You Are Where You Live

The word “entourage” comes from the French word “entourer”, referring to the verb “to surround”, or “entour”, meaning “the surrounding”. In the English language, entourage is defined in two ways. The most common use of the term is the social group, friends, peers or associates with whom you spend your time. The less known definition is that of the geographical and physical environment in which your neighbourhood, your manner of living, and your general surroundings are considered. A separate editorial will focus on the social group aspect of the term (see “You Are Who You Frequent”), while here the accent will be put on the effect of our geography on our perspectives.

As biological entities, we require certain basic conditions in order to survive or to live properly. Human life is specified by its limits and tolerance to external conditions. For example, we must have clean air, clean water, and fresh foods to meet our basic living needs. Polluted air, junk food and drugs will create a situation of mere survival but will not allow a full healthy life. These essential resources are increasingly scarce in big urban surroundings, because of a lifestyle that is on the lower end of the tolerance scale. However, as humans, we have the astounding capacity to be highly adaptable to extreme environmental conditions and have proven this by living in nearly every part of the surface world. We do this by manipulating the natural environment to suit our needs and by selecting geographical areas that promote growth and continuity.

Nevertheless, the human population has been increasingly unsustainable in its use of the world’s supplies and has been using its innate talents of ingenuity and creativity for disruptive purposes. Most big urban agglomerates are examples of polluting and dysfunctional machines that can also influence the mental orientation of those who live in the midst of one. The biggest dilemma is given by the fact that such areas are also a seat for culture, diversity, entertainment and work opportunities. Big cities tend to be characterized by a continuous feverish motion, by a creation of infrastructures as substitutes for natural resources, and by a general de-humanization of the atmosphere. Often people living in cities become unwillingly influenced to acquire some of these characteristics and to incorporate them in their way of life. If we live and agree too blindly to societies that express a total disregard for the environment, then we unknowingly reduce ourselves to selfishness and short-sightedness.

The reverse is also true for if we strive to frequent places in which consideration for future resources is primary, we may emerge into virtuous and stronger beings. Pro-survival goals should entail the fact that we can use our innate adaptive and resourceful talents to our advantage seeking optimal conditions in which to live and prosper. This refers to our abilities to cultivate and consume organic foods, rely on natural methods of health care, using natural energy sources, and so on. This also refers to limiting pollution, waste, and the contamination of our resources.

Self-growth and development should not rely entirely on the fine-tuning of the mind or harnessing wisdom and insight. The health of the physical body and its entourage is also a major factor in complete well-being and it is wise to reflect on your surroundings to determine if they reflect your perspectives completely. To better yourself as a person, identify the pivotal factors that contribute to a negative lifestyle and consider a change of entourage if needed. This could mean changing elements within your environment or physically moving to a better location.