Nature’s Calm

Nature’s Calm

Rain
brewing
in dark clouds
feeling washed up
and hung out to dry
doubt pulses through my veins
feeling sorry for myself
pondering my mere existence
all mistakes and regrets amplified
thundering loudly in my addled brain
wallowing and pathetic in my pain
I step outside and take a deep breath
inhaling sweet scent of wet grass
letting the rain soak my skin
doubling down on courage
I pick myself up
and let nature
instill deep
sense of
calm

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2023
May 6, 2023

Hello, all. It’s amazing how nature can instill a sense of calm when you are feeling down. We all have those days where we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. We wouldn’t be human if we did not. So what to do? For me, it is to get out of my head and into nature.

I was feeling extremely out of sorts this week, like wet laundry hung out to dry. (Excuse the punny simile).  I almost did NOT go out for a run on Wednesday evening. I was making so many excuses: it’s too cold, it’s windy, I’ve got too much work to do, I’m tired, etc. etc. However, I forced myself to because I was feeling down and being hard on myself. I just knew in my heart that a run would make me feel better. But I went through the motions, put on those running shoes and bundled up, even though it was looking like rain. What was the worst that could happen? Getting on rained on during a run? No biggie, I actually find it much more refreshing running in a light rain than running in hot weather. Having a thunderstorm kick up? Well, that has happened to me as well. Not a problem, the running trail is only 1 mile around the lake and a quick sprint via shortcut to the safety of my house.

I’m happy to report that nothing stopped me, not the wind, cold or the cloudy skies.  In fact, I was so much better for forcing myself to do something I didn’t think I wanted to do – but desperately needed to do. While out there on the trail, I saw some amazing sights of nature. Herds of deer pausing to look at me as I ran quietly by. A green heron stalking prey. Flocks of swallows circling the lake in search of insects. A beautiful sunset peeking out beyond the billowing rain clouds. And it did sprinkle on me during my last lap of the trail, but it was light and invigorating. I felt so much calmer for getting out of the clamor of my negative thoughts. Thank you, Nature. I love you.

I hope you will remember to step out into nature whenever you’re down (even if it is just on your patio or porch). It’s a natural prescription, a refreshing margarita, or a depression remedy for those days when you are feeling blue. I hope you have a lovely weekend! Love you all!

xoxo Colleen

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 44.14 Topic: Hung Out to Dry
Hard Bonus: Include a double down
Easy Bonus: Drink a margarita