September 27, 2010

Unconditional Embrace.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
~John Burroughs


In my past, I have often felt disappointment and pain. Just as much as I have felt happiness and joy. These are the spectra of life and as such I accept the fact that the sun can not always shine and sometimes a heavy shower is vital, in order to make us flourish and grow.

As much as I have felt let down and wronged, I sure have been the one who has been responsible for the wrong doing at times.
Thus the older I get, the less prone I am to seek the company of others, when something weights heavy around my heart. Looking for solutions in people seems futile, as most of the time all we need to find comfort and strength is to look within ourselves.

In moments of sadness, in moments of despair, when yet again the world closes in on me and I feel drained and empty, I turn to me. But I also turn to the only other place that never lets me down.

I turn to nature.

There is something infinitely soothing in its enchanting presence, as the mild breeze caresses my face, drying gently up my tears. I find solace in the trees always being the same, always standing there as silent sentinels, never leaving me, but watching over me as quiet guardians, whispering to me through the motion of their heavy branches...

In any season, nature offers the best medicine for broken heart and ailing soul. It is tranquil and constant, despite the annual changes, which nevertheless come and go with a certain predictable precision. With all its infinite beauty, whether it is in the green forests, rolling hills, scented meadows, raging ocean shores, pristine beaches, rugged planes or snowy mountains - the invigoration one can find in its company is unique.

A walk on a narrow path, cutting through tranquil landscape, can offer so much through the simple act of silence. Whether in full sunshine on a summers day, in the coolness of the autumn mist, in heavy snow or during a spring shower.

It offers no promises, gives no guaranties, yet nothing feels safer, more reassuring and more comforting than the unconditional embrace of mother nature.

45 comments:

Maria said...

You are right - nature is a great source of healing. A walk in the wilderness will is a form of meditation really.

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful post Zuzana. I wish things could be differently and human beings more thoughtful.

Hope you have a lovely start of your week.

Big hug from the island

Elisabeth said...

I have found Zuzana that nature is everywhere, not only in the trees and countryside. I have found that nature is wherever I see beauty and feel comfort.

I'm glad it helps you to get relief in these glorious places. One day at a time, too Zuzana. One day at a time.

Elisabeth said...

I have found Zuzana that nature is everywhere, not only in the trees and countryside. I have found that nature is wherever I see beauty and feel comfort.

I'm glad it helps you to get relief in these glorious places. One day at a time, too Zuzana. One day at a time.

Brian Miller said...

we go to similar places then...when i need to find my center again i go to the woods to find the music only it can make...i do realize we were not meant to walk alone though, so i do look to others, but know that ultimately it does reside in me to make the decisions...

Unknown said...

Even as I work in the garden, it is comforting to be with nature. Beautiful post for us to ponder.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a wonderful reflection. It brings tranquility and calm...Cathy

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I think since the garden of Eden, humans have found solace in the outdoors. I know I do--putting my hands in the soil, growing beautiful flowers and plants. When I come home from a busy day at work, I head for the watering hose. It gives me peace and never disapoints. I also love to hike!

Kath said...

You write so beautifully Zuzana, you have the soul of a poet.

GYPSYWOMAN said...

there is something so "all embracing" about being one with nature - even in the tiniest way such as watching a flower soak in the sunlight or soaking in the sun's glory yourself - a beautiful piece, zuzana, and matchingly beautiful images!

Sandy said...

I find a walk around my yard lifts my spirit. I love looking at the plants and watching the bunnies and birds. Glad you like my new Halloween/Fall Blog Banner. I was tired of the old one. As like nature my blog needs a change... a change of the seasons . I hope you have a good week Zuzana!

Claus said...

I turn to nature too!! :o) and to cleaning and organizing whatever I can :o) I tend to do that in order to be with me and my thoughts. My character changes drastically when I am angry or frustrated, and I am always afraid of hurting people while figuring out my next step. So I stay away, take my thoughts with me (together with my anger and frustration) and try to calm down, get rid of what's not useful and heal. Some need comfort and hugs, I need solitude. Probably some music as well...though, later on, I tend to associate a particular song with my state at the time, which will most likely ruin the song altogether for me :o)
ahh....how complicated we make things some times!
I wish you a great day and a wonderful week ahead!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A beautiful and soul-searching post dear Zuzana. You seem to be in a particularly reflective place my friend and I agree completely, nature is surely the salve for all our emotions ...

As you know I love walking through woods and these photos portray a wonderful walk! I have missed a couple of your posts so I'm going back to have a read now ...

Jeanne
xox

Cat in the road said...

It seems you already know where to find; “The road signs to life…”
;-)

S. Susan Deborah said...

What lovely reflections, dear Zuzana as I am about to end my day and go back to my work! You know where exactly to tap the power to rejuvenate and sustain.

Thanks for this wonderful post, dear Zuzana.

Have a love-filled week. In three days, we enter October and I feel good about that :)

Joy always,
Susan

Rajesh said...

Wonderful post. Nature surely does provide lot of solace and comfort.

tony said...

As I Grow Older I Am The Same.Yet,It Surprises me.But its true none the less........Others dont have any more answers than we do Ourself.(Infact.Sadly, many have less )
The Eternal Can ,Maybe,Only Be Found In Nature & Beauty that is not Man made.

