The Power of Nature: Are we not as in control as we think?

It really is no secret that a general attribute of human nature is the tendency to be egocentric: to see ourselves as the center of all things, and in turn, ignore things that challenge our beliefs. The human complex is one built on a fragile ego that we are the driving force of the universe and that we are the most salient and vital part of this earth, possessing complete power over our earthly existence and the things we chose to take up or ignore. However, this fault in our mindset, which is taught and internalized through human nature, is knocked down again and again (and again). When we get too comfortable, or to conceited, nature never fails to remind us that we are simply not in control. This topic is heavily prevalent right now in the forthcoming Hurricane Matthew, which is predicted to assert its dominance over the east coast. 

From a surfer and an ocean lover perspective, hurricanes make for legendary waves and surf breaks. It's hard not to get excited about an impending storm for many people that share this love and outlook. However, when storms threaten the safety of millions of people and their prosperity and homes, that is when things turn serious. Hurricane Matthew, currently a category 4 hurricane making his way up the east coast, is sure to assert dominance as a display of the overwhelming power and strength of nature. This power is not to be underestimated. 

The storm blew through Caribbean islands earlier this week, leaving in its wake a path of shambles, floods, devastation, and millions of people without homes or basic supplies. This devastation is no stranger to Caribbean nations, as they know the power of nature all too well. Matthew took a staggering 108 lives in Haiti, and a total of 114 across the Caribbean. These numbers matched with the damage has Florida and the east coast on high alert as the storm sets it's sights for it and increases momentum and speed after falling off for a day. Matthew is predicted to be the worst storm in years, specifically for the United States. Bill Karins, an NBC meteorologist says, "Sadly, this is one of the most dire predictions I've ever given for a hurricane forecast. The devastation that is left behind is going to take us weeks to clean up, and a lot of people are going to need help."(NBC News). 

In preparation for this storm, 2 million Americans have already fled from their homes in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in compliance with advisement from state governments. 

President Obama has already declared a state of emergency for the state of Florida, as the storm is set to strike Florida Thursday night, the 6th of October. It is expected to be a category 5, and while Floridians are used to braving storms, nature is stronger than we believe and capable of a massive amount of destruction to incomprehensible proportions. 

The ocean has always had its way of making me feel small, and I believe many people manifest that same feeling from other phenomenons as well. As humans, we must respect where it is that we come from and the natural flow of the universe and nature. Nature is stronger than us in every aspect, and will prove, time and time again, that it is dominant beyond measure. We are all put at the hands of nature and her ways, and that is reason enough to respect our world and our oceans. As this storm leaves behind a tragic mess in the Caribbean countries and sets aim for the east coast, I urge everyone to send positive thoughts to the inhabitants and everyone affected. We are not as in control as we think we are.