I don’t live in a concrete jungle, but I don’t live in a lush forest either. So I can become so accustomed to seeing very little green and very little nature from day to day. And I can forget how much joy it brings me to go outside– not just down the street to the public library, but into a space where creation is thriving.
This past weekend, we went back to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, an absolutely incredible place to walk around.
The whole garden seemed to breathe: some plants were just awakening to the sunlight, while others were withering away, at the end of their season.
Magnolia trees are in full blossom right now, and their leafless branches boast large ornaments in pink, fuchsia and blush.
The serenity captured me. It made me feel at peace– in a way that reading, watching TV, napping, drinking tea or hitting the gym cannot.
My thoughts? I need to do this more often.
Furthermore, I was blown away by the beauty and uniqueness of the bushes, trees, vines and flowers. They were magnificent just doing what they naturally do– blooming, reaching towards the sky, offering shelter to small creatures.
I’ve written in the past about how much I’ve cared about physical beauty. I’ve put so much work into it.
And yet, here were hundreds of plants that simply thrived on sunshine, nourishing soil and water.
So I’m committing to going outside more— to wilderness, to gardens, to truly fresh air and unhindered sunshine.
I’m committing to see physical beauty as the pinnacle of nature’s creativity, an effortless show of what’s possible on this precious earth.
Do you like being outside? What are your favorite places for outdoor adventures?
Oh yes, sometimes I spend all day either in my car or at a desk, it’s awful. It’s only when I head into the sunshine that I remember how desperately I need it!
Thanks Rachel!! Oh and a container garden sounds absolutely amazing. I’d love to have a vegetable box one day… and a balcony that will fit a vegetable box! 😉
I love getting outside and finding some beauty in the concrete jungle I call home! I can’t believe how much of spring I’ve somehow missed working indoors day after day through January and up until last week. Time to get out there and make the most of spring while I still can =)
xo
http://www.threadandbones.com
Gorgeous! I know how you feel. Though there are places nearby to enjoy nature, I’m often unable to. However, when I’m able to sit out among the beautiful plants on a lovely day I feel so relaxed. I hope to start a container garden after we move so that I can easily do so daily.
Oh wow! yea i think you guys have gotten more than us. They are saying we are getting more this weekend and it has been terribly cold!
I’m just outside Boston. We got back to back snow storms and now we’re expecting a bit more. Ugh- I just want it to stop!
Yup! sounds about right! Its dark before i can make it home good!
where are you located Laura??
Honestly I don’t even know how much we have gotten, its just depressing.
Yes! It just won’t stop snowing. It’s been storm after storm this whole month!
Oh a hidden river sounds fantastic! I’m totally jealous!
Oh cool!! It’s amazing the way that cities have pockets of natural beauty we can enjoy. I hope you’ll get some time to do it this summer 🙂
Amen! Natural beauty inspires me to worship as well.
Thanks girl! and yes, exactly!! 🙂
Thank you!! Oh the forest is so beautiful… especially when the trees are so tall you can’t see the sky.
Haha I hear ya. I probably will never go backpacking myself. I love natural beauty too, but I don’t desire to sleep in the dirt. 😉
Magnolia trees are just incredible! And I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, because I would love to walk it outside everyday!
I know right!!!! Our current apartment doesn’t even have a balcony for potted plants… I’m so jealous you have a farm to visit! I’d love to start a community garden here in my town.
Yes I love love love flowers! And yes, I can only imagine how cold it is for you right now… here’s to a gorgeous spring in upcoming weeks!
It’s amazing what sunshine can do, even when it’s gray outside. We need it (physically and emotionally)!
Thanks Kathryn!! It’s so easy to get used to being cooped up, until we give ourselves that time in the sun.
I personally love spending some time outisde rather than at home with tv or internet. My favorite place would be the hidden river stream near my place which I tend to go to everytime I wanted a breather.
Aw yes!! When I lived in Boston, I didn’t love walking around in the snow, but it made me feel better even when the weather was drab!
Sounds absolutely amazing, I’ve only been to Canada once but I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Hang in there, the sunshine will come!
70 inches!!! That would definitely bury me.
Yes absolutely!! I remember when I lived in the Northeast, it would get dark before 4PM in the winter. No fun!
Tell me about it! Almost 70 inches in 30 days here!! Spring can’t come soon enough.
yes, I love reading outdoors– something so tranquil!
Thank you!! Yes the green is a huge blessing… although I would LOVE living on a farm, or at least spending a good amount of time visiting one!
I have been to the botanical garden in NY once – it was such a magical experience. My first thought was – like you – I need to do this more! But I didn’t get around to it /: I hope I’ll have more free time this summer!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
I’m the kind of person who needs the outdoors. I feel so much more connected to God and to the world after I’ve been near a body of water or a forest of trees.
Gorgeous photos. I love taking time every now and then to just be outside and take in all the beauty, sights, sounds, and smells! 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Beautiful photos!! I love being outside, especially in the forest.
http://www.losetheroad.blogspot.ca
It sounds like you had a lovely time 🙂 I do love to amble or hike through beautiful scenery and I find nature very calming, but I’m not much of a work-outdoors-just-for-the-fun-of-it kind of person.
dance a real
I love being outside, especially walking my dog in offleash parks. Wow, those Magnolia trees sound lovely!
VelvetandVino.com
I love being outside. Gardening is one of my favorite things, that’s why living in an apartment drives me up the wall. Luckily, I can visit my parents’ farm fairly often and I can garden alllll I want. 🙂
Gardens are one of my favorite places to visit. Flowers just make me feel so much more alive. Sadly Ohio is a bit shrived up from this awful thing we call winter. I cannot wait to see those tulips pop up from the ground. (:
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
When I feel like I’ve been cooped up inside during the winter, there is nothing I love more then walking around outside and feeling the sun and fresh air. Its the best!
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve realized this as well after working almost all day inside!
Thank you for this post! This winter has been awful and I definitely have a case of cabin fever! I need to venture outside more 🙂
lovejoanna.com
I absolutely love being outside but Canada is so cold, I can only do so for a couple months throughout the year! There is a great hiking spot near my university which is breathtaking and serene to walk around. My mom and I usually do nightly walks around our neighbourhood in the summer just to relax and chat which is one of my favourite parts of the summer!
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
This is one of the reasons i aspire to live in a new place. The long months of snow bring about dark days and an internal yearning to just get out.. Patiently waiting for spring to arrive!!!
I am a huge fan of being outdoors. Even if it’s just a gentle stroll or a chance to sit and read a book outdoors. xx
Wow it looks beautiful- plus I am a bit desperate for some green or color. Everything is so drab her right now. I love to be outside and we live in a big ole farm so thankfully after breakfast and homeschool I’m out for the day!
http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com