INTPs and Nature

[Glordag]

While browsing around this forum, I haven't noticed a lot of discussion about nature, animals, or the outdoors. As a nature lover myself (though not as much in practice/habit these days ): ), I was curious as to whether other INTPs share a similar love.

I feel like nature is a great way to stimulate my Ne and also allows me to connect with my Fe and Fi, which is something I clearly lack otherwise. The same goes for music. There's just something about the patterns, beauty, diversity, and (often) peaceful setting of nature that does this for me. Some of my favorite things in life are long walks through the woods or a nice park, sitting on porch/patio during a rain, playing in the snow, canoeing, etc. I also love animals. Most people say I have "way" with animals, and I've even been told that I should have been a vet many times.

So, what about the rest of the INTPs around here?

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

I tend to lose appreciation for anything I do excessively. If I were to spend an inordinate amount of time outdoors, I'd quickly take it for granted. I don't so I still love my times outdoors. Hiking and canoeing were always favorite activities but I can't really do them anymore. I live now on the water and have a pier, one of the few areas of the east coast that get's a sunset over the water. I like going out there once or twice a week.

 

[SpaceYeti]

Nature is boring. Well, "nature" as in "the great out-doors". Nature as in "The universe" is pretty cool. Go thermodynamics!

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I enjoy nature for the serenity, aesthetics and overarching sense of mysticism. So, as expected, I prefer to think about it than to actually go outside. However I do like to just sit in parks and places with abundant trees, plants and busy people to take in the scenery. I've rarely been hiking or camping, I have to say I appreciated the trips more after I left than when I was there.

Oh and yes, I agree nature is very boring, lol. I can only detach and observe for a certain length of time before I become restless.

 

[Glordag]

I enjoy nature for the serenity, aesthetics and overarching sense of mysticism. So, as expected, I prefer to think about it than to actually go outside. However I do like to just sit in parks and places with abundant trees, plants and busy people to take in the scenery. I've rarely been hiking or camping, I have to say I appreciated the trips more after I left than when I was there.

Whoa. I never really thought of it this way. I must now question myself. *ponders*

 

[EyeSeeCold]

If you want to concern functions I agree that it's great to get in touch with your FiSe self through nature. Everyone in my family tells me that my dog likes me the most, of course that's because I spend the most time with him. But it seems that other dogs take a liking to me for some reason I can't explain, and sometimes I feel as though I can connect with other animals by looking into their eyes. It sounds weird but that's how I feel, I can't explain it.

 

[Dansk]

I love nature. Love love love love love love love. I simply can't get enough of it; even when I was working outdoors all day long as a gardener, I still wanted to spend my free time outside. Here in Korea, I go on lengthy hikes every single weekend and I jog up the small mountain outside my apartment every morning of the week. It keeps me in shape both physically and mentally; I always sit at the peak of the mountain and look down on the city for at least half an hour every day, it's my own form of meditation I suppose. I soak up the sounds of the world around me and pay special attention to watching the seasons change. In terms of that aspect of my life, I couldn't possibly be happier.

I think that's why shrooms are my favourite drug. The handful of times I've done them I felt a connection with nature that went way beyond anything else I've ever experienced. I just sat and watched trees dance in the wind, like they were performing some incredibly ancient, elaborate ritual just for my benefit. It was the first time I really became aware of the Earth as a living thing, and now I can't help but see it that way.

I simply can't connect with people who don't have at least a basic respect and admiration for nature, and I mean that quite seriously. I just don't form friendships with them, or at least they're of a very limited nature.

Animals are one of my favourite parts about being outside, and one of the biggest disappointments about Korea. There isn't a whole lot in the way of wildlife here, the bigger animals were driven out centuries ago, and all that's left are a handful of squirrels and some birds. I love birds, so I haven't been disappointed there, but I really miss Canada's incredible variety of wildlife.

Like others have mentioned in this thread, I have some sort of innate, deep connection with animals. Cats in particular seem to love me, which suits me just fine, since they're my favourite. I've literally never met a cat that didn't like me, with the exception of the very feral stray cats here in Korea that run away from anything and everything. One of the happiest feelings on Earth is having a purring cat in my lap.

Oh yeah, and I forgot the night sky. Jesus do I ever miss the night sky. Light pollution is evil.

