Inverted Perspective

Although Eiseley was one of the more difficult authors that we read this semester, I think that he was my favorite. I enjoyed carefully analyzing “The Judgement of Birds” and sharing my thoughts with the rest of the class. Understanding this piece was not easy, but once I figured out what Eiseley was trying to say, I found that his message truly resonated with me. Unlike Abbey, who claims that nature can only be found in extremely remote areas, Eiseley accepts the natural constraints placed within our modern world. I love how he describes finding wilderness within New York City. I also appreciate his use of the word “marvelous” to describe the powerful insight that can be gained from nature. 

Looking up walking to class

Throughout this semester, I have become much more aware of the natural beauty that surrounds me at any given moment. When walking to class, it is easy to get distracted by the hundreds of other students rushing past me or the loud, ongoing construction behind Neeley. However, Eiseley calls upon us to look past these distractions and search for the marvelous within our busy everyday lives. Even on TCU’s busy campus, I am able to find these glimpses of wilderness. From our “Art of Walking” exercise inspired by Thoreau to our time spent at the nature center, I have become much more appreciative of what is around me. After our first class, I remember walking back to my house much slower than usual, attempting to take full advantage of the nature observation time built into the class period. I looked around and saw things differently, almost like I was seeing them for the first time. I had never really noticed the greenness of the trees above me or the bursts of color coming from the flowers planted all throughout campus. Since that day, I try to leave a few minutes early when walking to class so I have time to slow down, take a breath, and admire what is around me. I have always thought that TCU was a beautiful campus, but this semester, I have come to appreciate it more fully.

Sunset on TCU's campus

This class has allowed me to view nature with an inverted perspective (as Eiseley would say), and I am excited to take what I have learned with me into the future. One of my biggest takeaways is that I need to be reading and writing more. I love to read, but it is difficult for me to take time to relax when I know I could be studying and doing work for my classes. I also have a hard time putting down a book once I start it. I really enjoyed reading these shorter pieces and want to read more from our Nature Writing book in the future. Writing these blog posts throughout the semester has been a calming experience. Although I know that part of the reason why I enjoy it so much is because it is required for the class, I hope to be able to set aside time for myself to journal even when this class is over. I have truly enjoyed this semester, and I have learned so much both within and outside of the classroom. 

Bees pollinating during our "Art of Walking" exercise