.
But, for example, I found it impossible to successfully meditate there. The noise level was just too intrusive. I simply can not do without peace and tranquility, if I am to have a chance at balance.
Do you know: there were people nearby, in London, that petitioned the council to eradicate the blackbird population, because the birds' exquisite singing did not suit the peoples' city lifestyles?
Thankfully, the council declined.
I live in a big city. I find I am unable to really meditate. I'm not sure if it's because of the city, or because I have a jumpy mind.
Some of the ideas in this post are reminiscent of Heidegger's Essay "The Question Concerning Technology", which you might find helpful.
If noise is an issue during meditation I will put headphones on. I keep a 15 minute track of rain on my ipod. That will block out any noise that is disturbing me.
I will certainly look into the essay. Thanks for the comment.
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