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 freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while
cares will drop off like falling leaves.
--John Muir (1838-1914) Naturalist, explorer, writer
Perhaps more than any other season of the year, springtime
heightens our awareness of nature. We have just come out of our
shells of winter and see the rebirth of nature's bounty.
Blossoms are springing forth and colors abound everywhere. New
growth appears on previously barren branches. The sun's arc is
rising, bringing warmth and light. Animals, birds and insects
are on the move. This is a time of year when, with little effort
on our part, we can easily see our constantly growing and
changing environment.
However, in our busy lives with all the seemingly important
problems, we sometimes forget our connection with all that
surrounds us. We go from our manufactured houses, to our
manufactured cars or busses, to our manufactured offices and work
on our manufactured machines, eat at our manufactured restaurants
and entertain ourselves with our manufactured play things. When
we do experience nature, we usually complain about how hot or
cold it is, or how wet or dry, or how windy, or how still. We do
not really experience but instead negate. Or perhaps we save up
our appreciation for the weekend or yearly vacation. Yet nature
is always here, giving freely of her gifts. True, nature can
come on fiercely, but it can also bring a calming blanket of
colors and sounds. It is a study in emotion and feelings. It
tugs at the heart and lightens the spirit.
Try to take some time each day to experience nature--look at the
stars, feel the wind, smell the aromas, walk bare foot in the
grass, really look at a lady bug. Take time to be with the
animate and not just the inanimate. You will become lighter and
calmer and your, "cares will drop off like falling leaves."
Blessings and love,
Allen Schmeltz
