Nature is a Gift

The wind swooshes through the trees causing a metal sign to clang against a pole. In the distance I hear someone working outside - a weed eater buzzes through blades of overgrown grass. The birds all chirp over one another hoping to be the loudest song in the tree. Traffic whirls down the adjacent highway reminding me of life’s fast pace.

Have you ever sat outside and just listened? Closed your eyes and really observed with your ears. Bees buzzing from flower to flower, dogs barking, the clink of a loose gate on a fence, maybe water splashing on the banks of a nearby creek. In my opinion, these moments are grounding. A place where we center our minds on the reverberation of outside and not the clatter the world throws our way. I suppose this is not relaxing for some, I get that. But for me it is calming.

I imagine hunters waiting for a turkey or deer to line up in their scope. The stillness before the approach and shot. Nature has a lot to offer. John Muir, a renowned naturalist, played a large part in the preservation of some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. He wrote, “But in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” He saw the importance of going outside and understood that nature can rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Another quote I enjoy about nature is Henry David Thoreau’s, “All nature is doing her best each moment to make us well.” Being outside is healing. From nature comes all things. The end of this quote in his 1853 journal says, “She exists for no other end. Do not resist her.” I love this encouragement. Get outside. Soak up the sunshine. She is waiting for you. Spring’s revival of all that lay dormant in the winter cold is the perfect time to create an outdoor habit.

I admit my to-dos get the best of me and sometimes just opening the door and stepping outside only adds to what must be done. But once I am out there, watching the sunset, listening to the barred owl’s mating call, seeing the firefly’s first flicker of the night, I am reminded why it is important. In the time of Muir and Thoreau artists painted on the banks of rivers and writers penned poetry under trees. The outdoors was their office space. In recent years I have noticed outdoor classrooms being added to schools. I love this concept. Math factors with birds chirping and leaves blowing, students using their senses to learn out-of-the-box.

Go outside. Take the first step. Instead of getting the mail before you pull in the driveway, walk out and get it. Take a stroll after dinner. Read a book outside. Plan an “office” day at a picnic table. Life is pulling you back to a chair or chore list but let nature heal you. This encouragement is as much for me, as it is you.

Clinton County is blessed with dozens of local parks, two Conservation Areas and a State Park. You don’t have to go far to enjoy what has been preserved for your enjoyment. These parks are for all abilities, including many ADA accessible spaces like the dock and picnic table at Hartell Lakes Conservation Area and some inclusive play areas like Lathrop’s City Park. No wallet required. These parks are free. Nature is a gift.

Your Friend, B