Posts in Travel

Pump The Breaks

Lifestyle Nature
Photo representing nature.

Have you ever tried to rush a flower to bloom or a tree to bear fruit? You can water it, fertilize it, and even talk to it, but ultimately it will grow at its own pace. Nature teaches us the value of patience and the benefits of slowing down. In a world that seems to be moving faster every day, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the natural rhythms that surround us.

Nature’s pace is slow and deliberate. Plants, animals, and natural processes follow their own rhythms, unaffected by human schedules and deadlines. If you take a walk in a forest, you can observe how each tree grows at its own pace, reaching for the light in its own way. If you visit a beach, you can see how the waves arrive and depart without any sense of urgency. And if you climb a mountain, you can witness the slow but steady erosion that shapes the landscape over millions of years.

Contrast this with the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of many people today. We’re constantly checking our phones, responding to emails, and rushing from one task to another. This can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of disconnection from the world around us. We forget to stop and appreciate the beauty of the world, the people we love, and the experiences that make life worth living.

Slowing down and taking the time to enjoy nature has many benefits. For one, it allows us to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. When we’re not rushing from one place to another, we can take the time to notice the colors, textures, and sounds of the world around us. This can lead to a greater sense of wonder and awe, and a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of life.

Slowing down can also have mental and physical health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. When we’re not rushing around, we can take the time to breathe deeply, relax our muscles, and let our minds wander. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and clarity, and a more positive outlook on life.

Finally, slowing down can help us develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. When we take the time to observe nature, we can see how everything is connected. Plants and animals rely on each other for food, shelter, and companionship. Natural processes like erosion, weathering, and decomposition shape the landscape over time. By slowing down and paying attention, we can begin to see how everything is part of a larger whole.

So, how can you slow down and connect with nature? There are many ways to do this, depending on your interests and abilities. You might start by taking a daily walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. You could try practicing meditation or yoga outside, or taking a weekend camping or hiking trip. You can also look for local environmental groups that organize community cleanups, tree plantings, or other nature-related activities.

In conclusion, nature is not in a hurry, and neither should we be. By taking the time to slow down and appreciate the natural world around us, we can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life, improve our mental and physical health, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Days of Warmth

Nature

As I watch through the rectangle that is my beloved bedroom window, I see the days of warmth coming to their annual end. While the peak of the day still teases with inviting warm coziness, the nights start to show the true colors of the forthcoming season by hinting at the subtle chills in the air. One last trip downtown before the days of warmth are lost over the course of the next few months. The stand on the corner that is normally full of fruits and vegetables is still there, however, the selection has dwindled so. Before cherries, blackberries, raspberries, avocados, lemons, and apples were all stacked high, but now only a few baskets remain. While some worry about the days of warmth being lost for the year, I can’t help but kick back and enjoy the last few of them before fall turns into winter. Only by experiencing the days of cold can one truly appreciate the days of warmth.

My Ode to Autumn Evenings

Nature

As the leaves fall to the ground, the ambient temperature begins to follow suit. Autumn makes itself known as another year approaches its chilly end. With winter around the corner, the seasons have given way to one of my favorite times of the year, the Autumn Solstice. The faded pastel color pallets of summer make way for the vibrant shades that accompany fall. T-shirts and sandals turn into sneakers and hoodies and we trade in our iced coffees for hot ones. The air breathes differently as there is a crispness to it that only this time of year knows. Hence, my ode to Autumn Evenings. In closing, I leave you with a quote from the great William Shakespeare, “When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang. Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang…”

Bald Eagles

Nature
Bald Eagles Photo

Being reincarnated into an animal is something I believe to be possible. Perhaps unlikely, improbable, but definitely possible. Have you ever thought about what you’d reincarnate into if faced with the question? Or if you don’t believe in reincarnation, have you ever wondered what it’d be like to be an animal, even for a day? I know you have, and in that case, which would you want to be? After some thought, I wish that I could be the prestigious bald eagle. I’d sore high above the clouds, elevating my spirit to planes it’s never witnessed before. As an eagle, I can be wild and free. Nothing shall contain me. I can almost imagine the feeling of having a powerful beak, sharp talons, and eyes that can rival a pair of binoculars. To be the solitary bird of prey; not for a day, but an afterlife.

Lake Fed by Melted Snow

Nature
image of a lake

The night sky starts as a pale grey before transitioning to dark blue. The lake is well below the docks as opaque sheets of ice slowly lurk across the surface of the water. I can see my breath in the air, but it doesn’t feel cold outside. The temperatures are rising, and the ice and snow at the base of the mountain are starting to melt. It starts to lightly rain. The light of the moon makes the precipitation in the air look like fog. Within a day, the lake will grow nearly one-third of its current size as the ice and snow will soon change into water. I can walk under the docks now, but tomorrow night will tell a different story. A lake fed by melted snow is a beautiful sight to behold.