We Are All Equal In Nature
enjoy what nature provides
photo: Hurricane Ridge, WA
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I feel most at home when out in nature. We are all created equal when in the wilderness. Although I enjoy visiting the city, and appreciate its beauty and numerous cultural offerings, it cannot feed my soul in the way that nature can.
City Fun
I recently spent time on the Seattle waterfront. The new waterfront park was gorgeous, and I was happy to see how well it tied in with the aquarium. I enjoyed a boat tour along the water’s edge and a delicious seafood lunch on a pier.
The city provides entertaining activities, and the local public market contains products that showcase a wide array of human skills. I love seeing the hand crafted items that remind me of my childhood visits to the market.
Photo: Seattle Wheel
Although I enjoyed the activities, I also noted the inequalities that were apparent wherever I gazed. Buildings in need of repair, with littered entryways, stood near luxury office buildings. Shabby storefronts contrasted with expensive stores that only the wealthy could afford to shop in. I passed by several restaurants that looked wonderful only to find that the menu was out of most people’s budget. Others were affordable, but otherwise questionable. I eventually located a restaurant that was excellent in quality while still being somewhat affordable.
I thought about all of this and realized that human-made cities carry a price. What one experiences is based on one’s means. Deeper pockets can purchase more access to higher quality experiences. The aquarium is full of nature, but only for those who can afford it. Boat rides provide access to the water, but only for those with a purchased ticket.
These barriers are all human constructs.
Of course there are fun, free activities to take part in. While in college, I walked or biked around the various lakes. I loved driving around Queen Anne Hill (Seattle) and stopping to take in the gorgeous views of the city - day or night. Public parks were plentiful and beautiful, as were public beaches. But the city experiences: concerts, restaurants, boutiques, fairs, art galleries, zoo, aquarium, concerts - these things all cost money. Years later, after moving to the Southwest desert and enjoying nature far away from “civilization” I realized the contrast between man-made city and nature. Entertainment was purchased in the city. It was provided by nature in the wilds.
Nature’s Offerings
“We are all equal in nature.”
The following photo was generously provided by Steve Yelkram of STM Photography. I love this photo; it perfectly captures the mood and beauty of fall in the Pacific Northwest. Visit his page for more beautiful nature scenes.
After my recent trip to the city, I thought about my desire for spending time in natural environments. My soul needs nature; it is the most spiritual place for me. Besides my personal connection to nature, I love that we are all equal in nature. As I hike along a forest trail, I don’t know whether hikers I meet are wealthy or poor. Nature provides equal access to the magnificence of the rain forests, beaches, waterways, mountains, and other public lands.
It is said that God provides all that we need, and there is no charge. Nature does not create inequality or litter. There is no garbage - everything is used and recycled.
When I leave a city and enter nature, I experience the scents of evergreen forests, the salty sea, or fresh mountain air. Soft, earthy ground welcomes my feet. There is beauty everywhere.
I have enjoyed the river and beach in the following photos several times. I was amazed, on one occasion, that my husband and I were the only people on that gorgeous beach. An inexpensive Discovery Pass, plus transportation for the short trip from our home, was all that were needed.
The following two photos: Middle Fork Skokomish, Dead Man’s Cove, WA
Sure, people can bring their consumer lifestyle into nature. Fancy hiking poles, name brand parkas and backpacks. I recently saw an advertisement for a “wilderness adventure that only a lucky few can experience.” For a fee of a few thousand dollars per day (yes, you read that right), a helicopter drops off these “lucky few”, and a luxury tent awaits, along with a 5-star chef. No, my husband and I do not have a chef and glamping tent awaiting, but we create our own luxury adventure with no cost. A hand packed picnic of grilled salmon, fresh fruit, nuts, and other healthy edibles are enjoyed on a river or trail with magnificent views - and we have the place completely to ourselves.
For more on this type of appreciation of nature, I recommend reading Wilderness, The Gateway To The Soul: Spiritual Enlightenment Through Wilderness, by Scott Stillman. I connected with his books right away; he puts into words what I cannot.
It is definitely important to have proper equipment, food and water, and adequate clothing for the elements, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. My mother-in-law used a beautifully hand carved walking stick when out hiking.
I once foolishly left my cumbersome hiking poles in the car, thinking the trail would be easy and the annoying poles would not be required. When I realized well into the hike that I would need them to make my way back down the very steep path, my husband found a piece of tree branch for me to use. It guided me down the switch-backs on the steep hill perfectly.
After that experience, I decided to purchase foldable, easy to pack hiking poles.
No matter what negative actions humans are taking around the world, I have only to hike in one of the many natural places of the Pacific Northwest to remember what has been provided to each one of us to equally enjoy.
The following two photos were taken on last summer’s trip to Hurricane Ridge, WA
Access
My wish is for more people to acquire access to the beautiful natural spaces: transportation, passes, basic equipment. Spend time in nature wherever, and whenever, you can find it.
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