Beauty Is All Around Us

By Simie Seaman

There is beauty everywhere if you just open your mind and look around. Well look no farther than your own front yard and neighborhood. You don't have to go somewhere special just step out in your own front door. When you first go outside, many animals, birds will make themselves scarce. However, if you pick a comfortable spot and sit patiently, those animals will stop seeing you as a threat and venture out once again.

I love sitting in my courtyard it’s the perfect place to watch the trees sway in the breeze, hummingbirds go from to flower to flower, the flit of the butterflies twirling in the air, listening to the birdsongs and to the water trickling from the fountain, it gives me peace and happiness. Strolling through your neighborhood can provide fun and unique ways to enjoy nature as well; you can make a simple walk around the block into something adventurous and healing.

Nature isn’t a miracle cure, but by interacting with it, spending time in it, experiencing it, and appreciating it we can reap the benefits of feeling happier and healthier as a result. Even if you lived in your neighborhood for many years, it’s very possible you’ve never noticed the little details in it. By taking your time, and stopping and looking at your surroundings you will really get to know your neighborhood. You never know what you might find and learn! Take your binoculars and camera with you. It’s more than likely you will see some birds, butterflies, squirrels and other creatures on your walk. Binoculars can make almost anything more interesting and give you a close-up view of nature. When you take some photos, you’ll notice more of the natural beauty that you missed.

Each neighborhood has its stories to tell and experiences. My neighborhood is a historic neighborhood with interesting architecture, wide streets, giant historic camphor trees and a character around every corner. It might sound like I’m being dramatic but I always feel like I’m walking through a dreamscape when I walk around the Banning Wrigley Historic neighborhood. When you’re on foot, it’s easier to admire the scenery from the pace of a walk. You will be surprised at the different perspectives you get. Being still and enjoying the present moments of your surroundings of the birds, trees, flowers, clouds in the sky, sun shining can help relax anxiety. The sense of smell, a familiar scent can instantly trigger a memory associated with the aroma. Sweet smelling flowers can lift your mood and potentially improve mental function. A brief walk is a great way you can clear your head. A change of scenery is just the jolt your brain needs to free up more creative ideas. So don’t take it for granted open up your front door and start that great adventure. You don’t have to spend a dime, just a little time.