Healing in Nature

A Creek Near the Iron Horse Trail.  Photo: Amanda Killen

Often, when in the city, I imagine what the landscape would look like without buildings and freeways and man made structures.  Here in Seattle, where the city seems to rest precariously and lightly on the hills and beside the lakes and water, that is relatively easy.  We live in an area that is abundant with the power of nature.  The beauty of this region is what draws many people to live in the Pacific Northwest.
There are few things as healing as nature.  Which is fortunate, since we live in a natural world.  Even made made structures originally, are sourced from nature.
Spending time hiking, in the forest, by a stream or walking on the beach can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to quiet the mind, become present, feel grounded, connect with yourself and reduce stress.  Something about the quiet and being surrounded by trees, moss, with the sound of birds or a stream, or the incredible quiet of the wind.
For me personally, there is almost nothing I love more than the natural world and I believe we would have a healthier society and healthier people if we all spent more time connecting with nature.  There is something that nature simply does for the soul.  Sometimes it can be hard to be aware of if your life is busy and most of the time you are keeping track of your todo list.  But take a little time for yourself.  Take a little time to enjoy your natural environment.  You may just find your worries and thoughts melting away, if only for a moment.