Oh, many thanks for this lovely comment. It really means a lot to me that you enjoyed reading this piece. I truly believe the world could be a far calmer, less-agitated place, if only more people began to look at nature as we all used to, realising how we are a part of a vast and wonderful whole. Thanks!
Indeed, Alexander, a whole that sees us as we see, lives and breathes and desires for life as we do. When we walk into the natural world with the quality of presence you write about, the whole of life responds, I sense. Thank you for bringing this gift of your presence and wonder!
I also love this! Walking in nature can be such a powerful thing, with a remarkable sense of feedback. The more you put into it, the more you receive in turn.
The only problem lies in the fact it can sometimes be difficult to actually cover any distance (something my wife is always pointing out!), as the temptation to stop and look at this plant, that insect, those rocks, this tree... is just too great!
You just made me laugh! We have to decide whether we're doing a nature walk or an exercise walk!!
As we're newish to our home, I focus my observation within its boundaries. Someone said to me, when I told them about the experiences I was having just sitting with the land, was that the creatures are family and that I'd been accepted into the family. The more I sit and work with it, the more I appreciate their words.
I think this is an excellent observation, thank you! Nature is family, we are a part of a vast and intricate whole, all connected by stardust. Sometimes, I just stop and think about that, and marvel. Sitting and absorbing all that happens, all your senses bring you, is something more of us should do.
I haven't ever seen Alentejo look so green! I have only passed through (from the Coimbra region) at the end of summer to journey to Andalucia. I love the plants coming back at the beginning of the year and how lush the countryside suddenly looks. I'm guessing the photo was taken beginning of February or thereabouts?
I found this post from Cricklewood and happy I clicked the link. Your suggestions complement Susannah's nature journalling prompts.
P.S. How are you doing avoiding clicking on the hearts?
I think maybe 'our' corner of Alentejo stayed greener longer, due to the proximity to the coast. This photo was taken in April, and the flowers had mostly all bloomed and begun to turn to seed. By May, it was fiercely hot! We were so lucky to spend the first year of Covid in Portugal. We had intended to find 'our people' in the same way we had when living in Thailand, finding a supportive, fun, and intelligent community but, with the lockdowns and restrictions, this was simply not possible. Still, we did find acceptance through nature, and loved exploring on foot or by bike.
I'm really happy that you found this post and especially happy you found it via Cricklewood! Susannah's nature journalling posts are some of my favourite pieces on Substack.
So far, so good, with the hearts! Although I am cheating a little, as I've mostly been offline the last couple of weeks. Now, however, it is back-to-school season, so I'm catching up with all I've missed.
Alexander, you have opened our eyes to seeing nature everywhere and returning to our primordial senses. I loved this read. Thank you!
Oh, many thanks for this lovely comment. It really means a lot to me that you enjoyed reading this piece. I truly believe the world could be a far calmer, less-agitated place, if only more people began to look at nature as we all used to, realising how we are a part of a vast and wonderful whole. Thanks!
Indeed, Alexander, a whole that sees us as we see, lives and breathes and desires for life as we do. When we walk into the natural world with the quality of presence you write about, the whole of life responds, I sense. Thank you for bringing this gift of your presence and wonder!
"...the whole of life responds, I sense." Agreed :)
I also love this! Walking in nature can be such a powerful thing, with a remarkable sense of feedback. The more you put into it, the more you receive in turn.
The only problem lies in the fact it can sometimes be difficult to actually cover any distance (something my wife is always pointing out!), as the temptation to stop and look at this plant, that insect, those rocks, this tree... is just too great!
You just made me laugh! We have to decide whether we're doing a nature walk or an exercise walk!!
As we're newish to our home, I focus my observation within its boundaries. Someone said to me, when I told them about the experiences I was having just sitting with the land, was that the creatures are family and that I'd been accepted into the family. The more I sit and work with it, the more I appreciate their words.
I think this is an excellent observation, thank you! Nature is family, we are a part of a vast and intricate whole, all connected by stardust. Sometimes, I just stop and think about that, and marvel. Sitting and absorbing all that happens, all your senses bring you, is something more of us should do.
And I'm glad that comment made you laugh too!
I haven't ever seen Alentejo look so green! I have only passed through (from the Coimbra region) at the end of summer to journey to Andalucia. I love the plants coming back at the beginning of the year and how lush the countryside suddenly looks. I'm guessing the photo was taken beginning of February or thereabouts?
I found this post from Cricklewood and happy I clicked the link. Your suggestions complement Susannah's nature journalling prompts.
P.S. How are you doing avoiding clicking on the hearts?
I think maybe 'our' corner of Alentejo stayed greener longer, due to the proximity to the coast. This photo was taken in April, and the flowers had mostly all bloomed and begun to turn to seed. By May, it was fiercely hot! We were so lucky to spend the first year of Covid in Portugal. We had intended to find 'our people' in the same way we had when living in Thailand, finding a supportive, fun, and intelligent community but, with the lockdowns and restrictions, this was simply not possible. Still, we did find acceptance through nature, and loved exploring on foot or by bike.
I'm really happy that you found this post and especially happy you found it via Cricklewood! Susannah's nature journalling posts are some of my favourite pieces on Substack.
So far, so good, with the hearts! Although I am cheating a little, as I've mostly been offline the last couple of weeks. Now, however, it is back-to-school season, so I'm catching up with all I've missed.