I'm right there with you, Jack. I'm lucky to have Nature in my backyard, too. But for those who don't, there are many other fine ways to get lost. For example, I got lost this afternoon in our local library, came home with an armful of books, and had a blast deciding which one to read first. That's why I'm up now, at 3:45 am - got up from my book to get some Moosetracks and decided to read Dr. Richardson's Friday night Letter before putting my phone down for the weekend and getting lost in my books. The Algae Maker is a pitiful, corrupt piece of shit. I refuse to let him spoil another minute of another day! Enjoy your lost time, old friend!
This was refreshing to read. Thank you for the reminder that we need to escape from this madness that never ends. Thank God for nature (and other ways) to do that!
I think many of us underestimate how restorative true quiet can be until we’ve spent enough time without it. Some of my clearest thoughts have appeared on empty hiking trails or sitting by a lake with nothing happening at all. Nature has a way of slowing the mind down without asking anything in return.
Michael if you enjoy the birds as I do, I suggest some nice binoculars and the Merlin App(free) to enjoy knowing which birds are doing the choral work for you. Or just be you. Just be zen. It’s all good.
Actually in my writing chair I can look out at our front porch which has probably five bird feeders (including for hummingbirds in season.) My wife loves to feed birds, except blackbirds.
I just enjoyed the quiet, since the dogs were being peaceful.
Your writing style is so natural and weaves organically a tale of reality and hope - a rare balance of insight and usefulness. Thanks for this most refreshing piece.
Thank you Jack this was a read we all needed. Permission to just breathe and take in beauty of our surroundings. Quiet is where we connect to ourselves and discover who we really are...hugs
When you write "And what is Natural Law? To me, it’s knowing that no critter or plant is more important than any other, including human beings", does that have any effect on your food choices?
Thought the same thing. I do put critters over plants because they have nervous systems as we do, and although they can't do algebra, they feel pain and suffer the same as we do (evolution made sure that pain feels like life-or-death for avoidance).
What a beautiful post Jack! I completely agree! We are all so exhausted from the constant assault of terror and propaganda since he descended that escalator a decade ago, we all should take a break. I now find myself enjoying the simple things like a light breeze in the sun, a child’s giggle, or a really good cup of coffee! Having gratitude even in the midst of chaos. Thank you for your terrific posts! 😊
What a wonderful way to start the day reading your comforting post! I am fortunate to live on over 8 wooded acres in Florida.
Everyday I can walk out on my decks and enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty. I’ve had baby armadillo, rabbits, grey fox, red fox, possums, corn snakes, black racer snakes and even a coral snake wandering around. My bird feeders are busy all day til dusk. The breeze blowing through my woods brings a nice fresh pine smell. I never hear traffic, sirens or any other noises ruining my peaceful oasis. Having moved from the city I appreciate all that I am able to enjoy.
You are correct this can definitely clear your head of all the “mox nix” out there!!! 😊
Thank you, this is great, thank you. Really, WHo has to scrape dog poo off their shoe EVERY FLIPPING DAY for 545 days? Every shoe in every pair? Everyone has to be taking respites or siestas from this. Or they will stay up too late with it and not pack their bags a day early, and then stay up too late the next night, and then in the now disorganized scramble leave their phone behind in the hotel room. Or maybe that will happen to none of your organized readers. But…it uh, it happens.
Jack, I had an experience with Nature that helped me recover from a sudden loss of vision in one eye, following cataract surgery. It threw me for a loop. My housemate and I had a virtual bird paradise with feeders and fountains. I would sit out there unnoticed for hours ....
There is nothing greater than being in nature. I loved the mountains of NC in the fall or a walk at a quiet beach like Holden.
It’s summer overcast here in NorCal so I think I’ll get my husband to go for a hike in the Santa Cruz mountains. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a banana slug and I’d like to see how it’s healed after the CZ fire years ago. Maybe we could lunch at Davenport or Bonnie Doon.
Anything right now for an emotional palette cleanser.
I'm right there with you, Jack. I'm lucky to have Nature in my backyard, too. But for those who don't, there are many other fine ways to get lost. For example, I got lost this afternoon in our local library, came home with an armful of books, and had a blast deciding which one to read first. That's why I'm up now, at 3:45 am - got up from my book to get some Moosetracks and decided to read Dr. Richardson's Friday night Letter before putting my phone down for the weekend and getting lost in my books. The Algae Maker is a pitiful, corrupt piece of shit. I refuse to let him spoil another minute of another day! Enjoy your lost time, old friend!
Thank you, Nancy.
This was refreshing to read. Thank you for the reminder that we need to escape from this madness that never ends. Thank God for nature (and other ways) to do that!
