'The Grand Canyon: A Whole New World'

Our Personal Relationship with Nature

The quote, “We are defined by what is around us”, brings to light nature versus nurture. Now, as seen in newer generations, nature is not the cause of our predicament- it is the lack of. Although at some point in our history, nature was our main influence. Our lives are now centered on technology. Advancements in machines and tools have helped mankind adapt to their environment, but it has also separated them from their very origin; nature.

While there certainly is no obvious positive effect coinciding with a lack of nature, there are multiple negative ones. Some of these include higher risk of depression, stress, inattention, and an intimidation of common nature. Humans have destroyed nature by creating

rising sea levels, pollution, global warming, droughts, floods, and extinction, used almost all natural resources, and destroyed ecosystems. Nature has been our cushion for evolution and growth.
With a lack of positive relationship with the beauty we call Mother Nature, most of society suffers no experience with the world’s vastness. When a character from the article, “Can the Selfie Generation Unplug and Get into Parks?”, says “I realize this is something very few people get to experience.” He is referring to the fact that nature isn’t something that everyone can go out and enjoy. People have busy lives and money limits where and how much one can travel.
It is odd that some are often so close to nature- it is everywhere- yet they barely take a moment to enjoy it. In the same article as mentioned above, the narrator states “though these kids lived only two hours away, this park was a strange new world for them.” This trip gave the children an opportunity to see where humanity came from, a place that thousands of years ago humans were familiar with.
Yet another personal consequence of lacking a relationship with nature is intimidation by the vastness.

An example of this effect of unfamiliarity is from the article, “The Grand Canyon: A Whole New World”. In this article, the author states his own experience with nature, “I wondered if one reason I’d avoided it was a vague lifelong fear of being dwarfed by something much larger that my ego.” He was scared, like many of us, that he would seem much smaller that he thought he was. Humans like to think that they own the world, but really, it owns us. This quote is evident of our inexperience with the physical world around

us.
There is a fine line between the Baby Boomers and Millennials. Their level of love for nature divides most of them. Millennials were raised in front of the Tv with technology available at every turn. Baby Boomers were taught to explore. New advancements in technology have created a distraction from nature. This is why the younger generations have lost interest in natural wonders and environmental problems. In the article, “Can the Selfie Generation Unplug and Get Into Parks?”, the narrator says, “My generation loves the national parks to death. His generation, slightly larger than mine, will have to save them.” This also brings the idea that the ones before millennials are to blame for the misuse of nature and created these environmental issues.
Every day the average working person passes by fields of grass and expansive forests (or some form of nature) on the way to work. No one stops to look because they simply have no time. Time is what seems to limit both mankind and nature. Nothing lasts forever, like the awe humans once had for the natural world or nature itself. We have finally come to that realization and that is what has inspired some to go out and enjoy nature while they can. It will not last forever but the newer generations will have to make sure they last longer.
The positivity surrounding a relationship with nature is immense.

In the article, “The Grand Canyon: A Whole New World”, the author is overcome by his awe for nature. For a moment he feels free from the stress and worry of his hectic life. He states “Where should I focus my vision? No idea. What direction should I face? No clue.” This shows how in everyday life he is more comfortable with knowing where to go and what to do. Seeing this huge example of nature’s expanse gives him the freedom that he can’t find in his life. The sheer size of the Grand Canyon makes him feel small and dwarfs his view of his own

importance.
The effects of not having a personal relationship with nature are very negative. Often some are too glued to their fast paced life to see the beauty around them. They lack survival skills- those of which were important to us a long time ago- and appreciation of the world around them.