Soulful Sunday 108

/ February 17, 2019

This week Soulful Sunday explores the nurturing power of nature.

nature, soul

A walk in the woods, Great Falls National Park, Virginia.

I’ve been feeling the call of nature.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. ~ William Shakespear

I’ve been busy getting ready for another move. One that I hadn’t planned on. My landlord asked me to move out of the house so she could move in her brother who just had a stroke. I understand and admire that she is willing to be his primary caretaker, but wasn’t planning on moving again so soon. Thankfully, I found another room to rent from a friend. There are some challenges, but I’m grateful to have found a place quickly. I’m getting lots of practice moving and living with others when what I really want is to live alone. I’ve let myself get caught in the trap of busyness, forgetting to take time for my soul. And time in nature is my favorite soul food.

Come to the woods; for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. ~ John Muir

Meanwhile, I feel the call of nature. I’ve had some quick afternoons in the park, but haven’t gotten out to the woods in many months, probably last summer. City parks are wonderful for a quick nature fix. Even going for a walk around the block or the back yard helps, but I can feel the pull of deep woods with their nurturing energy, lush quiet, bird songs, and different energy from the city parks. Maybe it’s the energy of nature being allowed to do its own thing, without the influence of mankind. All I know is time spent in national and state parks feeds my soul in a different way. Maybe I relax more, away from the sounds of the city and crowds on the paths. As I walk, I feel myself settling into my body and the moment, allowing my soul to shine and blossom.

Nature is my happy place. I go to the woods to be restored, made whole, and feel alive. I think many of the world’s problems could be solved if we all spent more time in the woods. People living disconnected from nature are disconnected from their essential oneness with life. We are nature, but too often live as if we were separate, doing great harm to ourselves and the planet.

May we treasure this beautiful planet, find our place in the web of life, and walk in peace. 

Related posts

37 thoughts on “Soulful Sunday 108”

  3. I haven’t been to the woods in a couple months and I, too, feel a need to return to nature. These days with starting my meditation business and working a day job, days off are few and far between. It helps that I enjoy the work. But I am feeling the need to completely unplug for a time. I must just schedule this in, I think. 🙂
    Sending you hugs and wishes for a great Sunday and rest of your new week. I’m glad the search for a place went quickly and that you have a place to stay. But yes…being an introvert, it’s essential to have a space that is just for you – wherever that may be. May you find some solace and rejuvenation in nature sooner rather than later. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Sorry to hear you have had to move again dear Brad… I hope your move goes well and you settle in with your friend..
    When ever I need uplifting, the woods are the first place I go.. i have a favourite tree, Nature makes all else fall away for a time..
    Wishing you well my friend ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. i couldn’t agree more. nature truly is soul nurturing and provides the enrichment we can thrive on. i’m glad you’re remembering the need your soul has for your nurturing. i agree, it doesn’t take much to invigorate when we touch in with nature anywhere and for what ever time we have. i do hope that you can make it to the woods though, and i’m wishing all the best with this move. you have such a sweet heart and your seeing the beauty in the situation reflects that. hoping that you can find that special place to yourself soon, but that in the meantime, you can enjoy the place you have been gifted, which does speak to how reflections of nurturing are indeed around you. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. Ah! Brad, so sorry to hear you have to pack up and move again so soon. But like you said it is a great thing that you found a place so soon.

    I agree with you about nature being a “fix” for …well…EVERYTHING!

    Hang in there, Brad. We don’t always know the reason things happen but it is good to have faith that there is a good reason 😉

    Sweet blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Sorry you have to move again. I hope all goes well and you can settle down…when you want to be by yourself, please remember to seek peace in nature…and eat the best soul food there is! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you Helen. I love your soul food suggestion! I went from shock to action to excitement for the move and new opportunities. Until I get a place of my own, I enjoy the quiet times when others are away or in nature as you suggested. to peace and solitude.

      Like

      Reply

  17. Beautifully written and so well expressed, Brad. May you settle into your new home and have a great time. I so agree with you that it is so much of a joy to get away and be with natural surroundings and to breathe in that fresh air that we so want. Great picture.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Cynthia Reyes Cancel reply