Nature: A New Normal

BRIGHTEVERYDAY Nature: A New Normal

What will the landscape look like after the current Pandemic has run its destructive course? For sure, Life will never be the same as before, but if one is realistic and not too entrenched in materialistic consumerism, the transition to a new normal will be easier. The key will be to recognise the human environment which, in part, allowed Covid-19 to sweep the planet and wreak such devastation and loss of life. A world of Globalisation, though only for some and not for the good of all souls, I fear. A selfish world of the excesses, greed, addiction, manipulation, and control. There is, however, a parallel world of hunger, deprivation, and hopelessness. Rather than dwell on the details of this grim reality, perhaps examining a framework for change would be more productive and acknowledge the immediacy of the cumulative, humanitarian task ahead.

In the aftermath, economies worldwide will shrink considerably, the tentacles of disruption seeming like parasites. Many industries and businesses will collapse, no longer required in the new perspective, ones fuelled in falsely created capricious markets, or moulded to feed yet another monster or addiction. Capitalism and consumerism sate the hedonistic appetites which have no boundaries or constraints. A materialistic society has no rudder, neither does it have a brake. Rather it is a pupil of “Because We Can”, its’ undiscriminating voracity responsible for fuelling commercial greed, ignoring philosophical discourse on desire, or the complexity of cause and effect. Technology and Science offers great advancement in human capabilities but, it entraps us and disconnects us from nature. It implies a new narrative, often imposing malfunction in its wake creates many false, unchecked interventions and demands. Unfettered, it spells chaos, catastrophe, with no secure foundation, built on shifting sands perpetually fuelling its own momentum.

Honesty, integrity, respect, propriety, and equality is the currency of the future; the start of the levelling-out, a Renaissance, long awaited. How will it look? It will instil a language of social awareness and social psychology, encouraging and the ethics of reciprocity. It must raise the awareness of our environment and the part we play in sharing the natural assets of our Planet, whilst promoting sustainable lifestyles. The new natural order will coerce those doubters into accepting the flawed cycle of indiscriminate depletion of our natural resources, and the excesses of consumer demand. It will address the deep-rooted necessity amongst those seeking to define and validate their lives through consumption and possession. Education and collective awareness can quickly (and peacefully) impose sanctions to change habits. Animals keep the fur on their backs now and are no longer a fashion accessory!

Fear is not a currency in seeking to promote a healthy, natural equitable lifestyle; one which encourages us to explore not only ourselves, but one which explores nature, and opens up a brave new world of discovery and activity in country pursuits; opening up our lungs in a free and fresh air, sharing in the diversity of our tactile and physical world, and immersing ourselves in the wonder of flora and fauna, of mountains and seas. These are more often free pursuits. They generate stimuli and free the mind and soul of burden through physical exercise and stimulation. Rather than entropy and lethargy, we can enjoy the simple pleasures of a naturally abundant and diverse world. Think of your new shopping list! A woolly hat, some walking shoes or boots, a map, perhaps a tent, a backpack or a canoe: a fishing rod for those seeking solitude and utter frustration, binoculars, a bike, a picnic, or even a Vespa! Rather an adventure amongst nature, than queuing at an airport, awaiting yet another unnecessary gratuitous flight, never for one moment considering the effect on our environment and our consumerism-depleted natural resources. They are our life blood, require respect and nourishment, and provided in abundance for All to share equitably