Ever since I can remember, I've felt a deep connection to nature - one that has always been difficult to articulate. I became consciously aware of it sometime around junior high, but in hindsight, I know it began long before that. Perhaps it was the endless summers at the beach with my brothers and cousins, tumbling through the waves, experiencing an unfiltered sense of joy and freedom. Or maybe it was the evenings at Seaport Village, where my family and I wandered along the waterfront, immersed in the salty air, the melodies of street musicians, and the simple comfort of togetherness.
Somewhere in the mix of those experiences, my appreciation for the world around me took root. Maybe my love for nature is an extension of the love I was raised with... an unconscious response to the warmth my family provided. Or perhaps it’s something more intrinsic... an innate part of who I am that defies easy explanation. Whatever the source, this deep appreciation for the world has always been a part of me.
Psychologists often discuss the concept of awe. You know...the feeling of wonder and vastness that can shift our perspective and make us feel connected to something greater than ourselves. Studies suggest that experiencing awe, particularly in nature, can increase well-being, reduce stress, and even make us more compassionate. Maybe that’s why I feel so drawn to the world around me. I may not always have the perfect words to describe it, but I know the feeling well: the magic of simply being present, of recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary.
It’s easy to get caught up in stress, regrets, and uncertainties. But sometimes, stepping outside our thoughts can reveal something greater - the simple, yet profound, gift of existence itself.
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