Nature

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” ~Albert Einstein

Recently after going for a hike in nature, I was blissed out for the rest of the day.  Everything went smoothly and seemed to sparkle. I wrote several blog entries from a place of pure inspiration. I was calm, peaceful and experiencing life from a place of centered awareness.  Life was grand.
 
I believe that one of the best antidotes for stress is nature.  When I become aware that I am getting stressed out or depressed, I take a break in nature.  I simply watch the hummingbirds and bees move from plant to plant serving their divine purpose.  The flowers are blooming gloriously and the sun is shining brightly.  They don’t appear to be struggling; nature teaches me the most important lesson and that is to go with the flow.
 
It is nice if you live near a park, beach, or forest, but if you don’t, then find some place outside where you can spend a few minutes and take in nature, plants, birds, or animals.  I just go to my backyard or take a walk in my neighborhood. Take a few minutes to explore with your senses - what do you smell, taste, feel, hear or see?  Take a deep breath and slow your pace and just be with nature. And for a bigger dose of the calming effects of nature, plan some free time to go outside for a hike, walk on the beach, go to a local botanical garden, spend time at a lake, camp in the forest, or whatever nature activity brings you joy.
 
How often do you spend time in nature?

What do you learn when you are immersed in nature?