 

[Jesse]

I like nature and I'm close to my cat. I also like going to the city just to experience the amount of people. Anywhere that life is happening I feel connected to.

 

[Anchorite]

Everything is natural. To say that something exists is to say it is natural. Humans, houses, airplanes, so yeah I love nature. In the sense you where actually talking about though as in plants and wild animals, I love that to. Nature encompasses all and I basically consider it my god.

 

[Glordag]

Everything is natural. To say that something exists is to say it is natural. Humans, houses, airplanes, so yeah I love nature. In the sense you where actually talking about though as in plants and wild animals, I love that to. Nature encompasses all and I basically consider it my god.

This is why I stated "nature", avoided the word "natural", and mentioned animals and wildlife.

I don't actually think that clarification was needed, but just in case you're actually serious, see definitions 2-4 and 15 from the following link:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nature

 

[Anchorite]

Nature = Natural. No need to hit me with your moody italics. Also I answered the question right afterword with just the type of response you where looking for.

 

[Glordag]

Nature = Natural. No need to hit me with your moody italics. Also I answered the question right afterword with just the type of response you where looking for.

Not moody, just there for emphasis. You made statements that seemed to indicate that I wasn't precise enough, so I figured I would address the issue but mention that I didn't think the clarification was necessary.

At any rate, glad you love nature (definitions 2-4, 15 from previous link), as well :P.

So far the responses aren't all that consistent. Interesting but not unexpected, I suppose.

 

[Anchorite]

You where just as precise as necessary. That's just how I do conversation.

 

[Glordag]

You where just as precise as necessary. That's just how I do conversation.

Sounds like a misunderstanding on my part. My apologies. I'm sure I'll catch on soon enough (: .

 

[knightofni]

Nature is so fascinating. I can stare at a leaf for hours, wondering how and why it is organized in its own particular way.

I also enjoy how there are so many perspectives to zoom in and out on... the universe itself, constructs in space, things your eyes can see (and things they can't), what a certain animal might have looked like before it adapted, tiny creatures in their own universe (like mites on mites), atoms, particles... Nature delivers endless curiosity.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I once gave some pop tart crumbs to a trail of ants. Then birds came and ate them.
I think I am the only person in the world to have wanted to avenge ants.

 

[Glordag]

I once gave some pop tart crumbs to a trail of ants. Then birds came and ate them.
I think I am the only person in the world to have wanted to avenge ants.

lol! I love it. Let's be honest, though. You were probably just mad you wasted some poptart (; .

I was walking out the door from work a bit ago, and took a second to reflect on the complete silence in the stairwell. It was wonderful. I definitely think that, in addition to the curiosities of nature, there's just something wonderful about the sense of peace from being away from people and their byproducts. I guess it's not unlike meditation, in a way.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Yeah you have clarity when you just step back and absorb the negative space of life. Too often we are surrounded by noise to really understand.

 

[nexion]

Nature is great, if, of course, other people don't spoil the serenity and peace derived from it.

 

[SQ_Minion]

My thoughts on nature are roughly the same as Emerson's.

 

[nexion]

My thoughts on nature are roughly the same as Emerson's.

That says much.

 

[Anchorite]

Emerson was cool. Save for the fact that he was a hypocrite.

 

[Glordag]

Emerson was cool. Save for the fact that he was a hypocrite.

It's a little off topic, but do you mind if I ask why? I don't know a ton about Emerson, but I'm interested.

 

[chuhulil]

I spend about an hour every week gardening. That's the extent of my relationship with nature.

 

[Reluctantly]

The best dream I ever had was a setting like the above. Except the trees weren't in any particular order, although spaced about twice as apart with no road. And there were many mounds of falled leaves to fill the rustic setting and a faint calming sound of what I thought to be a waterfall. It mixed in with the fresh air that was cold enough to wake up my senses and feel invigorating while I looked around in awe.

Nature is strange though. It can make you feel very alive, but at other times remind you how alone you are if positive human contact has been an altogether missing part of your life at the time. I'm not going to try to explain this, but I do love nature. If I am able to help it, I would like to find some place nice like the above that I can die in, instead of the brick walls and turbulence of masses of people fighting one another in their day-to-day lives. Similarly, my father once told me I should have been a vet because animals seem to have an easy time around me. I imagine having that as a job would not be so enjoyable though since it is the animal owners that would likely negate the perks of the job.

