I think of all the regeneration projects I see on TV nature programmes; inspiring leaders working with young and older people in grassroots initiatives, to re-wild, plant edible or medicinal gardens, clear stretches of beach or woodland, and nurture and protect wild animals. Whenever we are working with nature in these humble and helpful ways, we are rewarded with new hope and new life. Even just watching these projects on TV fills me with better feelings and I am grateful for every hopeful action.
Many of you talk about the ocean and I can only imagine its beauty.
Living near mountains and lakes, but not far from another sea, I deeply feel my love for my land.
Trees. Their timeless being, their never-tiring offer of their existential gift for all living beings, which is offering transformation of CO2 into life-giving oxygen, their being of service for aeons while just standing still, their capacity to offer shade and shelter in stormy weather, and their allover beauty leaves me in complete awe and humble gratefulness. Thank you for this question.
Probably the one thing that I always find myself so grateful for is plant life. Could be trees, grasslands, farm fields or gardens. So much resilience, adaptability and beauty. A source of nourishment and shelter.
The Ocean for sure, I moved away from New England for 4 years of my life and missed it so much. I do believe it is in my Irish blood that I love the Ocean. My Mother was exactly the same way. She loved Cape cod so much, we often vacationed there when we were young and then when she became ill my parents retired and moved to the Cape where she spent many great years right next to the Ocean. Thus I live in the Ocean state!!
Wow. Impossible to name one thing! ‘When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” John Muir The early morning light on the trees outside my window today was stunning. Will go with that …
* Btw – the Sierra club posted a long piece about this and other John Muir quotes. Seems they are often misquoted. They offer this as an official version they wish to be used.
Oh boy. One thing? As I contemplated this
question, I started making lists, as I do,
and then remembered all the times that
being In nature has been generally
transformative. It has given me a new
perspective, a fresh feeling of accomplishment,
gratitude for what I have, and a love and
kinship with all the natural world.
I love everyone else’s answers and they’re all absolutely right.
I’ll go with air. I’ve breathed the ashy fallout of Mt. St. Helens, the smoky and almost unbearable air carrying forest fires from far away to my town and making the skies a murky brown, swimming underwater trying to hold my breath as long as possible and feeling the relief as I come up through the surface and breathe in, walking or biking in downtowns with the smell of car exhaust thinking how awful it is, being near water breathing in that ozone-y freshness, walking in the forest park near our house breathing in pine-scented air that’s also carrying to me the sounds of a squirrel scolding me for being there, a scrub jay calling, the soft sounds of my feet on the path, the deliciously scented steam coming off a pot of soup I’m making or from a loaf of bread fresh out of the oven, deep inhalations and exhalations when I’m doing yoga or exerting myself on the bike. Air.
It’s characteristic of love that animals give to their children. I am lucky to live in front of a lake, so I have opportunities to observe the beauty of the sky from morning to night. Especially delightful are the animals passing by, such as geese, ducks, and swans. I am grateful when I witness a mother duck swimming with her ducklings, never forgetting to look back to ensure none of her offspring is left behind.
Note: The picture that I see is painted through my mom’s voice. I can’t really see them from a far distance with my limited vision. Because of that, we are not only grateful for what we see in nature but also for the ability to see.
Have a nice weekend to all of you!
As many of you know I travel during the winter months- seeing new landscapes- and always amazed..even when I have seen them in the past. This time around, my husband and I have been in the Texas desert for awhile…and enjoying that glory. We traveled to a different part of Texas on Wednesday and here we are in a forest- with a huge lake! I am always, always grateful for a body of water…but I am realizing that trees are the amazing phenomenon…they are great- they are twisted, massive, small, intricate and flow with the wind. I am always grateful when I see such trees… and how my thoughts flow looking at them. Yes! Trees…Thank you!!
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My grandsons brings me a more grateful perspective. I love their genuine sense of awe and wonder.
