Humans and our natural connections

by Jeanne Frost; Featured Contributor

The way most humans speak of nature gives the mistaken impression that nature is a seperate entity. It's thought of as a place we go to escape our “normal” lives. One problem with that perspective is that our “normal” lives aren't normal or natural for us. But there's much more to it than that.

In fact, there are many “Aha” connections that some of us are not making in respect to the natural world.

-The largest of these is that we are nature. We are not exclusive of nature. We can't visit it, like it's our long lost cousin because we are it.

-Some of you may not like to admit it but we are animals. Humans are natural animals which means we were designed to roam free like all animals. When we crave nature, what we are actually craving is the natural life we were meant to live.

-Our environmental downfall stems from denying that natural life. We are living false lives of our own invention. This creates the disconnect that is killing us all.

-It's no coincidence that natural foods are best for humans. Humans are a part of nature. Therefore, they are best sustained by naturally occurring foods.

-The foods best for humans are also the foods best for the planet. Literally anything, barring poisonous plants, that grows from the earth and is not manipulated or altered is good for humans. No plant food is unsustainable.

-The processes used to manufacture man-made foods destroy the planet. So, whether it's salad in a box or canned anything or even vegan hot dogs, it's bad for the natural environment, which includes you.

-It's not just about food. Everything that sustains humans also sustains the planet and all other living things. So living a sustainable lifestyle keeps you, the planet and everything on it healthy.

-In the same respect, everything that's bad for the planet is also bad for humans and all the other animals living on it.

What does all this mean? Should we go all out cave dweller or sleep in the trees? Of course not. For one thing, it's doubtful there are enough caves or trees for all of us to live in. Also, we have adjusted to this new way of life. Which is just a polite way of saying we're a bunch of wimps and would never survive.

Still, we can learn from our natural connections. If it causes harm to the planet, it will cause harm to us, either now or later. So, as much as possible, we should choose to live a lifestyle that sustains the natural world we are part of.

P.S.- Can we please stop referring to nature and the animal kingdom as if we humans were not a part of either? We are animals. We are nature. And the sooner we admit that and act upon it, the better our chance for survival becomes.