To celebrate the new year, I decided to take a small field trip to Capitol Reef National Park, a mere three hours drive south-east of Lehi, Utah. My aunt, Irene, agreed to accompany me. She's only seven years older than I and can hike like a mountain goat.
Driving along the winding mountain roads, we talked about our ancestors and our family connections. We reflected on many of the events that shaped us over time.
Irene is my mother's sister, and she came from a family of six siblings. At times in our early years, we lived under the same roof. She is like an older sister to me.
As a psychiatrist, our conversations brought up some interesting reflections on the influences that shape us. What determines who we become, is it nature or nurture? Read on for further reflections on this important issue.
Have a wonderful 2021!
One Nature or Nurture?
Creative aspects of an evolving life
The cliffs were unbelievable—orange peaks against the clear blue sky. However, some parts of the mountain contrasted with the red sandstone with smooth, gray-green lines, stretched across the landscape like frosting against the jagged background of half-eaten cake. One could simply click on the camera any old way and end up with calendar-perfect pictures.
The unique shapes scattered throughout Capitol Reef reflect the interactions between the nature of the rocks and the environment that shaped them over time. Together, they form a four-dimensional masterpiece of mammoth proportions.
Irene and I hiked up to Hickman Bridge and stood in the snow beneath the giant arch. What amount of water was necessary to carve that arch over time? What kind of force and intelligence creates such natural works of art?
Unique. Beautiful. Delightful. Enchanting. If Life can create this masterpiece out of rocks, water, sun, and air, what can Life be creating through us?
We are born with certain strengths and weaknesses, formed by our genes and the gestational environment. These aspects of our physical abilities and disabilities are like the sandstone on the landscape.
When we are born, we encounter many influences that shape our values and perspectives. These forces are like the water, air, and sun that carve away at the sandstone surface.
However, in addition to the living intelligence of the earth, the human being carries the ability to choose their reaction to both internal and external determinants. This choice may often start by being instinctive and reactive, lacking reflection and control.
Over time, awareness and experience lead to greater control and wisdom in response to environmental influences until, for some, life becomes the product of pure intention.
Is it nature or nurture that influences the course of our lives? Perhaps nature and nurture are simply the servants of Life, and all things ultimately flow into beauty and harmony.
As we drive along the winding canyon roads, I hope so. Life has not been easy for any of us. We talked about the many challenges I have encountered from my family and through work. My aunt has lived through many hardships and poverty, yet she is like a deep canyon, filled with wisdom and strength.
Ultimately, I hope that our lives will hold the same harmony and symmetry as the arch and the lessons found in the land.