To love the natural world of our environment is not difficult in view of the beauties and wonders that abound throughout our home planet. Whether we find a personal affinity with the earth, minerals, agriculture and other aspects of the material element or feel more drawn to the watery worlds of fishing, diving, sailing or aquaculture it is a matter of our own personality and inclinations. All the realms of nature can offer their own unique interest, to warrant our fascination and response of admiration and wonder, enough to maintain our lifelong focus on the exploration and enjoyment of the natural world around us.
The studies of one sphere or another is often associated with our activity of collecting samples. This was more evident in the 19C when collecting included such trophies as birds' eggs, insects and butterflies, and creatures of all kingdoms including animals from all over the far flung colonies of the times. With present understanding and greater sense of responsibility in not interfering with ecological systems this has been largely restricted to museums and research establishments rather than private collections. Public urge to collect natural specimens is discouraged and in many countries is illegal.
A new spirit of appreciation and preservation of natural life has been injected into the educational system of some countries and is applauded even though many scientists consider the effort comes too late to adjust the imbalances that material lifestyles have created through destruction of the environment and pollution problems. There are certainly wider issues beyond the personal activities and interests of individuals.
However, for the moment it is good to be aware of the unlimited range that Nature offers us to observe, to study and to respect as examples of the infinite variety of forms and energies that comprise the natural kingdoms for our hobbies, professional research or for our inspiration.
Many people and philosophies equate Nature with God and natural life as expressions of the cosmic consciousness. When considered synonymous then natural life is perceived as the outer garment of God as the poets, the Bible and many philosophers believe. Naturalists tend to agree that their religious nature finds easiest worship when focussed in the outdoors or in the wilderness rather than in man built churches and make their choices accordingly.
Our spiritual devotions are a private matter but it is clear that we need inspiration and best when we have a means of enhancing our appreciation of the wonders of natural life to avoid becoming imprisoned in the limitations of the man made world where material values dominate and the human ego establishes an artificial 'glass ceiling'.
When we are in direct contact with nature and natural life forms there is a light in the eyes - an eagerness and an innocence unequalled and perceived sometimes in those astronomers who study the stars, or in plant lovers in their gardens, or those who pursue the search for Nature's mysteries and secrets in the spheres of the earth, the air, the waters and the energies of fire. Whether it is by the instrument of the human eye alone or by microscope or telescope we are privileged to be able to perceive the natural wonders that abound.
The studies of one sphere or another is often associated with our activity of collecting samples. This was more evident in the 19C when collecting included such trophies as birds' eggs, insects and butterflies, and creatures of all kingdoms including animals from all over the far flung colonies of the times. With present understanding and greater sense of responsibility in not interfering with ecological systems this has been largely restricted to museums and research establishments rather than private collections. Public urge to collect natural specimens is discouraged and in many countries is illegal.
A new spirit of appreciation and preservation of natural life has been injected into the educational system of some countries and is applauded even though many scientists consider the effort comes too late to adjust the imbalances that material lifestyles have created through destruction of the environment and pollution problems. There are certainly wider issues beyond the personal activities and interests of individuals.
However, for the moment it is good to be aware of the unlimited range that Nature offers us to observe, to study and to respect as examples of the infinite variety of forms and energies that comprise the natural kingdoms for our hobbies, professional research or for our inspiration.
Many people and philosophies equate Nature with God and natural life as expressions of the cosmic consciousness. When considered synonymous then natural life is perceived as the outer garment of God as the poets, the Bible and many philosophers believe. Naturalists tend to agree that their religious nature finds easiest worship when focussed in the outdoors or in the wilderness rather than in man built churches and make their choices accordingly.
Our spiritual devotions are a private matter but it is clear that we need inspiration and best when we have a means of enhancing our appreciation of the wonders of natural life to avoid becoming imprisoned in the limitations of the man made world where material values dominate and the human ego establishes an artificial 'glass ceiling'.
When we are in direct contact with nature and natural life forms there is a light in the eyes - an eagerness and an innocence unequalled and perceived sometimes in those astronomers who study the stars, or in plant lovers in their gardens, or those who pursue the search for Nature's mysteries and secrets in the spheres of the earth, the air, the waters and the energies of fire. Whether it is by the instrument of the human eye alone or by microscope or telescope we are privileged to be able to perceive the natural wonders that abound.