I feel a little weird sharing this on an internet forum with people I have never met before, but it doesn't seem to be a negative thought, so I guess it's alright.

 

[nexion]

The best dream I ever had was a setting like the above. Except the trees weren't in any particular order, although spaced about twice as apart with no road. And there were many mounds of falled leaves to fill the rustic setting and a faint calming sound of what I thought to be a waterfall. It mixed in with the fresh air that was cold enough to wake up my senses and feel invigorating while I looked around in awe.

Nature is strange though. It can make you feel very alive, but at other times remind you how alone you are if positive human contact has been an altogether missing part of your life at the time. I'm not going to try to explain this, but I do love nature. If I am able to help it, I would like to find some place nice like the above that I can die in, instead of the brick walls and turbulence of masses of people fighting one another in their day-to-day lives. Similarly, my father once told me I should have been a vet because animals seem to have an easy time around me. I imagine having that as a job would not be so enjoyable though since it is the animal owners that would likely negate the perks of the job.

I feel a little weird sharing this on an internet forum with people I have never met before, but it doesn't seem to be a negative thought, so I guess it's alright.

That post is beautiful... I wish I could truly feel "at one" with nature, but there is no immediate nature around me... no miles of woods that I could walk, think, and get truly lost in. That would be wonderful though. What a great paradox, of finding oneself in a place where they are hopelessly lost.

But nature is brutal. So despite all my reveries and romanticism, I will break that apart and say that, although nature is beautiful and mystical, it does not take favor in man nor beast. Indeed, nature is untameable. Roots will grow and destroy the bricks, water will come and break the houses. Oh, how I long to be in such presence and power... or to have the roots entangle my soul, or the waters to devour my body. How... grand. it is as though God has revealed his very Self in that, so much more than me. The subtly of beauty and brutality... oh, how I love thee!

 

[Glordag]

That post is beautiful... I wish I could truly feel "at one" with nature, but there is no immediate nature around me... no miles of woods that I could walk, think, and get truly lost in. That would be wonderful though. What a great paradox, of finding oneself in a place where they are hopelessly lost.

But nature is brutal. So despite all my reveries and romanticism, I will break that apart and say that, although nature is beautiful and mystical, it does not take favor in man nor beast. Indeed, nature is untameable. Roots will grow and destroy the bricks, water will come and break the houses. Oh, how I long to be in such presence and power... or to have the roots entangle my soul, or the waters to devour my body. How... grand. it is as though God has revealed his very Self in that, so much more than me. The subtly of beauty and brutality... oh, how I love thee!

Both of your posts are so wonderful. I think each of you captured the beauty and awe of nature so very well.

On the topic of death and loneliness - I think that lying down in a perfectly serene environment out in the woods or a field is a good way to really come to terms with things. I find it hard to be depressed in these settings. I guess when you strip life down to the bare essentials, you can really appreciate what is both extreme simplicity and endless complication.

 

[IfloatTHRUlife]

I also absolutely love nature, i just stare off into the trees and i fly off, i watch the breeze flowing through the leaves. Such beautiful colors everywhere you look. I am fascinated by plantlife in general, my mind runs free just thinking of their process of growth, how they absorb, store and use energy. Then my mind skips to a world veiw, how different plants are affected in different climates, how they adapt, what the adaptations make them look.

One of my favorite thoughts is that the entire world when you think about it, all the plants, animals, even us, it is all just a fungus for the lack of a better word, coating the earths surface, every inch of it.

This is also why i love marijuana, its such a beautiful plant, and its not like its a flower or soemthing, it is a weed, literally, it will grow absolutely anywhere that any other plant in the world will grow, aside from under water. And the different strains of marijuana, have different highs, the plants have little characteristic differences that are from originally being from differant parts of the world. For instance plants that originate from high land, the colder more moist air causes the plants to be more naturally small and condensed and have a shorter life cycle. They happen to give a more heavy bodily high. Marijuana that originates in warmer climates, even tropical climates, tends to be bigger more stretched out bushy plants with longer life cycles. These plants give you a more euphoric head high. Of course people have been "breeding" different marijuana from different areas and it has been mixed around so much that it is nearly impossible to say exactly what you are smoking.

