Nature

Nature. Natural. I think there is a good reason why these two words are connected. When I am in nature, I feel so natural, like I am suppose to be here. I am suppose to feel the grass under my feet, the breeze tumbling gently off the trees around me, and the aroma of the many bushes that are beckoning for my attention. It's amazing, nature, that is, it's free from all the bias and attempts to make beauty, it's free from the human alterations and "improvements", it's free from all of that - and I think just being in it gives me a little of that freedom. It's so magnificent, it really is, the best man-made structures fall short of natures wonder. I just stumbled upon a quote by the great John Muir, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine 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. Man, that guy really knew what he was talking about. Being able to harness the energy that nature offers, what peace and tranquility it can bring. It's even more than that; strength, wisdom, understanding - I think you can gain all of this from nature. The trick is being able to see it, to appreciate it. The more I have grown to appreciate nature, the more I have grown. I find myself at home there, I'm comfortable... I feel natural.