Wordless Wednesday

More artwork by K. C. Chow from the Hong Kong Arts Center. What do you see?

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.

Jubilee Street

Smoky incense

orange, mango and pear

offered to buddha

in a wooden alcove.

The street lined

as a red carpet event

with paper lanterns

green, pink, red, gold.

Hand woven baskets

home to fruits, flowers

bok choy and cabbage

strewn among street stalls.

Neighbors along the street,

raw silk, pots and pans,

souvenirs and toys

compete for attention

and the Hong Kong dollar.