This book is one of the best books on how to observe nature. It is both practical and inspirational.

This book is also very personal. The author describes his experiences as he developed his ways of observation. The book was most enjoyable to read, and the short, but many, chapters helped a lot.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and should be REQUIRED READING if you want to be a naturalist or are interested in Permaculture.

John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX


Having eyes, you can see   October 19, 2002
This is an outstanding account of observation and the understanding of processes that an enlightend thinker can find in those observations. This book will help people of almost every level of experience to see more in the outdoors, or any where else in the real world, for that matter.


Brilliant and simple - will change the way you see the world   May 8, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Reminicent of Guy Murchie's "The Seven wonders of Life" or anything by Loren Eisley, this book charms you with it's open and honest joy in looking at the world. Informs you on two levels: the behavior of creatures and forms in the natural world, and the parallels you can draw from observations into your own view of yourself, and your place in the world.

Highly recommended.


Seeing Nature- Finding Self   December 7, 2000
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Paul Krafel's Seeing Nature is one of those rare little books that change people's lives. Like The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull, it has the power to capture the heart and imagination of almost anyone.

Krafel's simple stories and deceptively plain language lead the reader into a fresh new world where noticing an anomalous absence of stones, or peeing on a rock, can lead to unforgettable new insights into human nature and the laws of the universe. No one with the capacity for wonder can fail to be captivated by this book.


Opening our eyes to the patterns of nature   October 13, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A dozen years ago, Paul Krapfel wrote one of the most mind-and-eye-opening books I've ever read, a little self-published volume called SHIFTING: NATURE'S WAY OF CHANGE (recently revised and republished through Chelsea Green as SEEING NATURE: DELIBERATE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE VISIBLE WORLD). In it, I learned more about the patterns that nature creates and follows than I ever dreamed existed. Most importantly, I learned that life does a very creative dance with entropy. I've never thought about life the same since I read Paul's book.