Life at times can get a bit hairy and we all succumb to feeling a little down and out. We grapple with our challenges, while striving to keep up the good fight. However, there are times we are simply helpless to change the tide of events around us. We start to unravel and wonder where our happiness is. Soon we are in an uncomfortable holding pattern, attempting to ride out trials.

I start to wish there was an escape, as I imagine everyone does in similar situations. Perhaps a place to hide out. A desire to return to simpler times creeps into my thoughts. Clinging onto hope, I struggle with my predicament. I persist, and hope I can prevail. However, once my dilemma overwhelms me, I know I need to speedily head to my happy place. Just the other day, I experienced that desire and sought out my retreat.

My happy place begins in my hammock chair on the porch. While gently swaying back and forth, I breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. Next, I close my eyes so I can harmonize my sense of smell and fine tune my hearing. Once I feel calmer, I meander further out into nature. Fortunately, I live in the beautiful state of Oregon, where there is an array of verdant greens and beautiful colours to enhance my experience.

Soon afterward, I find myself becoming more upbeat and cheerful as I listen to the birds warble and the stream trickling beside me. Step by step, on a soft mossy path, I find the renewal I need, along with a sense of peace. Douglas firs tower over me, beside me are Elderberry bushes arrayed with bright red berries. Rhododendrons are in full bloom, my senses are awakening. A doe and her fawns bound away as I cross over a wooden footbridge. I pause and throw small twigs in the stream and reflect back to childhood days, when I raced popsicle sticks in streams. My mind embarks on new lines of thought and I marvel at the diversity and largeness around me.

My worries take a back seat as I refocus my thoughts on a red-headed woodpecker above my head who is seemingly unconcerned about anything but feeding. While looking up at the canopy of alder and maple leaves I view an alluring blue sky spreading through fluffy white clouds. Gazing at the beauty all around, I witness the grandeur of mother nature. Instinctively, I am soothed by my tranquil surroundings. I discovered what I knew well as a child – nature is the best playground around!

There is an impressive, enabling power in nature! It does wonders in elevating my soul. It is a great place to disappear into. I feel as though I am no longer parched and shutting down, but instead hydrated in both body and mind. Nature is my healer. It teaches me, while reaching me.

After strolling for a time, I settle down onto my double hammock, positioning my head comfortably on the soft neck pillow. While stretching out my legs,  a feeling of rejuvenation sweeps over me. Just when I am totally at ease, a robin lights upon a branch directly above me. I look away, pondering the chances of that robin needing to poop. Much to my chagrin, I look up to see it coming. Inhaling pieces of hemlock bark was not on my agenda; an up-close view of nature took on a whole new meaning.  Face planting would have been deemed acceptable, if I had ended up with no residue of droppings on me.  Yet, nature is every bit like life, full of surprises. Some we learn to laugh about immediately, while others take time to process. In the end, it’s all about keeping perspective and knowing when to revisit your happy place.

(If you want to take a photo tour of The Happy Place, see my next blog post.)