Is nature a panacea for happiness? I used to think running was a cure-all, but when that morphed into an appreciation of nature with the passing of time, I realized it was the same thing. You don’t have to climb to the top of a mountain or down a canyon wall. It can be as close as a nearby park or a rocking chair in a backyard. The sense of contentment that comes with being outside is a breath of fresh air both figuratively and literary. But is that happiness? Here is what I do know:
Nature gives the brain a break: How often do we say we need to step away for a minute? In this world where technology dominates our workplace and our home life, there seems to be a disconnect with how to relax. Nature gives your brain a chance to rest and tap into your senses without being in front of a computer screen. And with rest, comes the possibility of collecting thoughts and stimulation of a clearer mind.
Nature keeps you healthy: The fresh air and Vitamin D are just starters. Nature is known to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress. When combined with walking, hiking, or climbing the benefits are accelerated.
Nature educates you about our natural world: Inspiration to focus on other things can take you way from the mundane tasks of the day, or a windowless office space. Oceans and sunsets have a natural ability to make us linger, birds building nests and squirrels searching for nuts make us smile, and even the changing leaves or brisk snowy days tempt us to guess the upcoming weather report. Is it possible that you learned about something that wasn’t there before or a curiosity was answered without reading a book? Hmm, maybe a child walking with you can teach you something about curiosity, if you let him.
Nature gives you a deep breath: It seems to be the subtle permission we need to just let things go. The truth is nothing is a cure-all for life’s challenges, but nature does take us away for a blink of time, so when we return to the realm of reality we are ready to tackle it with a fresh mind. So yes…
Try nature.
What is your I would be happy if…?
The Daily Post: Panacea
I would be happy if. . . I spent all day every day in the woods, or on the farm, or in the yard. 😉 I agree with absolutely everything here.
I reacted particularly to that photo of the sign telling us to just look for one minute. . . Yeah, I’m working on doing more of that. Mindfulness is a never-ending process.
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Hi lGreg. Thanks. Yes. I always knew I loved being in the midst of nature, but when we lived in Yellowstone, my whole world changed. We worked, but I just always felt so content. The sign kind of surprised me. It is at one of the large overlooks at the Grand Canyon. It is such great advice for this selfie generation we all live in. just look sometimes. Thanks for stopping in.
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so refreshing. i am waiting for the day i will be healthy enough to do all of this.
i am passed “would bes” and “could bes” and “should bes”
i am trying my best to be what i can be in the moment in given circumstances.
trying to stay focused to my own personal goals.
your words are inspiring and a breath of fresh air that gives me strength to strive to get
better soon run towards my goals faster.
thank you 🙂
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I think you do a great job a being in your moment. And your gift is from your mind through your fingertips. You ARE connected to nature. I think I remember the sunset from your apartment window when you moved in and I I know you’re still trying to figure out what that dang bird was doing tapping on your moms window. Ok so that wasn’t relaxing but it was curious. lol. Keep getting well. Thanks for reading when I know you have so many other things on your mind.
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Ahaha. The bird is not comming now everyone confirmed. But nobody is sleeping with me in this room 😆.
I manage to be here. Its 5 13 am here i haven’t slept all night as this is when i work on my book and blog. My family doesnt know much about both but they see something is keeping me sane so they give me space and time to write.
So far things are going great. 🙂
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Great post and love that sign!
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The Grand Canyon .
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Great post and great pictures!
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love spending days in nature… so relaxing 😀
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Yes, and you have such a beautiful place in the world to do that…and me too. Thank you.
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I agree, we are the lucky ones 😉
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This post is so true and a relevant vision of both leisure and experiential education!
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Thanks Terri. It’s definitely how we roll, and I imagine you do to.
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I always find I’m at peace when I’m walking in the National Park
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Me too.
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