The Beauty in Nature

As a little kid, life was stress free and carefree; there was nothing to lose. I spent endless hours outside, just playing and enjoying my childhood. But, as I grew older I started to spend less time outdoors and more time inside on things such as homework or my phone. As time goes on, stress and worries start to build up, and the pressures of life weigh on you. Nature is a resource that allows you to decompress from all of those feelings. It offers beauty that is to be appreciated, but you have to be present to truly feel its effects. Nature makes me feel as if I’m a little kid again. It can for you too, if you just notice it and live in the moment.

7 year old me, grinning from ear to ear on a kayak. Clearly, kayaking has been a part of my life ever since I was little. I go several times a summer with my friends or family and I always enjoy myself. Never have I been on a kayak and been sad. Photo by Rhonda Lauher.

This summer, I went to many different places and took numerous photos, mostly of stunning views. When I traveled to Colorado there was an overwhelming amount of beauty which I would urgently try to capture with my camera, snapping photos left and right. But, when I set my camera down I allowed myself to truly take in the phenomenal beauty in person, not through a screen. Though photos are good for memories, nothing compares to truly being in the moment to enjoy the earth and its magnificence. Living in that moment allowed me to relax and appreciate my overall experience better.

Taken in Georgetown, Colorado, while I was on a train ride. It was almost in the middle of nowhere, the only sign of civilization being the never-ending highway. This vacation was especially memorable for its remarkable views. Photo by author.

I'm sure you’ve heard the saying ‘the photo doesn’t do it justice’ which means that a camera can’t capture the beauty that you see with your own eyes. Your phone can never give the kind of beauty that your very own eyes can, yet we often choose our phones over that beauty. This is strange because phones add on to our stress, while nature can take away from it. When you were little, you weren’t worried about getting the perfect photo; you were most likely in awe of the view. Be more like your younger self in that aspect. But, keep in mind, beauty isn’t in a specific place. It could be at a football game, campground, lake, or even your own backyard. If you just look at nature you can find beauty anywhere. But that's the thing; you have to look. You have to be present, not on your phone or distracted.

The sky looks kaleidoscopic as the Waunakee Football team plays on. I was with my friends in the bleachers, somewhat spectating the game, but mostly talking. I glanced up and saw how stunning the sunset was, it was almost as if the sky was a canvas and someone had delicately painted each stroke. Photo by author.

This photograph was taken from my campsite where I went camping with my family. That time of the year, it was so hot that I would occasionally wade in the cool stream to get some sort of relief from the sticky heat. That camping trip offered my family and I a break from our phones. It allowed us to just truly enjoy each other's company. Photo by author.

This features my friends and I tubing on Lake Mendota for a birthday party. Although you can’t see it, we all had giant smiles on our faces, singing songs while tightly gripping the tube in hopes of staying on. Though our arms ached and water splashed into our eyes, there was nowhere else we would have rather been. Photo by Kate Pelzer.

Nature has also been a way of relief for me while running. I often run at Pheasant Branch, and especially on the steamy hot days, it gets difficult. But keeping my head up and looking out at the abundant scenery distracts me. It allows me to feel relief. I tell myself to focus on the way the sun shines through the trees, or on the marvelous blooming plants, and it alleviates my struggle. It makes my experience of running more enjoyable and allows me to decompress.

The world offers so much through nature, but will you accept that offer? Will you enjoy the beauty of the world, or will you continue in your old habits and stay locked away inside? I challenge you to accept, to allow yourself to feel like a little kid again. The feeling nature gives you is like no other.