Daily Note
Every day, a photograph, a poem. And most often, a bit of inspiration from our local park, Cole Park. It’s two blocks down the street and over the footbridge beneath a canopy of cedar, pine, locust, maples, and more.
A walk in nature can calm the nerves and help the heart, literally and figuratively. The National Park Service explains:
A 30-minute visit to a park can improve heart health, circulation and lower cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Walking in nature reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system, which decreases the risk of certain diseases and cancers. Interacting with a green space increases social interactions which can prevent diseases like dementia.
Listening to birdsongs and observing animals in nature have shown to promote wellbeing, reduce stress, improve mood, and reduce attention fatigue. Natural aromas from wood and plants have calming effects and viewing nature reduces mental fatigue.
National Park Service: Nature Makes You...
So, when the world seems flat or angry, a walk in the park is like a smile from a friend. Do yourself a favor, and and take thirty minutes each day near some place of nature, even if its just a stroll down a tree-lined street.
In my little park, I can hear the coo of the morning dove, the chirp of robins and song of the chickadee, the gentle whoosh of the breeze in the canopy of diverse trees, and the percussion stomp of a mule deer’s warning to the herd. I pause to enjoy and be grateful that my footsteps add to the rhythm of the park’s melody. Indeed, a daily walk helps you feel you belong and are an important part of our lovely world.
And so, a poem…
Poetry
Find the Calm
As storms swirl in life
Sheri Edwards
nature in any season
wraps us in sweet songs.
11.17.23 321.365.23
Poetry/Photography
For more information on the benefits of nature, see more links about nature’s benefits from the National Park Service: Healthy Parks Healthy People Resources
I wonder, if I draw a line... 