I frequently speak of nature and the effect it has on my own anxiety and stress. Nothing is a panacea for all our stress or dysfunction. Those addicted to the urban excitement and plethora of theaters, concerts and sporting events with restaurants at a click of a mobile GPS defend their turf with honor. I lived in New York for four years. It was addicting in the beginning and exciting. The noise pollution, and calloused attitude of its inhabitants barely clouded the East coast arrogance. This could never of been portrayed so eloquently as the famous picture on the cover of the New Yorker Magazine where the city is predominantly the nucleus of the United States and everything West of the Hudson is barren and not worth viewing.
Remember our roots. ALL of us came from rural settings. At one point if you trace your family tree long enough you will find some relative working the field or blue collar job to help progress the next generation. Those that are moved by the sunset, the solitude of nature, and the serenity of a placid lake while a loon breaks the water’s plane have to be more in touch with something deeper than themselves.
Lay on a blanket on a cool summer night. View the sky and the multitude of stars, and planets. Even space is being cluttered now with numerous satellites. a reminder of man’s invasion of yet another arena that was once pristine. We are only a humble speck amongst all living creatures.
For myself nature is the, “absolute truth.” Nature will not lie, our woods our streams will be there for us to immerse ourselves in from a total sensory experience and if we so choose a spiritual one. My dearest best friend gave me a framed blade of grass for Fathers Day. Why? She frequently wants me to meditate on a blade of grass when I stress. It was initially humorous and then became serious. I cherish this gift. It was one of the most thoughtful, dearest gifts I have received. How symbolic. One blade of grass can be so powerful. Sometimes we should re-look at all living relatives, even a blade of grass. One grain of sand, one blade of grass, one leaf are all important creating a whole for us to enjoy.
Frustrations of life continue. Success is measured frequently by how much is in our bank account, the value of our car, and what college our children attend. My son is a doctor, my daughter is going to Harvard, no, mine is going to Princeton, to what end do we become blinded by status and false illusions of power, and money. When was the last time you heard a parent brag how their child has such a deep appreciation for the outdoors? Or my child wants to make a difference by giving back to others.
It is time we instill some basic values, and not emotionally whip or children in a direction of status. Those with the most toys in the end does not win! There is no winning and losing in life. There is only living. It depends how happy you want to be while living. Walk barefoot in the grass, feel the breeze carees your face, embrace the simplest virtues around you. They have always been there, but have you always been aware of them ?
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