Have you ever noticed how calming it can be to take a break from the rat race of our fast-paced lives and immerse ourselves in nature? I find that a walk through the forest or a stroll down the beach can be very relaxing – they allow us to spend a few golden moments at a different pace – and this is so healthy for us. Yet, how many of us set aside the time to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the world around us?
What keeps us from getting out into nature? I have heard all sorts of excuses:
- I am too lazy
- The game is on
- I will get dirty
- It is too hot out
- It is too cold out
- I need to catch up on sleep
- I have to run errands
- It’s too much effort to get there
I know these excuses well, I use them ALL the time. On a Saturday morning after a long work week I am often not motivated to do anything more than nothing. I want to lie in bed, read, watch movies and sleep. Yet, I find that if I am able to carve the time out to immerse myself in nature that some of my energy is restored.
What if, instead of excuses, I looked at reasons why it is valuable to get out into nature:
- My stress reduces
- I am re-energized
- I am able to appreciate the beauty around me
- I get exercise
- I connect with nature and my family simultaneously
- It is easier to breathe
- It refreshed me
- I find that I am happier
- I get more quality time with my family
- The photos I take are gorgeous
Today, 348 days ’til 40, I am going to try to make less excuses. I have always appreciated the beauty in the nature around me, but I am now going to make a conscious effort to immerse myself in this beauty on a regular basis.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
The Quiet Borderline
March 10, 2012 at 14:56
Your post resonates with the time I have had this morning. I was determined to go outside for a walk and try and let myself enjoy it.
I ended up finding some stairs in the hospital which lead up to the closed ward and I went all the way up, looked out at the view, and was amazed at the scenery and nature around me.
I took 5 minutes to take in all of the beauty I was surrounded by, the birds chirping, the valleys in front of me, the swirling clouds, the forests and all the rest of it; It really calmed me down.
All the best,
The Quiet Borderline
http://quietbpd.wordpress.com/
400daystil40
March 10, 2012 at 22:03
QT you make a really good point, often it does not take long, but even a few moments in nature can make us feel so much better!!!
~400daystil40
Leanova Designs
March 10, 2012 at 22:25
I don’t get out as often as I want because of the weather/ non existing time!
400daystil40
March 11, 2012 at 20:48
I can relate – it takes a great deal of determination to make the time!
~400daystil40
New Hampshire Garden Solutions
March 10, 2012 at 22:51
As a writer of a gardening/nature blog, I have to make time to commune with nature, but to be honest I would do so even if I weren’t writing the blog. Nature is all of the things you mention, and more.
400daystil40
March 11, 2012 at 20:52
Thanks, NHGardenSolutions – nature is one of those things that we forget to appreciate….. we take it for granted too often.
~400daystil40
Kseniya Bublikova
March 16, 2012 at 22:16
So fully agree! It is beyond important to take time out and enjoy the beauty of nature!
400daystil40
March 17, 2012 at 15:34
Thanksk, Kseniya!
amenda67
March 17, 2012 at 15:53
Nature is a powerful cure and energizer for all moods. To avoid getting into deep depression I make myself go for a walk everyday. Thankfully I don’t own a vehicle any more this made me need to use my other form of transportation, my legs. I won’t even take a bus, I’d rather walk. I walk in rain or snow, sunny or cold. At times I’ve walked for 7 hours in a day not planning it but once I started walking I just kept going. Now that the nicer weather is here I take my sketch pad to the park, although I’m no artist, find an inspiration and just start drawing. It’s really abstract art, child like really but art therapy is a wonderful spirit lifter. I also take a book and a camera. I love nature, you never feel lonely even when walking or sitting alone. Every morning I get up before sunrise and then watch the sunrise and take pictures. Each day brings a beautiful new painting in the sky with brilliant colours most days. Something that lasts only moments in time. Helps to realize how fast time passes when watching the breaking of dawn and the sun move at high speed this feeling is my access to Heaven every morning. Only takes a few moments to enjoy the beauty and energy we are given to start a new day fresh. I spent to many years in darkness, it’s uplifting to finally see the light. Peace …
400daystil40
March 17, 2012 at 16:06
What great insight, Amenda! I agree with you. Nature is so powerful within us – and when we are able to get into nature it is so very healing. It is also so healthy to be walking instead of relying on other forms of transportation (also better in that you are leaving less of a carbon footprint in the world!) I like your idea of carrying a sketchpad and camera with you at all times – such a good idea!!! This is something I have started doing (at least with a camera) so that I can capture images wherever I go at will.
Thank you for sharing your great insights!!! 😉
~400daystil40
amenda67
March 17, 2012 at 17:59
Thank you – Peace \v/
natureintheburbs
March 17, 2012 at 23:37
Very true and I bet I could add alot more to the list of excuses!
400daystil40
March 17, 2012 at 23:45
I could probably also add more too!!! 😉
Alicea Jones
March 19, 2012 at 01:32
Yes, being out in nature is so rejuvinating and it helps me to be thankful for every beautiful thing we’re surrounded by.
400daystil40
March 19, 2012 at 07:30
It really does! 🙂
swabby429
March 19, 2012 at 18:06
Nature is my default mode on Sundays. I’d like the other six days to fall in line, too. 🙂
400daystil40
March 19, 2012 at 22:24
Me too!!! 🙂
Lorrin
March 22, 2012 at 03:58
Thanks for that!
400daystil40
March 22, 2012 at 07:36
You are welcome! 🙂