Man has endured work since Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden:
To the man he said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat from it,
Cursed is the ground because of you!
In toil you shall eat its yield
all the days of your life. (Gen 3:17)
Yet “work is for man, not man for work.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2428) So, this Labor Day and throughout the year, what can you do bring a bit of genuine leisure to your life? To cultivate a sabbath or respite?
One of the simplest, most beneficial, FREE things you can do is get out into nature. In the weeks before school began, I crammed in some last-minute opportunities to get myself and my children outside. We visited a grotto, gardens, nature trails, and a nature sanctuary.
Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Anecdotally, I recognize that these experiences enhanced my mood, lowered my stressed and refreshed my soul. Science backs up my experience, positing that walking in nature actually changes the brain!
Being in nature consistently:
- relaxes me
- connects me to God
- broadens my perspective
- restores a sense of wonder
- unleashes my creativity
It pays to take time, step away from the electronic devices, and step into nature. It’s the perfect balm for your weary soul.
How does a nature walk affect you?
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Beautiful pictures! I don’t get out of Dublin often (no car), but when my mom was visiting, we went on bus tours around Ireland, and it was a great experience. Beautiful views made me think of descriptions I could write, rich in color and detail, and the guide’s stories sparked some ideas for the stories of my own.
Yes, it really inspires! I find myself thinking of the colors and sounds, too, so I can describe them.
I live in PA 🙂 I haven’t been to Harrisburg, though. I love being out in nature! On Sunday my husband and brother and I went for a woodsy hike/rock climb/creek walking and it was so great! Especially after being lazy in the hot weather for the past couple of weeks. And last night a big group of young adults had a campfire and played games out under the trees and stars. Even when you’re just relaxing, it’s so much better in nature.
It is, isn’t it?
I agree – beautiful pictures – and they pull me into the peace that I know nature offers. My nature walks allow me to find my focus and recapture my balance.
Yes, everything seems to fall into place and its proper perspective afterwards.
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