Bring Back the Magic and Wonder of Life

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of seeing the world through the lens of scientists, politicians, medical ‘experts’ and main stream media. From the daily onslaught of coronavirus “news” comes a very dim outlook on life.  It is a depressing outlook with so much controversy and undependable information, that it is difficult to determine who or what statistic to trust.

I hope you’ll stay with me for a few minutes and allow yourself time to bring to mind magical places that you’ve been. Perhaps the seashore, ocean, a waterfall or lakefront is magical to you?  Maybe it is a hike in the woods or up a mountainside or walking in an open field of flowers or seeing a rainbow?  Or is it playing in the park or walking in your neighborhood, soaking in the beauty of nature?

What makes a place magical? What do I mean by magical?  To me, a place or experience is magical if it causes me to wonder and be amazed!  I’m not seeking scientific principles or any kind of explanation - I want instead to Feel the magical qualities - the wonder and amazement of the world we live in.

When we were children, we all had lots of ‘wondering’ questions.  Some of those questions were answered along the way, and others…. well we just knew to keep quiet about not knowing the answers, so we could appear that we were among those who claimed they did know.

At this moment, let’s just wonder and try to not think about answers.  Right now, answers are not important.
At the ocean, have you ever wondered how all the water got there? Or Why does it look like the water and sky meet when you look far away but it doesn’t up close - there’s just air that we can’t see and water.  The horizon in the distance is so beautiful to witness.  Don't think about it for an answer, just imagine it and wonder.

When you go to a park or hike in the woods or walk in your neighborhood, have you ever wondered why grass, bushes, trees are green and not blue or orange or purple? Have you stopped to wonder how a single seed can grow into a huge tree?  Or how do the perfectly symmetrical lines in leaves and some flowers appear?  And have you ever noticed that every tree, bush, flower is unique and different, even within the same species?  How does it happen that when the same kind of seed is planted, every single tree, bush, flower is a little different and special in its uniqueness?  If you don’t believe me, spend some time really looking at nature.  It’s amazing the variances that are there for us to see.

In one of my past blogs, I wrote about how my daily walks and the trees I saw on those walks inspired me to first begin drawing with charcoals, oil pastels and then markers. After about three weeks of drawing, less than a month ago, I began painting.  I’m a beginner in all mediums of art, and in order to learn, I did some reading, watched a couple YouTube videos and listened to teachers/artists as they showed how to use the art supplies and make their pictures come to life.  

Most importantly, I’ve learned to draw and paint through researching and allowing the vibrancy and beauty I feel about nature to come out in the pictures.  It’s fun research, as it involves paying close attention during my daily walks to what a tree, flower, bush really look like - the markings, the shape - What are the proportions? What shape are the leaves?  Where do I see the sky, and how do the clouds look with different color skies? What can I see behind the tree, bush or flower? Next to the tree? What does the ground look like at the base of the tree?  So many questions and lots of research - all just by looking at the trees, flowers or bushes themselves.  I like to paint water too, and since I lived near an ocean for most of the past five years, views of the ocean in various seasons and times are embedded in my mind.
​(A beginners attempt - the painting above is one I've done.)

I used to do walks or runs solely for the fresh air, exercise and to clear my head by playing in my mind past or future conversations and thoughts or creating plans - always thinking.  Often, I’d talk on the phone or send texts.  I’d walk or run past the nature in a rush, while appreciating the overall view, yes, but not really immersing myself in the magical wonders of nature - rarely did I allow my mind to just be.

Today, I know an experience that is completely different.  When I take a walk now,
I notice the differences seen through the markings, colors, shapes, sizes and ages of the life around me, and these observations cause me to wonder and be amazed.
I see more vividly, nature’s beauty.  I also notice that nature adjusts and lives in harmony with other nature - and this too is magical and makes me wonder about how nature is so strong, beautiful and adaptable in its diversity.  If only humans would follow the lead of nature!

I feel the hand of God or if you prefer, Mother  Nature, touches life and is the very spark in this beauty.  It is not man made.  The seeds that become plants in our beautiful world are truly magical.  In nature, I am overcome with feelings of gratitude.

Please give yourself a gift - you deserve it!  Take a 30-60 minute daily escape that may change your life and will certainly be a boost to your immune system by improving your mental health! 
30-60 minutes outdoors in nature, with no cellphone - anywhere with an abundance of nature.
By giving yourself permission to experience the magic, treating the time as moment after moment of wonder, really noticing how amazing it is, life itself will renew you with energy and vitality.

May you be healthy and safe,
Mary