Thursday 16 October 2008

Slowing down to Nature



After reading my dear cousin's blog "Discombobula" I decided to do what she suggested and go outside. Ive been trying to make myself leave the house everyday, even when I dont want to or feel like crappola. Just concentrating on a flower or a tree, as simple as that sounds, has been really beneficial for me lately.


First I decided I needed a new non fiction book, so off I went to a nearby op shop, bought a book, and went to the local park with my lunch and said book. Im really liking the idea of going straight to the charity shop when I need new books. Ive seen so many almost new, best selling books on offer, and old well loved treasures that Id probably pay a fortune for at retail book shop. After reading so many blogs lately, many on being thrifty, I really want to try and recycle and reuse! I cant believe some of the amazing things people find, Im becoming addicted to thrift shop blogs! (as you'll see my blog roll is increasing rapidly!)
I try to limit myself to one or two new books, otherwise Im going to end up losing my husband and children behind teetering piles of ex op-shop stock.


Anyway I opened the $1 book, it sounded interesting, "Slow Up, 199 to calm your mind, body, and inspire your spirit" and was pretty much struck by one of the first quotes given in the book. It was by Anne Frank, who is an inspiration anyway. Because of her circumstances I find this quote even more amazing.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be quiet, alone, with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes people happy, amidst the simple beauty of Nature.


I'm going to go out again today, I think I'll take my little boy to a new park, somewhere with a pond or lake, I feel like watching water...












6 comments:

MelMel said...

Thank you Andrea!
I'm having such a great day!
I see you have added me to your fave blog list.......i'll add you to mine!
so nice chatting to you!
xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea. Thanks for visiting my 'patch' and entering my little competition. Bo-Peep is becoming very excited at the thought of moving far away. Glad you're able to find solace out of doors. How lucky you are to enjoy a much kinder climate than ours in northern England. Its a two woolly jumpers sort of place here and quite often a raincoat!

Sue said...

Ooh, look at your blogroll! :) I look forward to eating it some time soon.

Have you read the book called Slowing Down to the Speed of Life? I have borrowed it on two different occasions from the library and I think I might do it sometime soon again. It sounds really good.

Anne Frank was wise beyond her years, warn't she?

Sue said...

I meant, it is really good, not sounds really good. Because borrowing it from the library twice and then not reading it twice would be a bit pointless, wouldn't it?

Like this comment ;)

Anonymous said...

Taking your little one to the park sounds like a wonderful idea to me.
And I always check the charity shops for books by favourite authors. I kind of have a mental list, those who I have to buy as soon as a new book is released and those who I will wait for. Sometimes I buy books secondhand from Amazon dealers as well.

Liesel said...

Charity shops are a real danger for my bank account. Eventhough the books are very cheap, I usually end up buying so many I end up spending way more then the budget I had set. Back in England I could spend hours browsing through all the books and afterwards visit a flea market for more. One of 'treasures' was a set of 5 Jane Austen books. Perfect!

Anne Frank's quote is spot on. You don't feel anywhere as close to God then when you are surrounded by his glory, nature. However down I feel, if I take a walk with the dog through 'my' meadows I feel alive!