Come a little closer. Don’t miss the details in nature. You have to look with open eyes, and, yes, with an open mind and heart to see those seemingly insignificant micro elements on a closer level.
Our planet is a wonderful creation. It holds so much we as humans cannot even fully grasp. We think we are a huge part of this earth we call home. Living in our own little worlds, we might seem large and important. However, as part of this planet as a whole, we as humankind are such a tiny part.
Nature rules. Nature is powerful. And nature will never cease to amaze us, no matter how technologically advanced we might get. And when you reflect upon it: Even many of our technological innovations are inspired by mother earth’s natural creations. Because, after all, nature will always be the basis. For everything. In everything.
Art of Nature – Imperfectly Perfect
You know the old saying: Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Like most all aphorisms, this is something we can all agree on. But what does our eye see? What do we focus on? Do we look at the big picture, the surface? Or, do we look deeper? For sheer beauty also lies in the minor details that allow us to discover, realize, and appreciate the wonderful creations of nature. Those are so perfect in such an imperfect way that we might wonder if we as human artist will ever be able to compete with the art of nature.
And this art is effortless. It is authentic, raw, absolutely real – in the deepest, truest way. Look at this tree’s trunk, its lines show its pure existence even though it might seem lifeless to us. A tranquil beauty – at first sight that is. But there, in the growth rings, is a story – of good growing seasons, and those of drought and struggle, of injury and survival. And the abstract beauty of the cracks and splits from drying. Oh, if only we could zoom in even deeper; we would see and capture the living organisms that are part of the ever-changing, ever amazing botanical world.
What the Mind Is Capable of Seeing
What do you see? When taking on the micro perspective, it is mind-boggling how many subtle creations nature allows us to see. It’s an “Aha!” moment, showing once more how nature can literally fool us – and surprise us in the same second. Look closely at the roots on the right side of the photo. What do these roots look to you? I am sure we all have an image in mind. Does the “Aha!” moment strike?
As stunning as the macro level – of photography – might be; the micro level is where the true beauty and especially wonders of our world come apparent. This is where they also come alive. So, we zoom in to shift our individual focus from a more static perception of the whole to endless moving, living micro levels.
Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein
It is this micro level, the look almost under the surface, that reveals the buzzing life that usually remains hidden to us – and much still cannot be seen with the human eye. Because we can only see so far, so deep. We have to make an effort to uncover and explore the actual heart of nature that is beating far beneath our general macro level perception. It goes beyond that – just like the roots of this tree. And even farther. If we ever want to try to understand our world’s natural creations, we need to be patient, yet determined to look for them. The amazing, even drastic, change of perspective that comes with it is inevitable.
Life on a Deeper Level
The closeup of a dragonfly reveals its graceful beauty.
Nature can look so incredibly calm and majestic when we view it from a more “zoomed out,” macro perspective. But, in fact, nature is always moving; it never really sleeps. This is where its unpredictability comes from. We think we know it all, when truly, and humbly speaking, we do not. And, behold, we are far from having “seen it all”. As all too often in life, nature challenges us to change our perspectives. What we could perceive as a small, easy-to-crush dragonfly appears as a powerful, elegant, even fearsome, marvel of nature’s engineering when we “zoom in.” Perspective.
Just how full of gorgeous surprises is this planet we are fortunate to call our home? Let us take care of it. Detail and diversity are everywhere, in abundance. But we have to want to look. Even though it is powerful, it is also very delicate and fragile. We are responsible to maintain its health and beauty so it will always offer its divine, detailed and deep-rooted beauty to us. Let us cherish this. Let us look carefully, closely, and see what is revealed on a micro level, more and more. Slowly, but surely. And it will change our view on the smallest of things within the bigger picture.
Will you look closer and appreciate the unveiled natural beauty of both flora and fauna?
