Can you believe it’s already August? Boy does time fly! We have decided to stay at home this upcoming long weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. We are dedicating at least one day to “hang” by the pool (thanks for leaving the key Mom)!! Our fingers are crossed for nice weather.
This week’s focus is on nature and being outside. Too often we’re so busy that we don’t even stop to smell the flowers, literally! With it being summer, it’s a great time to get outside and reconnect with nature. Nature helps to still the mind. It’s proven that after a period of stillness we are truly more creative. It helps us to clear our minds and to be able to focus. I’m always amazed at how much more I get done / solved after going for a walk. I try to walk our dog Roxy every day at a nearby park where there are lots of great trails. It started off as something I had to do in order to give Roxy lots of exercise (she’s part border collie). It’s now to the point that if I don’t start my day off this way, I’m just not as productive when I sit down to work.
I took this a step further last weekend and cut the lawn. Yes, I was actually on the riding lawn mower! Jason was working on the bathroom and so I decided to help him out. I loved it! I’m not sure what I loved the most; the smell of fresh cut grass, getting a tan, or racing around at lightening speed! All jokes aside, it was so nice to be outside and it was something different then what I usually do. I also noticed it forced me to be really present as I had to make sure I was concentrating, although we still ended up with a distinct wave pattern!
Here’s a great quote that demonstrates the beautiful benefits of nature.
“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