Oh yeah, this thread was about nature, not getting high

Aside from plantlife, i do love animals, cats dogs snakes, varying types of lizards, mice, hampsters, guinea pigs. Pretty much whatever. Prefer cats or dogs of course, they just have the most personality. But you can never turn down a guinea pig.. with their little mouth always chewing all funny like and stuff with their blank gaze, so cute. you cant tell anyone i just said that though.. if you do.. i will assasinate your fifth born child.

 

[Geminii]

Nature, it seems, can be beautiful simply because there is no artifice to it. It is unfathomably huge and infinitesimally tiny; it grinds along its myriad uncountable paths at its own pace. It is pushed by the energy of stars and fundamental forces, and shall continue to move in precisely the same way today, tomorrow, and a trillion years after we die. There is a stability to it; a sense of timelessness, against which all human striving can be measured and found ephemeral.

And in the paths that it moves and the shapes it takes, there is Beauty.

 

[erlyn]

I love being surrounded by trees with a good book in my hands. The peace and quiet that being in nature provides is amazing. Unfortunately there is almost no part of the world that is unpolluted by human noise. I would love to find one of those rare spots and sit in the swelling silence that nature provides. That is the silence filled with beetles scuttling along the forest floor, the songs of birds. It is strange that something that is filled with so much noise provides such serenity.

The absolute best part of nature is not how it relates to me though. It is a testimony to God. The details in a blade of grass that will never be looked at that closely is a testimony to the care that God has for the littlest things. The grandeur of the mountains speaks to His majesty and glory. The stars in the heavens are so beautiful and they reflect the glory of God. I think that taking walks in nature and being surrounded by the glory and power that is nature helps us get to know God better.

 

[Anchorite]

It's a little off topic, but do you mind if I ask why? I don't know a ton about Emerson, but I'm interested.

Emerson was very well known in his time for a piece he wrote called "Nature."
Ayounger man named Henry David Thorough completely loved it, agreed with it, and followed what it said. Using Emerson as somewhat of a guide he picked up and moved out to the woods near Walden Pond. He wrote a book on his time there called "Walden."
Emerson and Thorough actually knew each other and Emerson made a point of saying several time that Thorough took it to far, even bringing it up in Thorough's eulogy, even though all he did was take Emerson's words to heart.
You get the vibe that he didn't actually believe what he was talking about.

 

[SQ_Minion]

Emerson was very well known in his time for a piece he wrote called "Nature."
Ayounger man named Henry David Thorough completely loved it, agreed with it, and followed what it said. Using Emerson as somewhat of a guide he picked up and moved out to the woods near Walden Pond. He wrote a book on his time there called "Walden."
Emerson and Thorough actually knew each other and Emerson made a point of saying several time that Thorough took it to far, even bringing it up in Thorough's eulogy, even though all he did was take Emerson's words to heart.
You get the vibe that he didn't actually believe what he was talking about.

Thoreau. Not "Thorough".

 

[nexion]

Thoreau. Not "Thorough".

I thought something sounded wrong.

 

[Anchorite]

Whatever.

 

[SQ_Minion]

Whatever.

That's the spirit!

 

[nexion]

Loving the avatar.

Whatever.

 

[Fiddling Lass]

I adore nature (and love animals; I have four dogs, two cats, and a gecko, and am seriously considering a career in zoology); sadly, I don't get many opportunities to get out and experience it. I suppose part of it is my own pickyness, but there is just nothing to be enjoyed in a suburban neighborhood with chemical'd lawns and a few trees around; I never actually go outside since there's nothing do, and more importantly, nothing to observe.

I know that if I lived in the woods or the country, or if there was a nice wee nature trail within walking distance of my house, I would spend much more time outdoors birdwatching and just sitting in trees and stuff. <3

 

[PossumOfTheGrotto]

Like everyone else on this thread, I love nature. It forms the backbone to my spiritual belief structure. I love being outside with a book or a camera, and often spend hours sitting outside or walking around thinking.

I think this love and adoration is imprinted in our type, because what greater system is there to investigate and understand than the natural world which we are a part of? And what are literature/science/philosophy/mathematics if not disciplines seeking to understand and explain facets of the natural world?

I suspect the INTP experience of nature, though, might be different than that of certain other types. I think we might have a tendency to examine, explore and appreciate what we see and feel, whereas certain other types may have a tendency to use it as a backdrop for their activities and experiences. (Those people who like nature because they like to competively race bikes or are running marathons, or those people who like to plan giant social events outdoors.)

