Mirror of Human Nature

Every act in our life is the result of the compound of both Human Intelligence and divine intelligence

Dr. Sri Ram Gajula

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Life is a dialogue between humanity and the natural world. From the cycles of seasons to the neuronal patterns in our brains, nature is reflected in our very being. To understand human nature, we must first look outward—to the larger natural world—and inward, where nature's essence resides in our minds and bodies.

This interconnectedness reveals profound truths: human nature and the Nature of Nature are not separate but mirrors of each other. By observing nature, we understand ourselves better, and by understanding ourselves, we attune more deeply to the world around us.

Nature speaks to us in patterns—growth cycles, decay, renewal, and interdependence. These principles are not confined to the external world; they are deeply ingrained in human nature, shaping how we think, feel, and act. By exploring the parallels between the Nature of Nature and human nature, we unlock insights that foster adaptability, resilience, and harmony in our lives.

T.S. Eliot once wrote: "We shall not cease from exploration, And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time."

Eliot’s words remind us that our journey outward—into the mysteries of the natural world—often brings us inward, revealing profound truths about ourselves.

Human Nature: A Reflection of Natural Patterns

1.? Adaptation: Nature thrives through its capacity to adapt. From the chameleon changing its color to rivers altering their course, adaptability ensures survival. Similarly, human nature is wired for adaptation. Our brains exhibit remarkable neuroplasticity—the ability to rewire neural pathways in response to new experiences, challenges, or learning.

Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading psychologist, explores this in her concept of the growth mindset. She explains that humans can adapt their perspectives and abilities through effort and perseverance, echoing nature’s evolutionary resilience.

Practical Example:

• Consider how plants grow toward sunlight, even in unfavourable conditions. Psychologically, this mirrors the human ability to seek positivity and meaning even amidst challenges, a trait Viktor Frankl highlighted in Man’s Search for Meaning.

2.? Growth: Growth in nature is not linear but cyclical. A tree sheds its leaves in autumn to conserve energy for spring's bloom. Likewise, human growth involves phases of rest, reflection, and action. Neuroscience shows that periods of rest are essential for mental growth. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and processes emotions, akin to a forest regenerating after the rains.

Robert Browning captured this in his poem Andrea del Sarto: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

Growth, for both nature and humans, is about striving—pushing boundaries while respecting natural cycles.

Practical Example:

• Athletes and professionals often experience burnout when they ignore rest, mistaking constant activity for progress. Reflecting on nature’s rhythm reminds us to balance effort with recovery.

3.? Interdependence: Nothing in nature exists in isolation. Bees pollinate flowers; trees produce oxygen for animals, and animals, in turn, enrich the soil. This symbiosis mirrors human interdependence. Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs highlights that relationships are central to human well-being.

Neuroscience supports this by showing that social bonds release oxytocin, a hormone that fosters trust and reduces stress. When we nurture interdependence—whether in families, communities, or ecosystems—we thrive.

?Practical Example:

• In the workplace, individuals often succeed through collaboration rather than competition. This reflects the way wolves hunt in packs, where mutual reliance ensures survival.

The Neuroscience of Human Nature and the Nature of Nature

The Brain as a Natural System:

Neuroscience reveals that the brain operates on principles that mirror natural patterns. The default mode network in the brain, active during rest and introspection, functions like a river carving pathways through the landscape of memory and imagination.

Georges Gurdjieff, the mystic and philosopher, observed: "Man is a machine, but a machine that can awaken."

By understanding our brain’s natural patterns, we can consciously align our actions with nature’s wisdom.

Mirror Neurons and Connection:

Mirror neurons, discovered by neuroscientist Giacomo Rizzolatti, explain our ability to empathize. These neurons activate when we observe others’ actions, creating a shared experience. This biological interconnection mirrors the way ecosystems function as a whole, each element responding to the other.

Reflective Practices to Identify Personal Natural Traits

To align with nature’s wisdom, we must first understand how its principles manifest within us.

1.? Observation and Journaling:

• Spend time in nature, observing patterns that resonate with your personality. Are you resilient like a mountain? Adaptive like a river? Write down your observations and reflect on how these traits appear in your life.

2.? Mindful Rest:

• Embrace rest as a natural part of growth. Practice mindfulness meditation or take time to disconnect from technology, allowing your mind to regenerate like a forest after a fire.

3.? Interdependence Check-In:

• Reflect on your relationships. Are you nurturing mutual growth, or are you taking more than giving? Strengthen bonds by practicing gratitude and acts of kindness, mirroring nature’s reciprocity.

4.? Growth Challenges:

• Set small, achievable goals that push you out of your comfort zone. Like a seed breaking through the soil, growth often requires discomfort but leads to profound transformation.

Closing Reflection

In his poem Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot beautifully captured the essence of alignment with nature: "In my beginning is my end. In my end is my beginning."

The patterns of adaptation, growth, and interdependence in nature are not separate from us—they are us. By embracing this mirror, we live more authentically, harmoniously, and peacefully.

In the next article, "Balance and Flow: Lessons from Nature," we will explore how ecosystems’ harmony can inspire balance in our lives. Until then, may you see nature not just as a teacher but as a reflection of your highest self.

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