Nature
Worldwide celebrations of Earth Day took place Sunday April 22, reminding us of the importance of preserving wilderness and honoring nature.
“Wilderness is harder and harder to find these days on this beautiful planet, and we’re abusing our planet to the point of almost no return.” ~Betty White
Studies conclude that living in areas where we can see trees and watch birds can have a positive effect on our mental health. (https://phys.org) This growing body of evidence is showing what many of us already know…that experiencing natural environments can reduce stress levels, anxiety and depression.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul,” ~John Muir
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Immersing myself in nature is healing and grounding. Mind-emptying meditation allows me to merge with the natural landscape. It is a wordless, thoughtless place that brings great refreshment to my spirit.
“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in it’s roar; I love not Man less, but Nature more.” ~Lord Byron
As Spring blossoms into it’s fullness, it is a perfect moment to savor the gifts of nature.
