Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Nurturing Nature





(a bit hazy as there was a nearby fire)

I've decided it's nurturing to be out in nature. It's like our mother wrapping her arms around us and giving us a big hug. We just returned from one of our hikes in the mountains, and I'm exhausted. We went about five miles at around 8,900 feet. I just may have overdone on this one - a bit more tired than the last time. But new boots helped, and the scenery was spectacular. Other than on a few occasions looking over my shoulder for mountain lions, we had the mountains pretty much to ourselves.

I really think we need to go outside as often as possible to really understand what it means to save our environment. We simply cannot have the same sense of our mother earth if we are continually inside, and never experience the earth in it's raw form. Even walking through a park will give a different perspective. And actually getting out where there is no one around is extremely rewarding. You begin to see the grandiosity of it all. How important it is to pass on to future generations. How imperative it is that we act, in every decision we make, to make sure those decisions have as negative an impact as possible, for all life forms, including our earth.

Have you been outside lately? What did you experience?

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so right Nancy. Being an "armchair" activist is worthy, no doubt, but having the earth surround you and seeing all that she offers, the colours, the frangrance...the life and the beauty...it changes your perspective on EVERYTHING. I'm so glad you're out hiking! Oh gosh, I need new hiking boots too!
:)

Rosaria Williams said...

You are right on the money on this one. We can't feel rejuvenated unless we are outdoors, with rivers flowing, birds singing, the wind rustling the leaves, and smells sorrounding all our senses.

Meeko Fabulous said...

Hi Nancy! I wish I had such spectacular views like yours! I'm planning on taking a trip to Yosemite in the near future. :)

Linda Pendleton said...

Looks beautiful, Nancy. I just was outside and at 3:00 PM it is 107 degrees! So I am enjoying again the coolness of being inside! LOL

Good thing you are up the hill :-)

Rachael @ The Little Birdie said...

I've been spending my early mornings outside, and I cannot even tell you what wonders it has done for me! Even just going out to breathe and water a plant or two gives me such a positive start to my day.

How funny you wrote about this today as I wrote about my morning and enjoying my flowers! :)

Mary Ellen said...

You are right on this one. Can't wait to get back to my Rockies in a couple of weeks for a visit! Maybe some day I'll be able to relocate somewhere closer to mountains or ocean.

Lillian Robinson said...

Living on a farm in the country, I can relate. Being outdoors and close to nature gives you a sense of responsibility toward the earth.

DJan said...

As readers of my blog know, I and a bunch of seniors hike every Thursday. I post my pictures on line. Tomorrow we are going on an extra-long hike (12 miles, 4,000 feet elevation gain) so I might not get anything up until the next day, but the Pacific Northwest is exceptionally beautiful. Thanks for sharing these of the Lake Tahoe region, Nancy. I lived there once for four months and loved it. Went skiing and snowshoeing, mostly, since it was winter.

luksky said...

You keep making me extremely envious with the beautiful nature pics you are posting! As much as I love the outdoors and hiking, I have a hard time doing anything but finding a swimming hole in the extreme heat we get here in central Texas.

R. J. said...

You are lucky to live in a beautiful region with such dramatic topography.The Nature Conservancy is a favorite organization, and they collect great photos like yours.

Brian Miller said...

amen. there is just something about the air out there. to sweet and inpoluted. the beauty as well.

Lydia said...

Perfect post about the most important issue of our time. I agree 100%. We are due a hike ourselves and thanks for the sweet nudge.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

My favorite time of day is the early morning while the campground sleeps and I walk around and marvel at the beauty of nature. Doesn't last too long this time of year, but still my favorite time of day.

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

There is nothing like looking out over the fields of waving grain here and understand how beautiful the earth is and how much it gives back to us. It is a totally different view than the mountains and the untamed forests, but it sure makes you grateful to see the bounty that it does produce.

Reya Mellicker said...

A big piece of my "Plan to Stay Sane" includes being outdoors as much as possible, even when I think it's "too hot" or "too rainy" or whatever. Being outdoors brings everything back into perspective, at least for me.

I am no cube dweller.

If I get up there this summer, don't be surprised if I can't even cross the street. 6,000 feet is a whole lot higher in altitude than where I live here at sea level. When I went to Colorado a couple of years ago I could not believe how exhausting it was.

I salute you!

scarlethue said...

We walk the dog every day. Just up and down our street, but our street neighbors a large national forest, so we get a ton of wildlife, as evidenced by my most recent post. I agree with you-- being in nature is like pressing a reset button for me.

robert said...

Good morning Nancy,
what a joyfull sight to see your photography. Being out here in Athens, includes always the word loud. Discovering a flower, reminds of natures power. Out today, I've seen: the playground, a swing, my son, other kids and parents too, countless cars and his one in a world smile after reading a book with him.
To see it on your own:
http://stefanorfeas.blogspot.com

Thank you very much also for leaving your comment upon my site.

Leah J. Utas said...

I must have my outside time every day. Even if it's only my morning coffee, I need the air and the peace of nature around.

ellen abbott said...

I have to go greet everything every morning or at least at some point during the day.

But what I was going to say is that, back when I was into the river guide thing, on the last morning we would do a ring and emphasize how important it was for everyone to go back with a renewed determination to protect the wild spaces we have left.

Joanne said...

I was outside today, tending the earth a little, as she tends us. I cultivated and weeded the tomato patch, deadheaded the marigolds, watered the deck pots. The air was comfortable, around 80 degrees, no humidity, blue skies. One of those gifts of a perfect day.

Hilary said...

The more time I spend outdoors, the more I realize that it's the only reality. Nothing else gives me more perspective.

Hilary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Whitney Lee said...

I've been feeling awful but I forced myself outside to walk the dog last night and actually felt much better. I'm sure it was both the outdoors and the exercise. I tried it again today, working in the yard while my daughter played. It reminded me how much she and I both love the outdoors.
It's all a continual reminder to me that I'd like all of this (what remains of nature after all of our 'progress') to still be around for my children, and my children's children.

lolit said...

from your post, i feel more obliged to be part of saving our mother earth.thanks for reminding.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

One can hear the breath of your walk in your writing.The manner in your writing voice speaks to a passionate walk and an understanding of grasping nature. So vivid. Lovely post.

Adiya said...

Um, no (i'm ashamed to say) ive not been out lately. But you make it sound like so much fun.

harmony said...

I love the photos...that is inspiration enough to go outside and enjoy.
Yes, I am outside a lot. I try to walk everywhere as opposed to driving, parking or engaging in road rage. Thankfully, I live in a metro area and able to do this often. Everything I need is within walking distance.
I look west and there are the Rockies. Thank you for the reminder to be kinder to the enviroment and to enjoy the beauty outside. It is often, too easy, to stay indoors and on-line.

California Girl said...

Well, I would go outside but it won't stop raining!

Anonymous said...

My hotel is right along the beach. It takes me three minutes to walk to the shores. It's incredible how the shore affects my writing. I feel so one with the ocean.
You are right about mother nature. If we do not embrace her glory, how can we save her?