“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sun shine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” – John Muir, Our National Parks
The abundance of nature is all around us. Some of us live closer to parks than others, but with 58 national parks in the United States- I promise there is one closer to you than you think. I’m blessed to live in Austin, TX where the weather throughout the year is pretty incredible, and that being outdoors is basically a requirement.
I figured it was a good time to write a short post about the beauty and importance of nature due to a few reasons:
- Hamilton Pool Reserve is absolutely gorgeous (see photos below),
- The National Park Service turned 100 last August (1916-2016),
- Trump’s gag orders to block the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture from community with the public (although Badlands National Park in South Dakota bravely tweeted a string of facts on climate change and evolution against Trump’s gag order…. brilliant)
- Hiking/being out in nature can be a way of providing active rest for your body and your brain, bringing about creative reflection and restorative mental health.
As I strolled through the trees, glare at the shimmery water fall and sparkly green water at Hamilton Pool, I couldn’t help but wonder how many stories these walls have captured. Every day, hundreds of visitors step foot around those trees, telling tales to one another, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the sound of the birds and the wind- all of which nature captures in detail.
Some days we’re too busy to get out to nature. And some days we’re simply too lazy. But if we don’t constantly remind ourselves to experience the beauty around us, one day, we’ll be wishing it was still there. F rom now on, I will (unless it’s raining…..) most certainly strive to go for a stroll to explore more of the gorgeous world around us- even if its just a for an hour or two.
Until then, stay informed about the Dakota Pipeline developments. This pipeline (if built) serves to provide a more efficient way of transporting crude oil BUT it also will contaminate drinking water and damage sacred burial sites for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on their reservation. Obama denied/blocked the development of this pipeline a few months ago after a widespread protest all. Within a few days of being in office, President Trump has signed permits to allow for this development. Sure, it’ll bring jobs, Sure it’ll benefit the local government. Sure it may benefit farmers but is that all worth it at the expense of our environment + our Native American Tribal neighbors?
P.S. Thanks to In Steady Rotation for the gorgeous photos and capturing my mood through images. Pictures speak a thousand words.
Joanne Lam 