This is a blog I posted on the Expression's Gallery, I decided to post it here as well and ask where or what some of you do to renew your inner selves.
Today I was sitting with my husband enjoying one of the National Parks series on PBS (we had recorded it previously.) I love this series by the way as it is our desire to visit as many of them as is humanly possible once My Guy retires. Needless to say I was enjoying myself immensely when a woman on the show mentioned how many of us have a National Park that is near and dear to us, one that holds family memories, one that we visit and revisit. I thought yes ours is Yosemite since I am in California. We have taken our children there many times to camp and for day visits. We have gone in the winter, spring, summer and fall. My husband’s side of the family even rented a Cabin there for a reunion and to celebrate in-laws 50th anniversary as we converged from 3 different states to be together in a place of beauty. I camped with my parents there and my dad camped with his parents there. Each time I have had cancer I have gone to Yosemite for day trips to renew my inner self, my soul. We have hiked up to several waterfalls and visited Half Dome in the night hours to enjoy the stars with an astrology group and to greet the sunrise; it is a place of great beauty and strength.
This woman then went on to say she has spoken with many people who have retreated to National Parks in times of distress and illness for the comfort and fulfillment one experiences while there. She spoke of how she visited a National park with her family and brother in his last months of life as he was battling cancer. In an instant I was tearing up, I could not stop the emotions that even in happy moments seems to be just hiding under the brim of my soul. If you know me you know I am a pretty happy gal with a strong faith, but even so this sneaks up on me in moments I least expect it. I could relate to what she was saying, as mentioned above each time I have had to fight cancer I have gone to Yosemite. I have also hit the road and gone to Yellowstone, The Everglades, Mount Rushmore, Pointe Reyes, Muir Woods, and the Mojave. I have gone to these Parks both while in treatment and just afterwards. I go for the peace and tranquility they provide me, being there aides in my healing it renews my soul in a spiritual way no other place can. I suppose we all have places like this, they do not have to be National parks they just have to be places that calm our inner self and help us to heal.
♥ RE ♥
