I came across the following quote in a blog post by my friend Amy Putkonen recently and it really spoke to me. “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. 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. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature’s sources never fail.” ~John Muir
I know of no better way to be present in the moment than to immerse myself in nature. There is a sense of peace and serenity that comes over me when I am enjoying nature. I love to engage as many of my senses as possible when I am on my daily walk. Time seems to stand still when I am outside and it’s easy for me to be present, right here, right now, noticing the birds singing, the tulips poking through the earth, the wind singing in my ear. Nature has a plethora of gifts to share with us if we can only slow down long enough to pay attention.
What about you? How often do you get out in nature? What are the benefits of spending time in nature? How can immersing yourself in nature help you to connect to your creativity? Nature is full of metaphors. Which one will you choose to help you with a challenge you are facing?
I love nature…..it soothes the soul and lights the fire of inspiration within me. Right now we are parked with a small pond behind us. Every day is filled with the songs of blackbirds and bullfrogs….love it!
I only like “nature” that is situated so I have a place to sit down and read. But it is nice to get out into the relatively fresh air to do so.
Thanks for your comments Scott. I also enjoy finding a quiet spot outdoors and reading.
The excuses are always there, but reading this is a great nudge to get out there! Thanks Nancy.
Good for you Colette! Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s the best!
i started out the year with a book – hiking Atlanta’s hidden forests – this is an incredibly green city, and it is disappearing by developers. I am going to get back on that little treadmill – take the dogs – and enjoy nature. Take advantage of being able to do it in the week – because alas – it is already getting almost too hot to enjoy it after 11a!
Glad to hear you’re going to get back out there into nature Vickie! It’s the best cure all for whatever ails you. Thanks for your comments:)
It was important that I read this today, Nancy. I haven’t been taking my daily walks for a long time and I’m super missing them. My life has had a lovely busy-ness to it, but I realize that I need that quiet reflective time in nature for “The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves” as Muir says. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for your comments Kimberly! Glad you were inspired to get out and walk. It’s the best therapy there is and I miss it if I skip a day.
I spent the day planting my deck. Nothing gives me more pleasure and serenity then when I’m walking in the woods, or planting flowers and getting my hands dirty in the dirt.
Nice to hear from you Journey! I love the feeling of getting my hands in the dirt, it’s so good for me. And here’s to more walks in the woods to gather in the peace and serenity in our baskets of blessings:)
I love this quote and this part especially: “As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature’s sources never fail.” I’m blessed to live within 20 minutes of the mountains and several good hiking spots. If I’m not hiking, I’m out with my dog Poppy every day. It was really hot today so we ambled in the shady woods. She splashed about in the little creek that runs under a bridge – I was tempted to join her!
Kelly, you painted such a lovely picture with the shady woods and creek. Next time jump in with Poppy and have a blast:) Thanks for your comments.
I love that quote! “Nature’s sources never fail.” Lately, I’ve felt a bit off kilter. Nature always brings it back to me…and yoga. Thanks for a lovely post!
Thanks Michelle. Getting out in nature is the best medicine for me if I’m feeling out of sorts. It fills me up, body, mind and spirit:)
That is a lovely and inspiring quote by Muir isn’t it? I love being in gardens among growing things and I find daily walks to be the most perfect form of moving meditation. Nature is such a generous and untiring Muse. Wishing you all kinds of wonderful immersions in nature Nancy.
Thanks for your comments Deborah. Yes, nature is such a constant source of inspiration and joy, isn’t she? Wishing you many joyful moving meditations Deborah!
Thanks for the mention, Nancy! I loved that quote too. Eric and I are enjoying WI Dells this weekend! 🙂
Thanks Amy! Have fun at the Dells!