Discovering Nature Hidden Virtues In The Wild Nearby

Have you ever wondered about the hidden virtues of nature that lie just beyond your doorstep? In our fast-paced modern lives, it's easy to overlook the beauty and serenity that can be found in the natural world. However, taking the time to explore the wild nearby can offer countless benefits for our physical and mental well-being.

The Healing Power of Nature

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our health. Researchers have found that being in natural environments can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost immune function. Nature has a calming effect on our minds, allowing us to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and find a sense of peace and tranquility.

Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll through a nearby park, going for a hike in the woods, or simply sitting by a tranquil lake, immersing ourselves in nature can help us recharge and rejuvenate. The soothing sounds of birds chirping, the fresh scent of the forest, and the gentle touch of a cool breeze on our faces can awaken our senses and provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life.

The Star in the Sycamore: Discovering Nature’s Hidden Virtues in the Wild Nearby

by Tom Springer(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Deepening Our Connection to the Earth

When we spend time in nature, we can deepen our connection to the Earth and gain a greater appreciation for the world around us. Observing the intricate web of life that exists in a forest or meandering alongside a bubbling brook can remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Furthermore, nature offers us a chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. From stunning sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues to the delicate petals of a wildflower, there is no shortage of incredible sights to behold. As we immerse ourselves in the wild nearby, we begin to see the world through new eyes and cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Reaping the Mental and Emotional Benefits

The benefits of spending time in nature extend beyond our physical health. Nature has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being as well. Research suggests that exposure to green spaces can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and rumination.

When we disconnect from the digital world and engage with the natural environment, we give ourselves a chance to reset and find inner peace. Whether it's climbing a mountain and conquering our fears or simply sitting quietly by a babbling brook, nature provides us with an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.

Discovering the Wild Nearby

So how can we make the most of the natural world that surrounds us? It starts with seeking out opportunities to explore and discover the wild nearby. Look for local parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails in your area. Take the time to plan regular outings where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and leave behind the distractions of everyday life.

Remember to embrace all aspects of nature – even the seemingly mundane. Whether it's a butterfly gently landing on a flower or the intricate patterns of tree bark, there is beauty to be found in every corner of the natural world. By honing our observation skills, we can unlock a whole new world of hidden wonders.

An Oasis of Respite

When we venture into the wild nearby, we are able to escape the chaos and noise of the concrete jungle. Nature offers us an oasis of respite, where we can reconnect with ourselves and find solace in the simplicity of the natural world. So, make it a priority to discover the hidden virtues of nature in your surroundings and let the wild nearby be your guide to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

The Star in the Sycamore: Discovering Nature’s Hidden Virtues in the Wild Nearby

by Tom Springer(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“Tom Springer’s elegant, earthy and generous book is exactly the sustenance I needed in this time of lockdown and sorrow. It’s a treasure.” —JERRY DENNIS, author of "The Living Great Lakes" and "The Windward Shore"

For Tom Springer, the usual four seasons can’t begin to describe the mini-solstices of a Midwestern year: “Does summer really begin on June 21? No, the first ripe Michigan strawberries say summer to me ... just as a sumac that flames crimson in an August fencerow sends up the first semaphore flag of autumn. While these milestones aren’t measured by celestial reckoning, learning to know and observe them can greatly enrich a life.”

"The Star in the Sycamore" takes readers on a journey of rare insight and local discovery. In the ecstasy of a dusk feeding frenzy, Springer catches a slew of fat bass and toothsome pike in "a little river gone wild in the city." In his love for country dogs, un-pampered on their beds of barn straw, he sees an ancient link to musky, wild pleasures that “fur babies” will never know. In his quest to learn dozens of star constellations, he reveals a striking connection between stars, trees and souls.

Along the way, he meets people forever changed and healed by wildness. A combat soldier on a flight home, whose agitated demeanor grows calm and joyful as he describes an upcoming leave in the north woods. A burned-out nonprofit executive who becomes a native plant herbalist to cure herself and then the bodies and psyches of others. Through it all, Springer weaves humor, grace and a luminous sense of the ordinary.

“Springer writes what he sees — a modern-day Impressionist who weaves his vignettes with a cadence and tempo not unlike the signature in a collection of Longfellow poems. A Romantic in his own right, Springer’s "The Star in the Sycamore" holds true to its byline and gives the reader a welcome escape from the madding crowd to “discover nature’s hidden virtues in the wild nearby.” —LISA M. ROSE, herbalist, forager, urban farmer and author of "Midwest Foraging" and "Midwest Medicinal Plants"

“Tom Springer does with words what artists do with their palettes: paint vibrant, insightful portraits of nature and what people do in it and to it: “the red-tailed hawk, proud, fast and vigilant as only a bird of prey can be,” the empty bottles of cheap wine despoiling a backwoods road, the urban herbalist foraging for marshmallow root and burdocks in the weedy margins of a city; even in lake algae “the color of a kale smoothie.” —ERIC FREEDMAN, Director, Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, Michigan State University