I'm going to hazard a guess that most of the INTPs who say they like nature probably like to experience it the majority of the time in solitude and thoughtfulness (although who doesn't like a great bonfire now and then?) I suspect we have a tendency to get absorbed in it in a way that is reverential and appreciative, not to mention finding multiplied pleasure in a beautiful natural setting that enhances the experience of reading a good book or understanding an intricate contemplation.

 

[FabricatedSerenity]

It would irritate me highly whenever I saw trees or 'overgrown' bushes and plants cleared away for people to build their homes or expand businesses. I never did understand why people preferred a perfectly ordered garden as opposed to something more natural or overgrown.

I, personally, am interested in what humans can do to with archology. The fact that avoidance of activities because of potential problems never allows for something more, as opposed to exploration and solving those problems along the way is what dampens my irritation now.

 

[LPolaright]

I love nature at some cases.
When it is harmonic and beautiful, sometimes when it is destructive too.
But I hate it when it's dirty and filthy and the feel of it on my hands or skin.
I'm more of an observer when it comes to nature - although I do like snow very much (probably because here, in Israel, we don't get any at all).

I absolutely loath animals.

 

[Glordag]

Like everyone else on this thread, I love nature. It forms the backbone to my spiritual belief structure. I love being outside with a book or a camera, and often spend hours sitting outside or walking around thinking.

I think this love and adoration is imprinted in our type, because what greater system is there to investigate and understand than the natural world which we are a part of? And what are literature/science/philosophy/mathematics if not disciplines seeking to understand and explain facets of the natural world?

I suspect the INTP experience of nature, though, might be different than that of certain other types. I think we might have a tendency to examine, explore and appreciate what we see and feel, whereas certain other types may have a tendency to use it as a backdrop for their activities and experiences. (Those people who like nature because they like to competively race bikes or are running marathons, or those people who like to plan giant social events outdoors.)

I'm going to hazard a guess that most of the INTPs who say they like nature probably like to experience it the majority of the time in solitude and thoughtfulness (although who doesn't like a great bonfire now and then?) I suspect we have a tendency to get absorbed in it in a way that is reverential and appreciative, not to mention finding multiplied pleasure in a beautiful natural setting that enhances the experience of reading a good book or understanding an intricate contemplation.

Yes! I agree completely with this entire post .

 

[Cavallier]

Too often we are surrounded by noise to really understand.

My parents own a home in the mountains and though there is a highway close to their house it's hardly used. It's so incredibly quiet. Everywhere else seems so loud in comparison. Plus, the light pollution is low so I can actually see the Milky Way. The Perseid meteor show is spectacular most years.

Emerson was very well known in his time for a piece he wrote called "Nature."
Ayounger man named Henry David Thorough completely loved it, agreed with it, and followed what it said. Using Emerson as somewhat of a guide he picked up and moved out to the woods near Walden Pond. He wrote a book on his time there called "Walden."
Emerson and Thorough actually knew each other and Emerson made a point of saying several time that Thorough took it to far, even bringing it up in Thorough's eulogy, even though all he did was take Emerson's words to heart.
You get the vibe that he didn't actually believe what he was talking about.

Thoreau was a bit of a hypocrite himself. (People care to much about hypocrisy) While he was busy living in nature and journaling the experience in Walden he was also walking into town to get dinner every night and to visit his friends. Sometimes when he didn't feel like marching back out to his cabin he'd stay with friends for a few days. He wasn't the reclusive nature amateur he billed himself as.


