Monica Smith

Kindred: a Family Portrait Monica Smith

"We cannot remember too often that when we observe nature, and especially the ordering of nature, it is always ourselves alone we are observing". This was a belief of the German physicist/philosopher, G. C. Lichtenberg. One gets the feeling from this that we are looking into a mirror. And, perhaps we are. Man's connection with nature is truly a strong one-of this there is no doubt! Our first thought when we want to get away from the burdens of life is to go to the woods, the lake, the beach, the mountains or the sea-to nature. Is it a coincidence that we feel so much at home in nature? I don't think so; for home is that sacred place we feel we belong. It is a place where we can be ourselves and find the comfort and peace for which we long. It just might be that what we ultimately need when times are difficult, rather than distance, is familiarity, family and reflection of ourselves; perhaps this is what calls us to nature. So, when we feel the need to visit our favorite natural surroundings it may not be so much that we are getting away, but that we are coming home....