I think of all the regeneration projects I see on TV nature programmes; inspiring leaders working with young and older people in grassroots initiatives, to re-wild, plant edible or medicinal gardens, clear stretches of beach or woodland, and nurture and protect wild animals. Whenever we are working with nature in these humble and helpful ways, we are rewarded with new hope and new life. Even just watching these projects on TV fills me with better feelings and I am grateful for every hopeful action.
I so enjoy the beauty of nature. I love the walk along the river. Need to get back to that as a daily habit.
Many of you talk about the ocean and I can only imagine its beauty.
Living near mountains and lakes, but not far from another sea, I deeply feel my love for my land.
Trees. Their timeless being, their never-tiring offer of their existential gift for all living beings, which is offering transformation of CO2 into life-giving oxygen, their being of service for aeons while just standing still, their capacity to offer shade and shelter in stormy weather, and their allover beauty leaves me in complete awe and humble gratefulness. Thank you for this question.
Probably the one thing that I always find myself so grateful for is plant life. Could be trees, grasslands, farm fields or gardens. So much resilience, adaptability and beauty. A source of nourishment and shelter.
The Ocean for sure, I moved away from New England for 4 years of my life and missed it so much. I do believe it is in my Irish blood that I love the Ocean. My Mother was exactly the same way. She loved Cape cod so much, we often vacationed there when we were young and then when she became ill my parents retired and moved to the Cape where she spent many great years right next to the Ocean. Thus I live in the Ocean state!!
Being on the ocean or walking along its shoreline.
Wow. Impossible to name one thing! ‘When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” John Muir The early morning light on the trees outside my window today was stunning. Will go with that …
* Btw – the Sierra club posted a long piece about this and other John Muir quotes. Seems they are often misquoted. They offer this as an official version they wish to be used.
Oh boy. One thing? As I contemplated this
question, I started making lists, as I do,
and then remembered all the times that
being In nature has been generally
transformative. It has given me a new
perspective, a fresh feeling of accomplishment,
gratitude for what I have, and a love and
kinship with all the natural world.
I have to pick just one thing?
I love everyone else’s answers and they’re all absolutely right.
I’ll go with air. I’ve breathed the ashy fallout of Mt. St. Helens, the smoky and almost unbearable air carrying forest fires from far away to my town and making the skies a murky brown, swimming underwater trying to hold my breath as long as possible and feeling the relief as I come up through the surface and breathe in, walking or biking in downtowns with the smell of car exhaust thinking how awful it is, being near water breathing in that ozone-y freshness, walking in the forest park near our house breathing in pine-scented air that’s also carrying to me the sounds of a squirrel scolding me for being there, a scrub jay calling, the soft sounds of my feet on the path, the deliciously scented steam coming off a pot of soup I’m making or from a loaf of bread fresh out of the oven, deep inhalations and exhalations when I’m doing yoga or exerting myself on the bike. Air.
Air……..One of those you know is not there when it isn’t. Thank you for that Barb.
It’s characteristic of love that animals give to their children. I am lucky to live in front of a lake, so I have opportunities to observe the beauty of the sky from morning to night. Especially delightful are the animals passing by, such as geese, ducks, and swans. I am grateful when I witness a mother duck swimming with her ducklings, never forgetting to look back to ensure none of her offspring is left behind.
Note: The picture that I see is painted through my mom’s voice. I can’t really see them from a far distance with my limited vision. Because of that, we are not only grateful for what we see in nature but also for the ability to see.
Have a nice weekend to all of you!
It’s beautiful
It is a toss up! Trees, or birds at the bird bath.
As many of you know I travel during the winter months- seeing new landscapes- and always amazed..even when I have seen them in the past. This time around, my husband and I have been in the Texas desert for awhile…and enjoying that glory. We traveled to a different part of Texas on Wednesday and here we are in a forest- with a huge lake! I am always, always grateful for a body of water…but I am realizing that trees are the amazing phenomenon…they are great- they are twisted, massive, small, intricate and flow with the wind. I am always grateful when I see such trees… and how my thoughts flow looking at them. Yes! Trees…Thank you!!
The ocean is the first thing that came to mind, and it’s always been a source of peace, joy and contemplation for me.