Lesson 1 Reflection Narrative

One favorite landscape of mine would be the Rocky Mountains. If the earth has a

heartbeat it certainly manifests in the mountains, offering them their striking, edged

silhouettes. Having lived on flatlands for days since I was young, I've always been drawn

to the immensity and beauty of mountains. Since my trip to Colorado Springs a couple

summers back, my fascination with mountains has only developed.

I would describe my relationship with mountains as one that is deeply naturalistic

and aesthetic (Kellert, 2000). When I look at the vast panorama of mountains I

immediately feel insignificant against the size and history of our natural world – and not

in a derogatory way, but such that elicits awe and reverence for the nature around us.

Here, in the heart of the mountains, lies a stunning potential oasis of life against the

backdrop of a vibrant sunset (yet another one of the earth's great natural phenomena).

As I view the initial photo, I begin to understand man's intrinsic dependence on nature

(Kellert, 2000). There may even be a symbiotic relationship between man and nature:

that it needs us as much as we desperately need it.

The second photo is less remarkable as it doesn't paint an illustration even as

half as gorgeous as the former, but it evokes an appreciation for nature nonetheless. It

still demonstrates the intense gravity of mountains, and despite the cold season, the

accompanying spread of trees are green and thriving. The main takeaway from both

images is that in our everyday lives we are plagued by constant worry and anticipation.

In this sense, there is just something inherently captivating about the beauty that is
entirely out of our control: you escape the prison within your head and simply become

present.

The Rocky Mountains

 References

Kellert, S. R. (2000). The Biological Basis for Human Values of Nature . In: S. R. Kellert &
E. O. Wilson (Eds.), The Biophilia Washington D.C.: Island Press.

National Park Service. (10–11-18). Wild Basin in Winter [Photograph]. Photo Gallery
(U.S. National Park Service).
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery-item.htm?pg=1926875&id=1C209368-155D-
451F-672F3136F9A6A857&gid=1C4C85F2-155D-451F-6793D2DCBCB1A247

Perry, S. (n.d.). Longs Peak [Photograph]. 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Rocky
Mountain National Park.
https://www.doi.gov/blog/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-rocky-mountain-national-park