Sunset approached. Earth lay in stillness outside. Indoors the hum of television news revved up unwanted fears. Amidst food segments on Thanksgiving holiday preparations, bits on pandemic safety repeatedly appeared. Newscasters discussed precautions on how to celebrate the holiday. Reminders of downscaling age-old traditions of gatherings with loved ones became the go-to reference. With constant talk on how to stay safe, I left the kitchen to find solace outdoors. An awe walk was in order.
Nature did not disappoint. A splendid view came into sight as I passed beyond huge treescapes. There it was, brilliant in a darkened night sky after sunset.
"According to a study conducted by Craig L. Anderson, feelings of awe, those generated while being in nature (also known as nature inspired awe)...had a profoundly healing effect on the mind and body." (8 Ways Being In Nature Heals Your Mind and Body (According To Research)
During this year's Thanksgiving holiday find time to take an awe walk. Be inspired by nature. Bring home the comforting and healing power of nature's glow. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
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Gratitude to Two Writing Teachers for offering the Tuesday Slice of Life year-round.
Carol, sometimes we just need to get away from all of the gloom and doom bombarding us on the newscasts. A walk in nature has a soothing effect on us and can help us put the problems facing us in perspective. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bob. Just remembering the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday I had at Hershey last November. I think that is when we really starting conversing about life. Have a wonderful TDay with Kathy and whatever family walks through your doors. We are quietly staying at home and so are all the members of my family unit.
DeleteI hope the feeling of Thanksgiving will still be present even when the festivity is in a smaller scale.
ReplyDeleteI am sure we all will recognize the holiday as one that is significant. Many blessings to you, Terje.
DeleteNature is so often the answer to all the worry and fear. I'm glad it was for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ruth, nature is an elixir. Have a wonderful weekend. Not sure if you celebrate Thanksgiving in Haiti.
DeleteI adore the idea of an awe walk. That sounds lovely! What a new (and better) way to look at a walk. I may have to rename my power walks awe walks!
ReplyDeletePower walks are awe walks if you take in the sights and let it inspire you to new heights.
DeleteYour recent posts about awe walks have really resonated with me. I was fascinated by the research tidbit you included. I'm definitely convinced that being out in nature is hugely restorative for me. Take care and have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteMolly, I stepped out tonight and right in front of me was a beautiful moon that I could clearly see. While my iPhone cannot the pick up the glorious nature of the sight, I can hold it in my mind. That and the temperate weather made for a lovely awe walk even in the dark.
DeleteAwe walks are definitely in order - your virtual ones here, for us, are a conduit of that same needed healing. "Earthshine" - I will be carrying that lovely word around with me. My mind immediately reached for metaphors. We are to be beacons of reflected light ... Happy Thanksgiving, Carol. So grateful for you and your call to awe.
ReplyDeleteMay the earthshine linger in our hearts, Fran, as we watch for more beacons in the sky. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
DeleteAhhhhhhh, earthshine. So lovely.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, Linda. The weather turned out to be one of the warmest TDays in 10 years.
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