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Nature is all around us. From the tallest mountain to the most obscure insect, it includes every living and non-living thing on earth. So, what is the meaning of nature?
The meaning of nature, or the natural world includes living and non-living things on Earth, as well as its processes and phenomena. It encompasses the physical and biological, including plants, animals, oceans, mountains, and the atmosphere. And it comprises natural processes, like weather, erosion, and the water cycle.
Nature can also refer to the inherent characteristics and qualities of something, such as the nature of a person or animal, or the nature of a substance. In this sense, nature can be thought of as the fundamental or essential qualities that define something and distinguish it from other things.
To grasp the meaning of nature, we have to understand the importance of the landscape just beyond our doorstep. We must not forget we are part of the ecosystem and are just as dependent on nature as the natural environment is on us.
Let’s discover more about the meaning of nature in the whirlwind of life.
Why Nature is Important
Karen Ellis, the Chief Advisor for Economics and Development at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said that if we start to understand the value of nature to our society and economy, we will recognise the weight of living in harmony with nature.
Nature sustains everything that we do, which can easily be forgotten. Consider this. Do you wonder where your water comes from when you wash away your day in the shower? Do you acknowledge the air you breathe while running? Or the delicious ingredients on your plate when you are hungry?
Sadly, because nature is free – we often forget that it is the very reason we exist and how it impacts our lives in more ways than one.
The Importance of Preserving and Protecting Nature
More-and-more we are growing aware of the importance of preserving and protecting nature. The loss of natural habitats and biodiversity due to human activity has been linked to a range of environmental and social issues, including climate change, soil degradation, and the spread of diseases. As such, many people and organisations are working to preserve and restore natural areas.
According to the WWF, biodiversity is the foundation of life on earth. It is the variety of all living things, the ecosystems they form, and the services they provide. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity can have serious consequences.
Yes, we are constantly faced with global warming issues – and how the world is taking a turn for the worst – and it is often a hard pill to swallow. But to understand the meaning of nature, we need to consider how it impacts our daily lives mentally and physically.
Health Benefits of Nature
Nature keeps our bodies and minds balanced. Thus, nature has several health benefits, both physical and mental.
Some of the physical benefits of spending time grounded in nature include:
● Improved cardiovascular health
Studies have shown that spending time grounded in nature can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
● Increased immune function
Exposure to green spaces can be linked to an increase in white blood cells, which help to fight off illness.
● Improved mental health
Being in natural surroundings reduces stress, improves mood, and can help to avoid depression and anxiety.
In addition to these physical benefits, nature can also have positive effects on mental health. Spending time in nature can help boost self-esteem, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. It can also provide a sense of connection and belonging that can be a source of inspiration and creativity.
Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function.
Jim Robbins, Yale Environment 360
Nature—A Direct Link to Joy
We are on a constant search for something. And while you sometimes have a better idea of what you want than friends or colleagues, the venture to success, money, love or happiness is on everyone’s mind. And the crazy thing is they are all concepts that live outside nature, yet are influenced by it.
Andy Puddicombe, the founder of Headspace, speaks about doing nothing in his TedTalk: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes. The interesting idea behind this is we look after our material sides, but forget the impact of nature on our minds, ambitions and dreams. Alluding to the fact that the further we move away from nature, the more detached we become from our own lives.
Nature is what grounds us. It is a place where everything slows down, where we regain focus and feel happy. Nature is complex in its simplicity, much like we are.
Finding an Equilibrium
What is the meaning of nature is a complex question. Nature is an interconnected system that includes all living and non-living things on earth, as well as the physical processes that shape the planet. It is a source of beauty, inspiration, and wonder, and serves as an important resource for our health and well-being. With an increasing awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting nature, it is up to each of us to find ways to connect with and care for the natural world around us.