Encounters With Nature

Why is it every so often we long to be spendingconnection that it is not uncommon to pass
time 'away from it all'?someone sitting on a bench ANYWHERE with
Sure the pressures of modern life can beeyes closed feeling the elements pouring onto
exacting on our system, but a good weekendtheir face, and bringing a smile to it.
usually sorts that stress out. To really get awayListening to the early evening sounds of animals in
from it all because something in you says "OK,Africa whilst on Safari seems to rekindle some
time for a break" means more than getting awayancient connection we share with the continent or
from the daily stresses of our lives - its aNature, that the memory sits in our minds long
re-connecting to that part of ourselves whichafter our trip acting as a 'happy thought' for times
needs recharging. In a space that supports it,when we need consoling. Or hearing the wind
nature.moving through the Pine trees on a mountain in
Whether that be a holiday on some tropical Island,Europe, conjures up an almost mystical presence
a summer on the Lake or a two week Safari toand connection with the Earth, that for that
Africa, we look forward to such an 'escape'. Andmoment all existence comes into a single thought
rightly so, our bodies need recharging orof oneness.
reconnecting to our sense of self and peace.Such an attunement to Nature is something we all
Being in Nature enhances this process and retunesin some way or another have felt or seek out in
our system in order to face the challenges thattimes of stress and hardship. It's not hard to see
will meet us once back in the office.why many Holy places were usually sited in
Nature acts as a Guardian for all our needs:remote areas of nature or on mountain tops. It
physical, emotional and spiritual. And by allowingserves our deepest needs.
ourselves more time in Nature, we actuallyThe greater we can seek to harmonize ourselves
enhance our overall happiness and sense of place.with Nature when in nature, the more we
Parks in the city can usually be magnets in theexperience a greater connection to nature, and to
summer, with people seen to be enjoying all sortsourselves. All the while absorbing the calm and
of leisure activities. Small havens from therecharging our batteries. Nature is both our
trappings of modern life. Going on a holiday intopreserver and destroyer, and is there to look
Nature would do that and more. Feeling theafter our interests so long as we can learn to
breeze of summer on your face is such a simplelook after its interests, and preserve the wild
act, yet can give such a sense of release andplaces.