{Walk into Nature} August 27, 2008

There is something about nature that just makes my spirit soar to incredible heights.  The sounds, the smells, and the sight of color and texture are enough to propel me back to my childhood days, when the little things made my heart pitter patter with joy. 

When was the last time you bathed in the outdoors?  And, I don’t mean literally.    When was the last time you heard (really heard) a bird sing?  Or, watched a squirrel scamper on the ground, looking for his next meal?  When was the last time you simply sat and observed the trees and their branches swaying gently and passionately in the wind?  Or, gazed up at a star lit night, remembering just how spectacular the universe really is? 

Like a child, I find that the facets of nature are enough to reignite my passion and gumption for life.  It’s almost as if the magic and colors of our imagination vividly twirl and twist luminously through the air.  Choosing to walk away from man-made beauty, to consciously immerse myself in God’s beauty is a step I consistently try to take on a daily basis.  After all, our lives are filled with chaos, noise, and distraction.  Nature offers a predictable remedy to our often frittered and routine days.

 

 

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

And only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

 

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning on Autumn

 

Honestly, I have always enjoyed and respected the outdoors and its variety of aliveness.  As I seek to live with more simplicity, I find that it plays a key role in helping me to realign and live more fully.  Truthfully, it’s a key ingredient to this life!  It makes me incredibly sad that so many people have lost their ability to see its magnificent power and potential to heal.  So much of the natural world is being lost to human selfishness and desires for more.  Just being aware of this destruction is a place to start.    

So, get out there!  Experiencing, noticing, and appreciating the true beauty of life outdoors is like riding a bicycle.  Once you master the skill, you never forget.  Have fun reclaiming yourself in its reflection!

  

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” 

~Anne Frank

 

How will you make time to consciously step into nature today?