I really enjoy this, particularly the encouraging final section. I hesitate to say this at risk of sounding pedantic, but I do think it's important to go a step further and to explicitly see ourselves as parts of nature and to see our modes of observation and interaction as part of this. This can especially be useful for urban-dwellers - cities are essentially our equivalents of warrens or termite mounds, and nonhuman life abounds almost everywhere. I am sure you don't disagree, and this is not meant as a criticism of yet another piece of wonderful – useful – writing from you.
Ooh, don't think there's anything pedantic about that John! I think you're spot on and studying humankind as a part of the whole can really help us see patterns and the vast, complex web of interactions and links which make up this rather incredible world. I wrote something along those lines at some point here, but I can't now find the link, which is irritating. Coming from an archaeological background, solidly underpinned by a lifetime of nature study, it is impossible not to see people as a part of all--and, to take that further, to see ourselves as just another species, one which is not, perhaps the end product of evolution, but which is arguably hastening our own end if we are not careful. In geological time, this moment, our species, is a mere blink. I find odd comfort in that!
Thanks again, for your words, I love to read your comments, they're always incisive and make me think, which is what this is all about, after all!
Yes, I agree that at its best, Substack is for exchange and reflection - your work is always thought-provoking. I also find our ephemeral existence comforting, despite all the damage we are doing to each other and the world, the world will persist (I almost find myself quoting Jurassic Park here...), and that brings me something future-orientated that could almost feel like joy, or acceptance at least.
Thank you so much for this and I'm sorry it has taken me so long to say so.
I haven't seen those videos, so will amend this ASAP, thanks! And I wholeheartedly agree about those twenty minutes, it makes such a difference, and is a prescription I know many (myself included) certainly need.
That makes me happy. And many thanks for commenting--apologies it has taken me so long to reply; my wintering/hibernation seems to be over now the dawn and evening chorus is back! Things are waking up here. Thanks again!
I really enjoy this, particularly the encouraging final section. I hesitate to say this at risk of sounding pedantic, but I do think it's important to go a step further and to explicitly see ourselves as parts of nature and to see our modes of observation and interaction as part of this. This can especially be useful for urban-dwellers - cities are essentially our equivalents of warrens or termite mounds, and nonhuman life abounds almost everywhere. I am sure you don't disagree, and this is not meant as a criticism of yet another piece of wonderful – useful – writing from you.
Ooh, don't think there's anything pedantic about that John! I think you're spot on and studying humankind as a part of the whole can really help us see patterns and the vast, complex web of interactions and links which make up this rather incredible world. I wrote something along those lines at some point here, but I can't now find the link, which is irritating. Coming from an archaeological background, solidly underpinned by a lifetime of nature study, it is impossible not to see people as a part of all--and, to take that further, to see ourselves as just another species, one which is not, perhaps the end product of evolution, but which is arguably hastening our own end if we are not careful. In geological time, this moment, our species, is a mere blink. I find odd comfort in that!
Thanks again, for your words, I love to read your comments, they're always incisive and make me think, which is what this is all about, after all!
Yes, I agree that at its best, Substack is for exchange and reflection - your work is always thought-provoking. I also find our ephemeral existence comforting, despite all the damage we are doing to each other and the world, the world will persist (I almost find myself quoting Jurassic Park here...), and that brings me something future-orientated that could almost feel like joy, or acceptance at least.
Makes me think of the WWF’s ongoing ‘prescription for nature’ campaign. ‘Just 20 minutes in nature each day can improve your mental wellbeing.’
Also makes me think of the gentle foraging videos by the Atomic Shrimp on youtube.
Lovely to read, thanks.
Thank you so much for this and I'm sorry it has taken me so long to say so.
I haven't seen those videos, so will amend this ASAP, thanks! And I wholeheartedly agree about those twenty minutes, it makes such a difference, and is a prescription I know many (myself included) certainly need.
Thanks again, I really appreciate your words.
Your experience mirrors mine in so many ways ... thanks
That makes me happy. And many thanks for commenting--apologies it has taken me so long to reply; my wintering/hibernation seems to be over now the dawn and evening chorus is back! Things are waking up here. Thanks again!