Grappling With Nature Series - No. 11 (Appreciating the Diversity of Nature) | Mixed Media Project

In order to appreciate someone or something, one must understand that person or thing. What unique qualities do that person or thing possesses that draws you in and want to explore more? Or is it merely a calming presence that the person or thing brings to your life.

I often ask myself why I love nature when certain aspects of it I detest? First, I appreciate that all things on this Earth was placed here for a reason. The reason wasn't fully influenced by the personal desires or needs of humans. Nature has its own ecosystem that thrives in harmony with humans as we both share this space.

Nature doesn't need humans' permission to exist. But it does, to a certain extent, need humans to thrive. When humans damage the natural ecosystem, then nature suffers from the abuse that can be short and long term.

When I think of arsonist who set wildfires, I think of all who depend upon it for their survival. Not only is the physical landscape damaged sometimes beyond repair, but also the numerous species robbed of their home.

We're always reminded that we must support and appreciate nature. Well, does nature support and appreciate humans? you may ask. Definitely, it does in ways which are seen and unseen. It's a reciprocal relationship.

But how can humans support nature if they don't understand or appreciate it?

First, for years research has strongly suggested that exposure to nature can lower stress, improve memory, boost your immune system and lessen depression, among other benefits ¹.

Numerous ways exist that individuals can learn to appreciate nature.

Using Your Senses
The same five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch that allow you to sense the world can be used in combination to appreciate nature. See the subtle change from one season to the other. Hear the various sounds of small animals as they scurry about doing their work that causes you to pause and check out their amusing behavior.

Or, listen to the sweet melodies or song birds or protective, warning sounds. Listen carefully to rain and smell its woodsy aroma. Taste and enjoy the fruits of nature. Feel the wind blow cold or cool. ²

Appreciate Mindfully
Slow your steps. Stroll for pleasure and enjoy. Then, think small as you notice tiny details you've previously overlooked. Finally, change your point of view from something you've seen before. Look at it with fresh eyes. ³

Distant From Nature. No Problem
In today's society, social distancing is prevalent with the onset of various viruses that demanded we practice safe gatherings. And we must always be mindful of theses rules and regulations to keep ourselves, families, neighbors, and others healthy. However, even from a distance and right in our own neighborhood, one can better appreciate nature.

Advocate Health Care states that we're extremely lucky in the sense that we can appreciate nature wherever we are. Our backyard. Watching television. Viewing from our computer or streaming services on our devices. Or even on our busy apartment’s city blocks. Here's how:

• Walk outside. This also supports health and mental well-bring, taking precautions to keep safe. While doing to, take pictures of your ventures.

• Watch a nature documentary. Now, this is exactly my style. I remember the popular series on a cable channels titled "The Discovery Channel". Nature documentaries provide a break from busy schedules where you can relax and learn about nature. Another series titled "One Earth" is also a good source of information.

• Start a garden. If you're not allergic to the outdoor pollen, dust, or dirt. Growing food and native plants is a great way to connect with nature. Indoors, there are ways to garden. A family member started one where the vegetables are grown under an ultra-violent light. I was thoroughly surprised at the outcome. Her motivation: the rising price of produce and ensuring that the only hands to touch them is hers.

• Become a citizen scientist: Help contribute to scientific research by working on projects. The Wildwatch Burrowing Owl project is one, where you observe and classify owl behavior, which helps contribute to their conservation.

• Birdwatch: If you have a yard, set up a bird feeder viewable from a window, just make sure you know what to feed them. Audubon’s bird watching app can help you identify and track bird sightings. Invite family or friends.

• Listen to nature. Lastly, search YouTube or other music streaming platforms for nature sounds. They’re perfect for relaxing, meditating, or any other mindfulness exercise. I do this every day when at the computer. I choose soothing sounds that don't interrupt my thoughts and help with my creative process, such as designing this collage for my nature series.¹

Given these tips, I find it hard pressed to conjure up an excuse for not appreciating nature. I hope you find these tips useful.

For my current mixed media art project, I wanted to continue exploring my nature series. I'm almost finished as I'm focused on emerging from fears and appreciating its diversity.

The focal point of my design I retrieved from a free-sourced image of a female surrounded by nature. The background color is a soft peach, together with pink, colors that elicit calmness. The scene is already colorful, so I decided not to add too many images as I wanted the focus to be on the female as you say "smelling the roses".

I also included two stable diffusion images, a flower from StarryAI; and a flock of black birds from Night Cafe.

Below are my steps in which I utilized Canva, my design program, to blend the different type images. Starting with a blank, white canvas. I added layers of elements to facilitate the blending process in the scene.

Other images I included are listed below that depicts a positive view of nature. Flowers, of course, are among those.

^{Female ~ Pelican ~ Black Ant ~ Red Ant ~ StarryAI-Bronze Flower ~ Dove in tree ~ Night Cafe-Black Birds ~ Painted Easter Egg ~ Cloud - @justclickindiva ~ Night Cafe-Synthesis Swirl}