Sunday, November 9, 2014

A Walk Down Memory Lane; True Bliss

My backyard continues to be under construction, and it's nearly impossible to focus on its beauties, or even to feel at peace when it is covered with tools, planks of wood, and broken pieces of my garden.

Michelle Santos's photo
 
Michelle Santos's photo
As I sit in my backyard I can't help but to think about how differently my backyard is going to look once all the construction is done. My backyard has been my backyard since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital. "It's so freaking crazy to think about all that has happened in my backyard, and how it's been a part of some life changing events. Woah, my backyard has been here for days, almost like friend." Field notes 11/7. Sitting in my backyard and noticing all the changes that have been occurring, I began to remember all the memories it holds and what is has been a part of. The insomniac nights where I lay on the roof; in hopes of sleeping with the stars. Or better yet, the hand picked roses from my garden given to my sister when she was proposed to at the beginning of spring. And of course, I can't forget the time my brother got sent to the hospital for monkeying around on the tree.

Not only does humanity lack of gratitude towards the unexplainable beauties of nature, but also towards its simple presence. Nature has been there for us and with us all along, and sometimes we don't even notice it. Think about  the gleaming spotlight from the moon for those midnight kisses. The tree of love; where you carved his initials and he carved yours. Rolling down a hill of grass as a child, while laughing so hard you literally think your laugh box is going to break. Maybe, even sneaking out with your friends for a wild night at the lake.  Think about it. Without nature, none of those irreplaceable, unforgettable, and uncontrollable memories couldn't have been possible.

Nature isn't just meant to bring us air, paper, water, and foods. It's also meant to bring us bliss. Paul Bloom, the author of "Natural Happiness," speaks of the incomparable happiness that comes from nature as well. Bloom states, "It might be that one day we will be able to replace the experience of nature with star trek holodecks and robotic animals. But until then, this basic fact about human pleasure is an excellent argument for keeping the real thing." Bloom is speaking of the happiness that humanity receives from nature, and no matter how unthinkably advanced technology gets, nature will always be the better outlet for some real green action.

Take the time to think about nature. The time to remember all the joy nature has brought you. And afterwards give a little "thanks."

                                                                   Work Cited
Paul, Bloom. Natural Happiness.


2 comments:

  1. I never thought about it like that. Nature does bring us "bliss". I'm pretty sure after reconstruction your yard will look different but it will still be beautiful. I really like your blog.

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  2. Michelle, This blog has some wonderful specific imagery. You prove that nature is essential for us to be happy and fulfilled. I agree that we too often look at the moment and forget the environment in which it happened. Thanks for a great blog.

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