I find peace and a place to think in nature. I'm an active person and I enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping. Though, I admit I enjoy a nice hot shower and an indoor toilet a lot. I don't need these things but I miss them and get grumpy when I don't have them for long periods of time. I was lucky enough to have one of those picturesque childhoods in which I grew up surrounded my nature and not much else. I lived the first 10 years of my life in Alaska where my closest neighbor was several miles away. My house was surrounded by a forest with a ridge running along two thirds of it. I really hated that ridge because it was covered in an impenetrable (for a 7 year old) thorn covered wall of wild rose bushes. I wanted to know what was on the other side of that ridge but I couldn't get through the bushes. My mom and I would pick Rose Hips to put in my mom's current jelly every year on that ridge. A small bog was about 4 miles away where we would pick Lingonberries (apparently it's native to Sweden?) and moose traveled through regularly. A small lake was about 5 files away in the opposite direction where you could go ice-fishing though I never did because it was so ridiculously cold when the wind blew across it. My best friend's little brother drowned in that lake one year because he thought he could walk across it in March and he fell through the ice. There was a female grizzly that would travel through every two years or so with a new cub in tow. There weren't many children around and my closest friend was a golden retriever. I spent countless hours between the bog, the woods, the ridge, and the lake. I tromped through the forest with my dog, building snow forts, avoiding Moose, finding tadpoles, fighting mosquitoes, watching my dog hunt Lemmings, making tepees out of small fallen trees, sledding down the ridge, picking berries, and doing a bunch of other stuff I don't remember right now.

Thanks for giving me an opportunity to ramble a bit about that place. It is a place I visit in my head when I'm stressed out and I need to calm down. I'm certain I'm romanticizing it but I do remember loving it there though I was a little lonely as a child.

When I turned 11 my family moved to the Gulf Coast of the United States. I lived through several hurricanes and floods. Nature was entirely different there. On the one hand it was less harsh and easier to live in day to day. Then, nature would set the oak tree in the front yard on fire when lightening struck it or would try to carry away your house in a flood or blow it down in a hurricane. The animals that could kills you were much smaller and were poisonous instead of simply having huge claws and teeth. Fleas. 'Nuff said. Sometimes at night when I went swimming at my grandmother's house there were these tiny little bio-luminescent creatures that would light up around you in pink, green, and blue when you moved. It was beautiful and fascinating. There were a few sea turtles that would lay their eggs on the stretch of beach by my grandmother's house. The sunsets where spectacular.

So, it's safe to say that I've had a close relationship with the outdoors from an early age. I feel more at home in the woods and on the beach than I do in cities or towns. I dream of having a cottage in the mountains near where I live now. However, I miss having the culture and the ease of life that comes from living in a metropolis. I miss museums, art galleries, restaurants, and concert halls. I miss pubs, beer, good conversation, and libraries. I miss well maintained roads, hospitals, and clinics. I miss toilet paper. It's hard to make a choice. Ultimately, I'd like to retire to the cottage in the woods after I've had my fill of culture and liveliness. I'll take a few books, grow a garden, have a few goats and chickens, and settle.

Bler. Congratulations to anybody who actually read all that.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I have no problem with Big City life, to me that's just as natural as the grassy outdoors. The harmonious flow of honking cars, barking dogs, the chatter of the people bustling to and fro, and the big yellow moon shimmering in the foggy night sky...all of it can be alluring when done right.

 

[Glordag]

My parents own a home in the mountains and though there is a highway close to their house it's hardly used. It's so incredibly quiet. Everywhere else seems so loud in comparison. Plus, the light pollution is low so I can actually see the Milky Way. The Perseid meteor show is spectacular most years.



Thoreau was a bit of a hypocrite himself. (People care to much about hypocrisy) While he was busy living in nature and journaling the experience in Walden he was also walking into town to get dinner every night and to visit his friends. Sometimes when he didn't feel like marching back out to his cabin he'd stay with friends for a few days. He wasn't the reclusive nature amateur he billed himself as.


I find peace and a place to think in nature. I'm an active person and I enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping. Though, I admit I enjoy a nice hot shower and an indoor toilet a lot. I don't need these things but I miss them and get grumpy when I don't have them for long periods of time. I was lucky enough to have one of those picturesque childhoods in which I grew up surrounded my nature and not much else. I lived the first 10 years of my life in Alaska where my closest neighbor was several miles away. My house was surrounded by a forest with a ridge running along two thirds of it. I really hated that ridge because it was covered in an impenetrable (for a 7 year old) thorn covered wall of wild rose bushes. I wanted to know what was on the other side of that ridge but I couldn't get through the bushes. My mom and I would pick Rose Hips to put in my mom's current jelly every year on that ridge. A small bog was about 4 miles away where we would pick Lingonberries (apparently it's native to Sweden?) and moose traveled through regularly. A small lake was about 5 files away in the opposite direction where you could go ice-fishing though I never did because it was so ridiculously cold when the wind blew across it. My best friend's little brother drowned in that lake one year because he thought he could walk across it in March and he fell through the ice. There was a female grizzly that would travel through every two years or so with a new cub in tow. There weren't many children around and my closest friend was a golden retriever. I spent countless hours between the bog, the woods, the ridge, and the lake. I tromped through the forest with my dog, building snow forts, avoiding Moose, finding tadpoles, fighting mosquitoes, watching my dog hunt Lemmings, making tepees out of small fallen trees, sledding down the ridge, picking berries, and doing a bunch of other stuff I don't remember right now.

