We find serenity if we embrace nature. I recently experienced a morning that I had to get somewhere in a hurry — a common occurrence for all of us, I am sure. This necessitated the proverbial “mad rush.” I paid absolutely no attention to my immediate surroundings — except looking presentable. I was focused on my goal, to arrive at my talk. 

“The difference between men and boys is the price tag on their toys,” or so goes the adage. The saying is of unknown origin but some attribute it to the marketing of GI Joe action toys, (1) in the early 1960s or others to the businessman, Malcolm Forbes. (2) This intrinsic link between an adolescent boy and an adult man is unfortunate, in my estimation; for it suggests that as individuals we never truly have to become mature, but can always hide behind physical things to enhance our power and prestige.

I am sure this is a widespread experience: we slowly begin to open our perceptual eyes at twenty or so and quickly realize that there are many other forms in the world — many relationships if you will. Some appear to be unconscious like rocks or mountains or the sky, and others animate — they scurry, jump, or move about. The beings that look like me are the most intimate and yet confusing. Whatever their presence, we quickly comprehend that everything is separate and distinct. Initially, a freshet of fear and loneliness is presented —  it subsequently calms and then dissipates. The mature person accepts, “I am alone in the world.”