When I feel stressed and must get a lot of things done, it is counterintuitive for me to spend time outside in nature. I feel selfish and extravagant, as if I’m simply procrastinating the tasks at hand. And yet that is exactly what I need.
Staring eyeball to eyeball with a miniscule creature perched on a tiny flower is sure to release a few much-needed endorphins. And catching sight of a retreating red ladybug among vivid purple blooms makes critical deadlines retreat to their proper place.
If an itsy-bitsy fly or bee mimic can traverse a wild world of wind gusts and predators, I can nimbly pick my way through corporate quagmires.
A Mendocino paintbrush reminds me of my true nature: painter of images and words. Sometimes I forget this simple truth.
So the next time I’m out of sorts, I’ll visit with a bee. After all, her job is spending time with flowers all day long.
All photos © Sondra Sula.
If you like these blogs, you’ll most likely enjoy my daily devotional book, Meditations on Mendocino by Sondra Sula. Available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions.
Dahlia gardens are like lazy summer afternoons combined with tropical-hued firework displays—they simultaneously relax and thrill the observer. Imagine magenta and orange Adirondack chairs placed in the emerald grass surrounding the beds. Sit down. Enjoy a glass of slightly tart lemonade. It even has a cherry and pineapple garnish speared by a miniature pink parasol.
Doesn’t it feel good to unwind? Take a deep breath through your nose. You won’t smell the dahlias because very few varieties are scented. No overpowering perfume in the air to interfere with tasting your beverage and dessert. Oh, did I forget to mention there is a plate of sugar-dusted lemon squares resting on a brightly colored tile table next to you? Each one is placed on a white paper doily.
Relax. The bees won’t bother you or your treats because they’re so satisfied sipping dahlia nectar.
Even dahlia debris is delightful. Don’t worry about the wheelbarrow of deadheaded dahlias robbing you of pleasure as your eyes flit about. Listen to the subtle music made by pollinators as they buzz from flower to flower.
Even a moment in the garden is like a prayer sweetly swaying up towards the heavens. And gratitude comes naturally. You are now ready to face the rest of your day.
Sondra Sula's Blog: The Nature of Spirituality 