Thanks for giving me an opportunity to ramble a bit about that place. It is a place I visit in my head when I'm stressed out and I need to calm down. I'm certain I'm romanticizing it but I do remember loving it there though I was a little lonely as a child.

When I turned 11 my family moved to the Gulf Coast of the United States. I lived through several hurricanes and floods. Nature was entirely different there. On the one hand it was less harsh and easier to live in day to day. Then, nature would set the oak tree in the front yard on fire when lightening struck it or would try to carry away your house in a flood or blow it down in a hurricane. The animals that could kills you were much smaller and were poisonous instead of simply having huge claws and teeth. Fleas. 'Nuff said. Sometimes at night when I went swimming at my grandmother's house there were these tiny little bio-luminescent creatures that would light up around you in pink, green, and blue when you moved. It was beautiful and fascinating. There were a few sea turtles that would lay their eggs on the stretch of beach by my grandmother's house. The sunsets where spectacular.

So, it's safe to say that I've had a close relationship with the outdoors from an early age. I feel more at home in the woods and on the beach than I do in cities or towns. I dream of having a cottage in the mountains near where I live now. However, I miss having the culture and the ease of life that comes from living in a metropolis. I miss museums, art galleries, restaurants, and concert halls. I miss pubs, beer, good conversation, and libraries. I miss well maintained roads, hospitals, and clinics. I miss toilet paper. It's hard to make a choice. Ultimately, I'd like to retire to the cottage in the woods after I've had my fill of culture and liveliness. I'll take a few books, grow a garden, have a few goats and chickens, and settle.

Bler. Congratulations to anybody who actually read all that.

That was fantastic! Very moving, honestly. I wouldn't have stopped reading it if it were pages longer.

 

[phial]

I love nature because of its ego-less pure "is"-ness. Everything just is how it should be. It's like the geometry of space springing upwards. Fractals are everywhere.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I love nature because of its ego-less pure "is"-ness. Everything just is how it should be. It's like the geometry of space springing upwards. Fractals are everywhere.

I like way you said it's ego-less. In a way - people-less but really just devoid of selfish control.

 

[indigofireflies]

I love nature. I could never in the city for longer than a few months because I would miss the greenery, chlorophyll, perfect systems and... ah! I am infatuated.

I'm very strongly an animal lover -- and a cat lady. I'm also a vegetarian. :] Nature just blisses me out. I always think better in the middle of the woods then anything.

 

[JarNew]

I love nature, I was raised with nature, nature became my escape after drug abuse.

I came from nature, nature inspires me, nature is me, I am nature, nature is my home.

The greenery of nature has a natural calming affect on the brain. The browns are also neutral. The gray of rocks are also a neutral color.

You hear the birds chirp, you hear the water you see the water, if your senses are developed enough, you can smell the water.

If you're healthy bugs don't attack you. If you're walking in nature, you're getting healthier.

Just by being there

There are so many activities you can do which also involve being out in nature. Mushroom hunting and identification, rock climbing, hiking, rock identification.

I can't wait for spring. [Hope spring's eternal]

 

[Stoic Beverage]

I don't love nature, so much as I love being surrounded by it. I almost never get to get out for a nice walk in the woods (or anywhere, for that matter) due to school and the fact I live in a suburb. On the rare occasion that I do get out alone, It's great. I take no direction, but simply ruminate over the fact that when I'm here, alone, I am surrounded by life more than I am anywhere else. Then a jogger comes by with a ringing cell phone and ruins the moment.

 

[Polaris]

I just spent a week up in the mountains staring at weeds with seven other nerds/nature-lovers in the pouring rain. Talk about personality-change. I even made a new friend.

I highly recommend nature for getting out of one's shell. There's stuff everywhere to talk about. However, as talking seems somewhat superfluous in nature silence is accepted as a general medium of communication.