Humans fail when they fight nature

The owls are calling to each other tonight. I hear their hoots, squeaks and guttural trills, the first time I've had the opportunity to stay still and listen, since latest pain in the world.

And I think, why can it not be this simple? Nature has its laws, harsh though they sometimes are. Here in America, we are often very removed from what is natural. Yet there is so much beauty, if we care to look ~ the bringing forth of life, harvest from seeds, birds all around us, trees growing, freshness and healing and renewal even after death, whether it be dying leaves or predators and prey acting out their way.

We humans fail when we try to control it. Hatred, enmity, revenge, condemnation, judgment - these things are not part of nature. WE bring that to being. Human beings bring that into the equation of dealing with each other.

Yes, we reason. Yes, we are intelligent and the 'supposed' ruler of the animals. But, are we truly better th an they? Better than nature in our politics and making societal laws that sublimate some and elevate others? I don't believe we are. Hubris and power corrupt, absolutely. Hatred, hostility and havoc will destroy.

We are in this place. The only way to make any difference to our own, small selves is to return to basics. Be kind to each other, know your neighbor, accept and learn about each other. We are all human beings. I'm willing to try.

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 10:53 AM with the headline "Humans fail when they fight nature."