Becoming One with Nature, part 2

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Benevolent Awakening ✨🌳🌿🎨🖼️✨🌿

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Q: What is our relationship with nature? And why is it important?

A: Connecting with nature nurtures our humanity, as it awakens our senses, brings new perspectives and uplifts the spirits.

From walks in green forests to breathing in the fresh air and sunlight, to literally stopping to smell the roses, refreshes the mind, body, and soul.

And then there are artists whose art-throughout the ages-captures this energizing beauty of nature, and in turn, their art enlightens humanity through its wonder yet consistency in understanding the meaning and purpose of human life.

Nature captured in artwork has been around as long as humans. Like this 15th century Chinese painting (Li Bai gazing at the waterfall on Mount Lu, MET).

Nature expressed in various art forms captures colourful history, storytelling the ways it has stayed the same while people live out their lives and sometimes dramas over the centuries that unfold.

Here is an ancient Chinese poem that centers around a mountain, expressing a profound human experience:

Enlightenment on a Mountain 🌿🧘‍♀️🗻🫖

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不识庐山真面目，只缘身在此山中。

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Why can’t I tell the true shape of Mount Lu?

Because I myself am in the mountains.

Su Shi (1037-1101)

Translation: "The poet wrote down this observation when he visited the famous Mount Lu. Oftentimes we fail to see matters clearly while amidst problems. Stepping out of the situation and looking at the bigger picture can lead us to find the solution." (28 Ancient Chinese Poems About Hope and Beauty).