Tag: nature

Embracing a Slower Rhythm This Winter

julieannetaylor

The end of my winter break is almost here. While I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and finding some “normalcy,” I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two weeks of having no schedule, no routines, no work, no deadlines. This break I was very intentional about slowing down and taking time to do the things that bring me joy. Even though the morning alarm was turned off, I still found myself up early before anyone else in the house was awake. I love quiet mornings with coffee and stillness. I read the days away…finishing three books during my time off. I decluttered and organized (that may not sound fun or relaxing to some, but for me it is freeing). I played records (yes, vinyl) and truly slowed to listen to songs that just hit differently from the record player. I got my camera out (had to clear the dust and charge the batteries) and just snapped little moments that made me smile.

This morning I took the camera outside just to try and capture a few moments of my favorite part of the day. I love the soft light of the sky when the darkness clears but the sun has not risen and taken over just yet. The world is quiet and slow and I find so much peace at this time of day. The coffee has kicked in, but the demands of the day are still at bay. No one is up and moving to need anything from me yet (except my very demanding dog) and the time and space are all mine. When I stepped out into the front yard, my first thought was that I would just snap a few shots to re-acquaint myself with my camera, not expecting to find much to shoot in my little piece of the neighborhood.

What I found was so much beauty. Beauty in dormant trees and gray skies. Beauty in bare branches covered in a thin layer of frost. I found that there is beauty in this time of year when things slow down to rest and renew. Yes, of course in spring when everything begins to bloom and grow, there is so much beauty to be found. But I really appreciate this season of dormancy and stillness. I think we could all learn a lot from the rhythm of nature. I know for me that I need to learn to slow down and embrace and easier pace. I have to let go of the notion that if I am not busy than I am not productive. Nature slows down and uses this season to prepare for renewal in a few months. I need to give myself permission to do the same. I do not have to be “doing” something all the time…it is okay to find a new rhythm that is slower. There is no shame or “laziness” in slowing and renewing. And I am worthy of taking on a new rhythm during this season. It’s what my body needs. It’s what my soul needs. I believe its what the world needs. I hope that you can find some peace and joy in the stillness that this season brings. Find something that feeds your soul and sit with it today.

Small things

julieannetaylor

One of my favorite things about spring is the return of so many birds to my back patio. I love hearing their joyful chirping early in the morning. I filling the bird feeder and then sitting and watching them come feast. They are like familiar friends who faithfully visit each year. This picture is from last spring, right after I had filled the feeder for the first time in the season. The simple pleasure of watching my feathered friends return each spring feels normal in a world that is anything but normal right now. As I enjoy my spring break at home this year, I am focusing on the small, simple things that bring my heart joy. Filling the feeder and waiting for my friends is one of those things. I’m encouraging each of you to slow down – even for just a moment today – and find joy in the day. Much love!

My Date with Me

julieannetaylor

This morning I am gazing out my window from my desk, enjoying the sunshine streaming in. The anticipation of spring hangs in the cool air. I am in awe of nature and the effect that it has on me. I am reminded of a writing assignment I once did from the Capstone course I often write about. The assignment was to take myself on a date. Just to spend the entire afternoon with myself and then to write about it. Of course, I chose to be out in nature. I’d like to share that piece with you.

This time of year is my favorite time of year, especially in Oxford. The leaves are boasting their brilliant fall colors, providing a beautiful backdrop for our every day lives. I decided to treat myself to this beauty with a walk through the trees at Heuston Woods. I parked near the Sugar Camp area, grabbed my journal, my water, my sweatshirt, and my cell phone. I found a trail and just started walking. I made a conscious effort to use all of my senses, paying attention to every sound, smell, sight, and texture around me.

The first thing I notices was all of the sounds. The way the leaves crunched under my step. The slight sound the twigs made, snapping and breaking as I trampled them. And then there were the birds…I wish I knew anything about birds to identify them as I heard their songs. I felt like an intruder in their world as I listening to them converse back and forth in the treetops. I’m almost certain they were talking about me as I invaded their landscape.

Next, I paid attention to the smells around me. I have not found an adequate word that describes the smell of those crunchy leaves scattered on the ground except to say that they smell just like fall. It is a familiar smell that conjures memories of childhood days rolling around in piles of them without a care in the world.

As I strolled down the path through the woods, I took special notice of the variety of trees that lines my path. Again, here is where I wish I had more knowledge of my world around me and the trees that watched over me as I walked. There were many different types as evidenced by their unique look, shape, and feel of their coats of bark. Some were smooth and sleek, while others were rough and worn.

After walking deep into the woods, I found an old stump – a natural bench just inviting me to sit down. So I sat with my journal in had, seeking words to do justice to the beauty that enveloped me. What I realized as I struggled with my pencil was that rather than to try and recreate this scene with words, I just needed to sit and enjoy it. So there I sat, my date with me, just soaking in it.

I don’t take the time to engage my senses like this enough. Rereading and sharing this old piece of writing has stirred in me a desire to take myself on a date again! I encourage you to do the same. Find something, somewhere that inspires you and take it all in.