Have you ever walked from your parked car to the building where you work, take classes, or buy groceries without noticing the world around you? All too often, I walk on autopilot. Later, I realize that I was not aware of the beauty of the clouds in the sky, a tender blade of grass growing between the cracks in the sidewalk, or a golden tree covered in fall leaves. Too often, we miss the beauties of the natural world because we do not think to pay attention to them. Choosing to be aware of the wonders around us whenever we go outside enables us to have a deeper connection with the natural world
Stories of Awe and Spirituality
This summer, I had the chance to visit Niagara Falls, a group of waterfalls which span the border between Ontario, Canada, and the state of New York. Niagara Falls has been described as one of seven natural wonders of the world, and after visiting, I would have to agree with whoever declared these falls a wonder of nature. Standing on a boat in the center of thousands of tons of water pouring down around us was truly something unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. As part of this same trip, I was also able to join with family to visit historical locations relevant to my family’s faith tradition, and similarly felt a sense of wonder as we gathered and reflected spiritually.
Awe in Nature
It is likely that each of us has had moments where we felt overcome by the beauty that surrounds us. We can be looking up at sheer granite peaks in Yosemite National Park, or we can be admiring the bright green trees as we walk next to a river. We may have seen these things many times before, but they have become commonplace. Yet, for some reason, we each have days where the natural world is not only pleasing to the senses, but it also connects with our soul.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Reducing Tension at Home While Self-Isolating Amid COVID-19
Whether we’re feeling overwhelmed as we take on new and changing responsibilities, frustrated by our lack of space and alone time, or we’re struggling financially because of a coronavirus-related job loss, there are some things we can do to alleviate these tensions and improve life at home during COVID-19.
We Belong In Nature: Three Ways Nature Connection Can Help You Live a Better Life
All living things possess an innate need to interact with their natural environments, a phenomenon that the naturalist and writer Edward Wilson calls “biophilia”. I think oftentimes we live our lives cooped up in fish tank-like environments; whether it be our homes, offices, or school classrooms, we spend a lot of time indoors.