Nature is…

My safe space- it's safe to be me, completely and fully me. I can sort my thoughts, take in her beauty, I am never judged, made fun of for what I wear, how slow I may walk, or how many times I take a break, catch my breath or take a photo. I can complete the trail, or leave early, she doesn't mind. I can just sit and listen to the birds chirping, moving from branch to branch. With every step is a new view, a new sound, and a new sense of peace. No distractions, (okay well maybe a few, like fellow hikers), but it is very easy to come right back to this present moment right here where I am. It's so beautiful I want to stay in this moment, stay present. I breathe deep and take it all in. And that calms my nervous system, calms the monkey mind and focuses it on what is important...this very moment, this view, the way the air feels, the way the birds sound and how my feet sound as I make my way up the trail, crunching on the dirt and rocks beneath them.  The way it smells, the trees, although not warmed by the sun yet, but it's a very clean crisp smell. No car pollution, no other man-made pollution.  

Even my self-judgement disappears. There is no room for it when you are fully present.

Nature is necessary for my mental health. Nature is available to all of us. It is a medicine that doesn’t require a “pre-authorization” and doesn’t cost a “co-pay” to enjoy.