The Times They Are A-Changing
A note from Chris Korrow

There is something I’ve seen in each person who has an intimate relationship with nature, and it increases exponentially with the strength of their connection—they are more adaptable.

Most people look at our relationship with nature simply in terms of environmental issues. But our connection (or disconnection) with the natural world goes far beyond a material relationship.

Concerns we face in society, revolve largely around money, time, position and fulfilling our material desires, yet the issues most prevalent in nature are balance, living life in the moment, understanding ones place in the surrounding environment, and finding satisfaction with what already exists.

Consider this—by increasing your relationship with nature you double your ability to problem solve.

The benefits of a closer connection with nature are underrated by our present society, but if we look a little closer at just one aspect of this connection, perhaps we can see how something so subtle can be immensely empowering, especially in these times.

Sustainability.
We look at this as an issue, yet in reality it is a statement, a natural law, if you will. Those who understand this concept incorporate it into their lives in a broad sweeping manor. If we look at sustainability from the point of view of energy and food, the way that we sustain these (two of the most important influences in our lives) in our society is simply by sustaining a consistent flow of money.

However, someone who understands sustainability, has a backup—solar energy and a garden. This accomplishes two things. In times of prosperity, a substantial amount of money is saved, which gives the opportunity to invest even more in other sustainable endeavors. Second, if there is a decline in money because of an economic downturn, the loss of a job, or even an injury, the impact is not nearly as difficult.

Most would then say that a mortgage or rent are far more of an issue than the cost of energy and food. But this plays also into the issue of sustainability and another natural law—which is balance. The story of the squirrel storing up nuts for the winter is a good metaphor for nature’s economy. There is no such thing as actual debt in nature, there is balance, and one of the main difficulties we face in this society is living right on the edge of, or above our means. This all works well for a while, as long as things proceed in a linear, predicable fashion. But there is another natural law that in short says—They don’t!

These are just some the very basic advantages that a person has who has a greater connection with nature, and just a few small examples as to how such a person is more adaptable.

Peace and Blessings,

Chris Korrow