Contemplation - Appreciation - Inspiration

For me, Fall is a season of contemplation. Between the wilted flowers that are dropping their seeds, the trees offering magnificent colors, patterns, and textures, and animals being busy getting ready to leave for winter, Fall offers us many opportunities to put our senses to work and be curious observers. I never cease to be marveled at so much beauty.

I just came back from a few days at the wonderful Yellowstone National Park. Besides the splendors that the park has to offer, what stroke me was the people’s attitude. Everywhere in the park, on the different sites, people were respectful of others, walking slowly, mostly silently or they were whispering. I could feel the reverence in their gestures. I like to think that is what Nature does to us when we take the time to pay attention to Her. I like to think that when we take the time to observe and connect with Her, we feel whole again and don’t need to rush from one thing to another. And I believe that we don’t need to wait for a long vacation or travel to some special place to experience that sense of belonging to Nature. Stepping out in our backyard, going for a walk in our neighborhood, or discovering a new park in our community can bring the same feeling of awe. Try it.