GRIEF: NATURE VERSUS NURTURE

GRIEF:  NATURE VERSUS NURTURE

There are a lot of studies about human nature versus nurture and what is innate within us and what we learn and/or expose ourselves to.  From a scientific perspective, “nature” refers to the biological/genetic predispositions that impact one's human traits — physical, emotional, and intellectual. “Nurture,” in contrast, describes the influence of learning and other “environmental” factors on these traits.  

Grief affects our physical, emotional and intellectual nature, both naturally and environmentally.  Our loved one is gone and we have to adjust to living life without them.  It is one of the most difficult adjustments we make in our lifetime.  What we’ve learned about death and how we actually deal with it is a test in understanding divine nature.  Death is outside of our mindful grasp and control and takes us outside and beyond the natural world.

So, just how do we adjust biologically and allow nature to nurture us during the grief journey?   Immerse yourself in nature to nurture yourself.  Nature has its own way to heal.  Go outside.  Let the sun shine brightly in you.  Let the sky cover you.  Let the trees whisper to you.  Let the wind move you.  Let the sea blanket you.  Let the cold refresh you.  Let the mountains call you.  Let the clouds overshadow you.  Let the grass tickle you.  Let the rain pour down over you.  Let the snow cover you.  Let the heat warm you.  Let the moon enlighten you.  For when you nurture yourself and connect fully into the natural world, you fully embrace yourself in the comforting arms of a loving and nurturing God.

"Ever since the creation of the world his [God’s] eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.”  Romans 1:20

For more information visit https://www.chaplainmary.net/
Or check out my book:

https://www.amazon.com/Skirting-Thin-Veil-Meaningful-Life-Changing

Photo by Chaplain Mary


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