Nature's healing balm in Daydreaming on the Porch
- March 11, 2016, 9:13 p.m.
- |
- Public
“I have always been in love with the natural world… My life has been driven by the need to be surrounded and immersed in the beauty of Nature… It has been the central focus of my existence – has always provided me solace, healing, inspiration. In the silent forest I find my faith…“
Dan Fogelberg
It’s been a stressful year, part of it traumatic, to say the least, and having decisions about retirement, or the possibility of it, looming ahead, doesn’t help. Depression, fatigue. And there’s the relentless pace of activity from working full time and being a caregiver. The pace never seems to let up.
The only times when life seems to truly return to a semblance of sanity and peace is when I visit the gardens, nature preserves and parks in our area. Three in particular I visit regularly, and each has a long, wooded access road off a busy highway or road that leads into the heart of the park or garden.
What a blessed relief when I enter these quiet worlds apart. The rushing cars are gone instantly. Peace prevails I know immediately that I have an hour or more of tranquility ahead of me – blood pressure lower, calm begins to be restored and the beauty that surrounds me restores my spirit every time. The words of Dan Fogelberg above deeply resonate with me. I would be hard pressed to say it better.
Here are pictures from a recent visit to one of my favorite Nature preserves:
Last updated March 12, 2016
Deleted user ⋅ March 11, 2016
I love that quote. It's where I always feel closest to God too. Beautiful pictures !
gypsy spirit ⋅ March 12, 2016
wonderful to see an entry again, I have been wondering. What absolutely stunning photos, that place would inspire and reaffirm anyone I am sure....great pics too. Take care, and try to continue such meanderings amidst the gentle trees as you can...... hugs p
=bernard= ⋅ March 12, 2016
How very lovely, I believe you live in one of the Carolinas, right?
Marg ⋅ March 12, 2016
What beautiful places of peace - no wonder your sense of calm is restored there! I'm so glad you have these you can retreat to to soothe your troubled mind and body and recharge the batteries when necessary :)
ODSago ⋅ March 12, 2016
That last photo strikes me as the location of an outdoor cathedral -- nothing can take this gift you have away...the kinship you feel and portray in your photography to nature. Lovely to see your name in my scroll of friends today. I imagine you finding a home with a nature view someday when you do retire and have completed your commitment to your mother's care.
Newzlady ⋅ March 12, 2016
Good to see an entry from you. I've been wondering how you are.
Deleted user ⋅ March 14, 2016
Beautiful pictures! Hard time, but so good to know you have a little time to enjoy nature.