My Solace: Beauty in Nature

Beauty is an exacting topic for me to write about, because there are so many aspects and considerations to this word beauty that touch my heart.  Beauty is not only a visual encounter;  it’s a characteristic that gives a pleasing perceptual experience to our senses including our intellectual and moral virtues.

As far back as I can remember, I felt beautiful when I was in nature. 

I was raised on Long Island, New York and enjoyed spending as much time as I could outdoors.  I realize now what a luxury it was to be raised up in an environment where I was surrounded by woodlands, fields and a sort of country atmosphere which nurtured my heart, mind and soul.   I took pleasure in gazing up at the majesty of the Pine trees and soaking in the euphoric smells of the Lilacs, Roses and Lily of the Valley flowers that adored my grandmother’s garden.  I was serenaded by the Mourning Doves and awed by the evening’s light show offered by the stars and fireflies.

Nowadays, I’m really enjoying my early evening strolls outside.

My favorite time to walk is at Twilight…it’s that special time of the day when the sun is just below the horizon and its ray’s are waving its last good-byes.

The beautiful thing that happens for and to me is that I no longer need to understand everything. My mind gets a break from analyzing and my heart get’s a chance to fully take over and just be at peace with what is. A peaceful mind is no small thing…and so, I am forever grateful that I can always rely on the beauty of Mother Nature to calm and refresh my inner and outer worlds.

Feeling Stressed? Hanging Out in Greenspace Can Reset Your Mind

Find your happy place outdoors and give your busy brain some time to switch your thoughts over to the simpler things. Listen to the breeze rustle through the trees and take in the earthy sights and smells around you. Stanford University even suggests that taking a break from our busy schedules to enjoy nature increases the blood flow to the brain and improves processing, learning and memory skills.

Heading into The Great Outdoors Can Improve Your Health

It’s been studied and found that the health benefits of the great outdoors can include better sleep, reduce cholesterol, improve your heart rate and blood pressure. So take a walk on a tree lined street, through the woods or your local park to take advantage of nature’s substantial physical health benefits.

Being in Nature is Good for the Soul

Taking a nature walk, without all your technological gadgets, allows the part of your brain that receives all the attention overload time to recover and allows room for more creative thinking. Being in nature helps us to feel alive, encourages a meditative mindset and makes us happier humans. Nature in your neighborhood can also help give us a stronger feeling of belonging and sense of community. It inspires us in a way “that connect us to each other and our environment.”