On this annual Day of Thanksgiving, there are many reasons to be thankful for our natural world. Spectacular sunsets and star-filled skies come to mind, as do mountain vistas, majestic rivers, colorful canyons and beautiful seascapes. And across these varied landscapes is a fascinating diversity of life, from algae to redwoods, amoebae to elephants, krill to blue whales.
Of course, nature is not mindful of our appreciation and does not seek our approval. In fact, we are part of her realm. Nature is both around us and within us; our bodies, minds and souls, like the components of a tree, have evolved from more primitive forms and occupy their unique place on the spreading web of life. Today, we express our gratitude for the experience.