Donna said...

I so agree with you, Zuzana. Nature is my therapy.

Hugs,
Donna

Holly said...

Nature calms me as well. Although I have been wishing for autumn lately as we have had no relief from our heat!! I have been enjoying the autumn you have been sharing in your other posts. You have a gift for photography.
I also loved your 'mirror'post.

xoxox- Holly

Dan said...

A lovely post on your wonderful view of nature Zuzana. Seems as though you are in a very reflective place at the moment.
Dan
-x-

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

i love your writing style, and that last picture of the archway of trees is so beautifful and full of magic! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

sprinkles said...

I never really thought about it but you're so right! I love being around my mom's pond because time seems to stop there and all my problems go away for those few precious moments.

After reading this post, I hope you're alright. I hate to think of you being down.

Betsy Brock said...

I use solitude to regain my sanity all the time...I crave it and really need to be alone. A heart-to-heart with God helps too, to put everything back into perspective.

steviewren said...

I'm sending a hug your way tonight...just in case you're in need of one.

Beverlydru said...

All creation sings of His glory. It could very well be that the embrace you feel are the arms of God. Sending extra love your way today.

Mahmud Yussop said...

Dear Zuzana,
The fall of a single leaf is with a reason.
Our presence in a natural world a reality. A journey forever.
The fallen leaves revive a garden ecology.
Our lives will be tested of joy and sadness.
But walk on through the wind.
Walk on through the rain.
Endure with hope in your heart.
And listen to the birds sing.
You're never alone in nature.
Be well at peace.
Be rich at ease.

BTW, I love your wonderful post :)

Mood.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Simply eloquent, dear Zuzana!! I can add nothing to this...no praise that wouldn't take away from the breathtaking beauty of your words and photos...and so I will sit here in respectful and admiring silence, soaking in the beauty! Thank you! ~Janine XO

SandyCarlson said...

Completely true. I agree with you. Solitude and nature heal just about everything.

Anonymous said...

I agree. Nature is soothing. It has an almost magical effect on me.

sprinkles said...

I do hope you're ok, Zuzana! Again, I hate to think of you being so down and I wish there was some way I could help.

Please don't feel obligated to but if you ever need anyone to talk to, I'll give you my email.

deedeer30 @ hotmail . com

Laura said...

Zuzana I understand so well what you are saying here. Nature is my go to place too, even if it is just through a window and the lens of a camera.

This was such a beautifully crafted reflection. I hope that what ever is weighing down your heart right now is lightened by the beauty of the trees...they are such good listeners.

Nessa said...

Beautiful post and so wise. We all need to get back to nature more and I think we'd all be happier.

young-eclectic-encounters said...

What a wonderful, comforting post. Nature brings peace to my soul also. Sorry you are feeling low but I'm so glad you have found solace in nature.
Johnina :^A

young-eclectic-encounters said...

Try the book "Walking in this World: Practical Art of Creativity" by Julia Cameron it is available on Amazon or you can order from Amazon from my blog and I get paid - the order form is on the right hand side of my blog. The book is wonderful.
Johnina :^A

Rustique Gal said...

Zuzana, Mother Nature is the great healer! I believe if all the politicians and gangsters and tough kids would take regular walks in the woods the world would be so much better. I love your images!
Sherry

Hilary said...

The healing nature of Nature. Beautifully written my dear friend. I do hope that whatever it is which is making you blue, is no longer causing you unhappiness...

Maja Miusow said...

its all so true, when nth helps its sometimes good to take a walk. somewhere nice, green and peaceful. even now-its a bit cold and wet, but I do enjoy walking through the park, looking at beautiful multicolor leafs and simply breathing;) x

Zuzana said...

Maria, Elizabeth, Elisabeth, Brian, Keats, Cathy, V or C, Kath, Gypsy, Sandy, Claudia, Jeanne, Scribe, Susan, Rajesh, tony, Donna, Holly, Dan, Adela, sprinkles, Betsy, Stevie, Beverly, Mahmood, Janine, Sandy, ladyfi, Laura, Nessa, Johnina, Sherry, Hilary and maja – thank you all for your wonderful words and for sharing with me your own ideas of how to find comfort and retreat.
I am so glad to find so many kindred spirits out there who too feel that the natural beauty gives so much solace, when we feel down.

Thank you all so very much for your wonderful visits and lovely comments that are always the highlights of my days.

Xoxo,
Zuzana

Unknown said...

I'm another kindred spirit that believes nature heals all. A wonderful post and so deserving of POTW Zuzana, congratulations.

Leah J. Utas said...

Yes.

Congratulations on POTW.

Maria said...

I've been before but I just wanted to congratulate you on your Posts of the Week nomination.

I pray that you find the solace and healing you require.

Zuzana said...

Gaston Studio and Leah, thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to visit through Hilary's POTW.;)
xoxo

Cricket said...

Well said. Congratulations on your potw.

I'd write more but there is little if anything I could add to this ;-)

Land of shimp said...

What a thoughtful, pretty post, Zuzana (note how I resist raving about your name, for once ;-) ).

I suppose the ability to truly feel things at the highest level exists because of experience with the contrasts.

And trees are friends to all :-)

Zuzana said...

Maria, Cricket and Land of Shimp, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and for your kind words;))
xoxo