Thank you, E.
Hey Jack! Just got back from 4 days camping in Upstate NY with NO internet or phone service. It was spectacular and time
Nice, Nina.
Thanks for sharing 😊🙏🏻
I think many of us underestimate how restorative true quiet can be until we’ve spent enough time without it. Some of my clearest thoughts have appeared on empty hiking trails or sitting by a lake with nothing happening at all. Nature has a way of slowing the mind down without asking anything in return.
Nicely said, Mats.
I'm sitting on my back porch listening to the birds as I read this. Beats flapping jaws (or using our thumbs) about political inanity.
Thank you, Michael.
Michael if you enjoy the birds as I do, I suggest some nice binoculars and the Merlin App(free) to enjoy knowing which birds are doing the choral work for you. Or just be you. Just be zen. It’s all good.
Actually in my writing chair I can look out at our front porch which has probably five bird feeders (including for hummingbirds in season.) My wife loves to feed birds, except blackbirds.
I just enjoyed the quiet, since the dogs were being peaceful.
I feed my birds as well. They warm my heart.
I have up about ten types, and they have their own special times to come feed. Birds are amazing.
Michael, I used to crank up the jams at home. Now I value the quiet and stillness.
I do my headbanging when I'm driving.
Thank you for commenting.
Your writing style is so natural and weaves organically a tale of reality and hope - a rare balance of insight and usefulness. Thanks for this most refreshing piece.
Thank you, itis.
Thank you Jack this was a read we all needed. Permission to just breathe and take in beauty of our surroundings. Quiet is where we connect to ourselves and discover who we really are...hugs
Thank you, Barbara.
Love it!
When you write "And what is Natural Law? To me, it’s knowing that no critter or plant is more important than any other, including human beings", does that have any effect on your food choices?
Tim, nature made me omnivorous, so I guess that answers your question. I just know all living things have their place.
As I age, I find I'm eating less animal protein.
Thought the same thing. I do put critters over plants because they have nervous systems as we do, and although they can't do algebra, they feel pain and suffer the same as we do (evolution made sure that pain feels like life-or-death for avoidance).
Thanks for commenting, Stella.
You practice Self care 💅 as do I
What a beautiful post Jack! I completely agree! We are all so exhausted from the constant assault of terror and propaganda since he descended that escalator a decade ago, we all should take a break. I now find myself enjoying the simple things like a light breeze in the sun, a child’s giggle, or a really good cup of coffee! Having gratitude even in the midst of chaos. Thank you for your terrific posts! 😊
Thank you, Judy.
😊
Hi Jack,
What a wonderful way to start the day reading your comforting post! I am fortunate to live on over 8 wooded acres in Florida.
Everyday I can walk out on my decks and enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty. I’ve had baby armadillo, rabbits, grey fox, red fox, possums, corn snakes, black racer snakes and even a coral snake wandering around. My bird feeders are busy all day til dusk. The breeze blowing through my woods brings a nice fresh pine smell. I never hear traffic, sirens or any other noises ruining my peaceful oasis. Having moved from the city I appreciate all that I am able to enjoy.
You are correct this can definitely clear your head of all the “mox nix” out there!!! 😊
Thank you, Penny.
Thank you for the permission. Sometimes I forget that. Have a restful, quiet day.
You too, Terry.
👍👍
Thank you, Matty.
Thank you, this is great, thank you. Really, WHo has to scrape dog poo off their shoe EVERY FLIPPING DAY for 545 days? Every shoe in every pair? Everyone has to be taking respites or siestas from this. Or they will stay up too late with it and not pack their bags a day early, and then stay up too late the next night, and then in the now disorganized scramble leave their phone behind in the hotel room. Or maybe that will happen to none of your organized readers. But…it uh, it happens.
I know. It could happen.
Great advice. I think I'm due some peace.
Thank you, Sue. We all are.
Jack, I had an experience with Nature that helped me recover from a sudden loss of vision in one eye, following cataract surgery. It threw me for a loop. My housemate and I had a virtual bird paradise with feeders and fountains. I would sit out there unnoticed for hours ....
Nature talks to us every day. You just need to be awake to hear her loving messages.
My heart goes out to you.
There is nothing greater than being in nature. I loved the mountains of NC in the fall or a walk at a quiet beach like Holden.
It’s summer overcast here in NorCal so I think I’ll get my husband to go for a hike in the Santa Cruz mountains. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a banana slug and I’d like to see how it’s healed after the CZ fire years ago. Maybe we could lunch at Davenport or Bonnie Doon.
Anything right now for an emotional palette cleanser.