I have always found comfort in nature. A simple walk outside walking into the breeze and the sun is like medicine for my soul. As I listen to the wind rustle the leaves on the trees, the waves crashing on the beach or shore, the birds chirping, the nocturnal insects buzzing, anything that is weighing down my mind melts away and peace manifests in its place. I feel a connection with mother nature's bounty. To me it seems almost like a religion. Yet, in the wind I feel and hear the presence of those who can no longer be with me and that of a higher being... a higher power... I know now how the Native Americans might view the world... well, to an extent. I have never felt the connection to Christianity or other worldly religions created by humankind as I do as being one with nature. Some may view this as sacrilege to their views, but nature makes sense to me. On a stormy day, I embrace the clouds, the rain, the thunder, the wind, the lightning. And at the end of the worst storm is a beautiful rainbow. Sunny days have their own beauty. When I am feeling that I am not quite myself, all I need to do is go for a walk outside and take in my surroundings as I listen to my breathing and the beat of my heart and I feel as if I am whole again. There are even times that it seems as I listen to music or as I walk, the rhythm of the animals, the trees, the water, the insects, and all of nature are going along to the same beat. It's simple, yet amazing.
