The Balance of Power and Inspiration in Nature

Summary

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the contrasting aspects of nature, finding beauty and inspiration in both its powerful and gentle elements.

Abstract

The article delves into the author's fascination with the stark contrasts found in nature, from the might of Niagara Falls to the tranquility of a gentle stream. The piece reflects on the author's personal experiences with natural phenomena, such as the juxtaposition of a thunderstorm with a soft summer rain, and the subtle beauty of dewdrops on grass. It suggests that these contrasts are not only present in the external world but also resonate within the author's personal aesthetic, as seen in the interior design of their home. The author encourages readers to find their own moments of captivation in nature, whether it be observing a hummingbird or admiring a butterfly, and shares links to works by other writers that celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

Opinions

The author is captivated by the contrasts in nature, finding equal beauty in both powerful displays like thunderstorms and gentle scenes like a babbling stream.
Personal experiences, such as a morning walk with their dog, reveal the author's appreciation for the subtle details in nature, like sparkling dewdrops on grass.
The author believes that the contrasts in nature are mirrored in their own life, particularly in their home's interior design, which features contrasting colors that create a soothing yet dramatic effect.
There is an opinion that one does not need to visit a National Park to appreciate nature; beauty can be found in everyday natural scenes.
The author values the inspiration drawn from other writers' perspectives on nature, as evidenced by the mention of works by "pocket dessert" and "Long Lost."
The author expresses gratitude for the addition of a new column on nature in the publication 'Reciprocal,' indicating a personal interest in the subject and a desire for readers to engage with nature-themed content.

The Balance of Power and Inspiration in Nature

I am both awed by nature’s power and her gentleness

As far back as I can remember I’ve been intrigued by contrasts. Contrasting colors, textures, chords in music, and the contrast I see in the natural world all around. I’ve been to Niagara Falls, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and several other wonders of nature in my lifetime, but it’s the contrasts of these wonders against their opposites, or their lesser companions, that captivates me.

I can’t see a majestic waterfall, like the one pictured here, without immediately seeing its opposite, a babbling stream ambling gracefully over rocks and sticks in an unknown, undiscovered natural setting.

A ferocious thunderstorm with heavy pelting rain, whipping winds, and streaks of powerful ominous lightning, makes me yearn for the sight and sounds of a sudden, gentle rainfall on a lazy summer afternoon. One is torturous and elicits fears, while the other soothes me with its gentleness.

I think my mind enjoys both the contrast and the familiarity I find in opposites. Maybe I was just born to compare and contrast?

Even my home's interior is done in shades of light gray, and varying shades of blue and yellow, contrasted with black and dark gray pieces of furniture. I find it soothing, but also dramatic — like Ying and Yang, opposites with complimentary qualities.

This is what captivates me about nature, too.

This morning on my daily walk with our Shih-Tzu, Tucker, we came to a park where the water sprinklers were running and I noticed tiny droplets of water on the surface of the grass sparkling in the sunlight like millions of tiny diamonds. It was so subtle many would miss it, but I found it both beautiful and captivating and it made me smile as I thanked God I hadn’t missed it.

What natural scenes captivate you? Do you stop to admire a Hummingbird on a feeder? Do you pause to watch a butterfly land on a flower before it takes to flight again? Or, are you one that needs to go a National Park to appreciate nature? — I hope not.

I’d like to share another writer’s piece about the beauty of nature by the inspirational writer, pocket dessert. Her beautiful pictures and prose always inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Wake Up: Spring Is Redecorating, The Best Floral Party | by pockett dessert | SNAPSHOTS | Medium

Thank you Sahil Patel and Dr. Preeti Singh for adding this new column on nature to your wonderful pub, ‘Reciprocal.’

Thank you for reading and thoughtful writing everyone.

Reciprocal/Nature

The Balance of Power and Inspiration in Nature