Embrace nature's wisdom

This isn't an attempt to inspire, nor a quick fix for relief; it's about the way life’s lessons are intricately woven with the potential for growth and understanding.

What I refer to as derived societal learning is the practice of observing the world without pre-existing notions or biases. Unfortunately, this form of learning is becoming increasingly rare, especially in an age dominated by the web. With the vast sea of information now so easily accessible, we've developed one of the most detrimental habits of our generation: endless scrolling. Scrolling doesn’t free the mind or provide true relaxation; it traps us in a cycle of superficial information with little to no value.

The issue lies in how little information accumulates without the depth or context needed to understand it fully. This leaves us struggling to process more complex thoughts, as we’re no longer accustomed to deep, reflective learning. Instead, we’re bombarded with fragmented pieces of data, each piece independent and disconnected from the next. This creates congestion in our minds, making it harder to digest and apply meaningful insights.

We end up crafting a mental collage of headlines and sound bites, using this as a template for our thoughts and conversations. This ultimately breeds boredom and frustration, leading us to take action—often without direction or purpose. These aimless actions spread across our culture, perpetuating cycles of repetition and a lack of real engagement.

Now, let’s shift to a different kind of learning, one that comes from nature, our timeless companion. Humans have evolved through experience, much of it rooted in nature. It has always been our teacher—answering questions, providing clarity, and giving us insights to share with others. Nature is a gift that continues to offer wisdom, and we must not only protect it but immerse ourselves in it.

The lessons nature offers are not easily erased from our being. The bonds we form in natural spaces become a part of who we are, shaping our character and creativity. Nature’s vibrant colors and textures become the palette from which we create. For artists, the outdoors presents an endless and rich canvas, full of potential beyond what we can imagine. When we forge a deep connection with nature, it becomes a lifelong companion, a trusted guide, and almost like a membership to an exclusive council that connects us to the core of our humanity.

This is why I emphasize the importance of hiking and spending time outdoors. Nature isn’t just a backdrop for adventure—it’s a crossroads of sounds, light, and textures, offering us moments of deep reflection. When we allow ourselves to pause and simply be in nature, we come closer to understanding the rhythms of life and how they can be applied to our daily routines.

In moments of darkness or uncertainty, nature becomes a familiar presence, lighting up the stones and mountain peaks we might otherwise overlook. It makes us pause and look in all directions, revealing new perspectives and helping us find our way through the unknown.

In essence, life is a continuous stream of lessons, and while our societal learning evolves, nature remains an eternal guide. It offers us clarity, direction, and a reminder of what it means to be truly alive.