Noticing Beauty in Nature Makes the World More Beautiful, Symbolism in Nature

Trail Moments-Fall Equinox Edition: Anyone else feeling this year’s fall equinox and seasonal transition a little deeper than usual this week? Perhaps when things outwardly seem chaotic, is when I feel drawn to nature most, to reflect on all I have to be grateful for, to reset my perspective and recharge my spirit. Hitting multiple trails, visiting several lakes, creeks, ponds and streams, and digging in the dirt have all helped me embrace this season of change. For in nature, I find tiny signs of resilience, perseverance, transformation, growth, symbiotic relationships, collaboration, and overall beauty in the tiny, ordinary and even gross. And yes, I have grown to appreciate the decay I find in the forest and the dried remnants in my garden as it prepares for dormancy, for these are simply phases, necessary for rebirth and beneficial to growing back stronger. As a gardener who fights the melancholy of my growing season wrapping up, I am thrilled to still catch hummingbirds feeding before their long trek and monarch caterpillars munching on the last batch of milkweed to prepare for their metamorphosis. I find myself cherishing these nature infused moments for their simplicity, symbolism and scarcity as fall prepares us for the winter season ahead. So go ahead, get outside, connect to nature, walk barefoot on the crunchy grass or shed your hikers to stand on the cool jagged rock ledge, dig your fingers in dirt or reach out to caress moss, feel the sunshine on your face, sit creekside and listen to the water flow or the birds chirp in your backyard, no matter where you are, nature nurtures, and I am certain that intentionally taking time to notice just how much beauty there is in our world, our world becomes more beautiful.