The Essence of Nature


Shakespeare Garden - Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Being in and experiencing nature is being in touch with your spirit - your roots. We all live in a hurried world full of chores, errands, work, play dates and so much minutia that we hardly have the time to sleep or eat, let alone become refreshed and in touch with ourselves.

Nature provides us with all we need both physically and emotionally. It provides us with food, water and the basics of life. It refreshes our senses and allows us the freedom to listen to it’s call and understand it’s mantra. It is peaceful and serene and provides tranquility. Just listening to birds sing or the rustling of leaves on a windy day take us to never ending heights of joy and bliss. Going back to earth, to our roots is a journey in finding our authentic self.

To be happy is not to eat, sleep and work. It is to experience the bliss of nature and allow it to refresh our souls.

How can you accomplish this?

1. Allow yourself some time each day or even each week to experience nature. Talk a walk in the park on your lunch break or take a walk down the street and just listen to the wind or the birds. Let your mind wander and drown out the sounds of the streets.

2. Take time to smell the roses. We hear this all the time but it is true. Smell the flowers. Take in the scents of the oceans and parks.

3. Spend time in nature while vacationing. When I was in Hong Kong I trekked up to Wisdom Path which is near the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. This sacred spot was next to Lantau Peak which is the highest mountain in Hong Kong. It was the most invigorating, inspiring and refreshing experience I have ever had in my life. There is nothing like being high on a mountain top with a gentle breeze and rapturous seas below you.

Find the time to breathe in nature.

Comments

Unknown said…
I agree. And it's all so beautiful. Awesome shots.
IcyBC said…
Love your inspiring post with tips how to do, Jo...I need this reminder today!
rainfield61 said…
Find the time to breathe in nature, otherwise, we shall keep on breathing in conflicts, unsettled problems, endless improvement projects etc.
Rick (Ratty) said…
I wish I would have written this post. It reflects my thoughts so well. When we actually stop and become part of nature, it makes us so much happier.
Joanne,

You have an award waiting at: http://reachbeyondlimits.blogspot.com/2009/05/thank-you-and-passing-them-on.html

Have a wonderful day!
zorlone said…
Yes, an experience with nature is an intimate matter. It is more fruitful if you take the time to stop and admire its splendor.

Z
betchai said…
i love that quote you shared from John Muir. what a very refreshing post Jo, nature is all around us, all we need sometimes is to stop, observe more carefully to experience it, and your post wonderfully reminds us of that, thanks.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Barb, Thank you

Icy, thanks I am going to try and do more of these as I did on my blog with today.com

rainfield, thanks, you have a way with words.

Ratty, So TRUE.

Icy, Thank you so much.

Z, very well expressed. Thanks.

betchai, You are welcome my friend.
RNSANE said…
You express so many of my own sentiments - especially in regard to travel. So often we rush through the places we visit without really seeing what is before us. We are so quick to complain about the little inconveniences when there is so much beauty and delight.
Unknown said…
You do have a wonderful way of expressing things, Jo. As does John Muir in that quote.

I'm feeling very blessed tonight, having spent much of today in the parks near Bournemouth beach.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thanks, Jean. Isn't it just so refreshing being out in nature?

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