N is for Nature
Contemplating
about life, environment and nature’s unique manifestations in a fresh narrative
is an interesting and challenging intellectual exercise. When the inspiration emanates
from ABC Wednesday’s next letter theme, it becomes more special. This week,
I’ve chosen the vast reservoir of mother nature vis a vis our everyday life, to
write a critique upon. It is a subject, which keeps afloat the subtle sense of
wonder in my receptive psyche. The cyclic aspect of natural phenomenon is inextricably
linked to the structure of our lives on this earth. Moreover, the very
consciousness of this thought makes it worth writing about.
Think of the
arrival of spring. It’s symbolic of the revival
of hope, beauty and well-being in the larger context of our lives. All living
organisms breathe the glamor of the season and grow. When spring‘s verdure spreads
its magical wings, it overlooks our inadequacies and invites us to join in the
rejoicing. Its abundant profile shrouds warts and all under its lush green
shawl, presenting an image of idyllic splendor. All the eyesores of winter are
dressed up in the glow and glory of glistening freshness of new leaves, out to
conquer the world with its renewed energy and colorful appeal.
Likewise, we
too are infected with the innocent smiles of leisurely opening rose petals and
resurgent plant life. The joy of being alive amidst such charm and loveliness loosens
the wintry stiffness of the limbs, while injecting the sap of vitality. We
strut about with a streak of confidence and assume a sort of amnesia about the
issues that plagued us during winter. The glorious spring inspires us to reach
our goals as the barrenness of the winter has been morphed into flower and
fertility. Our lives turn around, projecting a beefed up enthusiasm for concreting our dreams. Depression and despair take to their heels in the face
of childlike excitement of moving around gleaming greenery.
The rainy
season soaks the parched earth of sweltering summers with the lifesaving tonic of
blissful showers. Flora and fauna rejuvenate after weathering the
stifling heat. Monsoon rains replenish the drying water bodies; wash the dust
and grime of summer’s dusty storms and serve as a boon for the farmers of our
lands. In the freshly washed atmosphere, the sky looks luminous and surreal at
night. Glowworms with their peculiar twinkle warm our hearts and make us wonder
at the spontaneity of this change. The artists in all fields set about
finishing their products with renewed zeal.
Winter has
its own distinctive character in India.We bask in the golden sunshine and
savor healthy sweet meets loaded with nuts and dry herbs to strengthen our
immunity. Availability of plenty of fresh vegetables is an added attraction.
Autumn in
the West is a season of shimmering colors and festivities. The charm of flaming red orange and brown
foliage leaves one speechless.
Nature is a
teacher, pious and all encompassing. The conscious mind drinks deep the
luxuriance of its very presence. Even for the uninitiated, absorbed in the
throes of life’s constant battles, it soothes his journey by throwing joyfully
free interjections from time to time. Nature doesn’t discriminate and gifts its
wares betwixt one and all equally.
Negativity has no place in its scheme of
things. It never grumbles or shows furrows of contempt on its visage. It never
throws innuendos and invectives to score fake points. It doesn’t intimidate. It
never gnaws our insides with faceless fears. Lip service is never on its
agenda. Miraculous benefits, which
accrue from this interface, reinforce our resolves.
Taking lessons from the resilience of mother
earth and brushing aside the irritants and hurdles, we're motivated to surge ahead on the road
of life. Our ancestors must have been unknowingly enthused by the proximity to
nature to face the dark dangers of their tough existence. Their
relatedness to nature must have boosted their spirits into pro activity. Perhaps
this is how our ancestors survived and kept climbing the steps of the ladder of
progress and innovation.
Changes in
nature and natural phenomenon run parallel to our enigmatic sojourn here.
Friends, welcome here as always!
Mother nature and her vast and varied forms, beautifully expressed Uppalji.
ReplyDeleteNice notes on nature, we know yet we often tend to forget. Reading this was good for me. :)
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteNature, too, is the great leveller, putting is in our place, uncompromisingly fierce...and no less majestic or awesome for it! A wonderfully reflective post Uppal-ji! YAM xx
Absolutely correct Yamini! "uncompromisingly fierce" Oh, yes!
DeleteA force of Nature is a force to be reckoned with....I love the changing seasons, particularly Autumn.
ReplyDeleteWe once motored up the east coast of Scotland to the Balmoral Estate, where our Queen has Balmoral Castle. The colours of the changing leaves and mountainside were stupendous,
a natural phenomenon I shall never forget.
I enjoyed your writing most interesting read,
thank you.
Best wishes, Di,
Abcw team.
B
I wish more treasured the earth as you do
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
A great tribute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and positive post!
ReplyDelete