I always try to keep up on events without allowing bad news to saturate my life. I am very susceptible to bad news overload. But lately the state of the world has really gotten to me. ISIS, hunger, racism, riots, rape, cancer. Lots and lots of cancer. I know this is all part of the world as it is, but I also know a different world of nature and beauty and serenity.
And so, knowing that I needed to balance what is feeding my soul lately, I ventured off into the wilderness for a few days. Not backpacking. Yet. I’m pretty sure I would collapse under the weight of a pack right now, especially in the high temperatures we have been experiencing.
No, just a few days of solitary hikes in to the woods and gorges and places untouched by man made upheaval.
Cool and refreshing.
I am home again, reading distressing headlines and trying to support those who are dealing with way too much crap.
War, violence, sickness. Nature, beauty, serenity.
It is all the same world. I must be careful how I choose to react to it.
Think good thoughts. Definitely. Breathe clean air. Walk in nature. Be still. Be quiet. Be at peace. We all need that.
ReplyDeleteXoxox
And I hope that you will take your own advice. You will be needing a LOT of self care in the months to come. I hope you can find the time and place to do just that.
DeleteYes, balance. Having some difficulty. But, yes . . oohhhmm ah.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a chance to recalibrate. So to speak.
Recalibrate is exactly the word. And now ready to take on whatever with a much clearer mind and joyful heart.
DeleteI do my best not to follow the news right now. I still see and know about the major stuff through trending on Twitter and NPR news. I'll save that energy for things closer to home: friends who are dealing with stuff. And my own stuff. Tomorrow I am sitting outside and sketching a tree that has decided to burst in to flower. Lots of pink flowers. And the clump of daffodils not far from it. And whatever else catches my eye.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once accused me of putting my head in the sand. But I do keep up with events, I just don't immerse myself in bad/sad news. Like you, I'd rather spend my time and energy on doing what doing what I can, where I can. And I am a big believer in taking care of myself so that I am better able to care for others.
ReplyDeleteMany trees bursting here too. It never fails to amaze me. Enjoy your bursting and colors and sketching. Sounds absolutely blissful.
Like you I have to manage my bad news overload: it is not putting one's head in the sand, merely keeping sane so that I can deal with what I am able to deal with and help where I am needed. I'm not sure that we evolved to know about all the ills of the world: but only the ones in our own neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteIn the local hospital recently I found The Positive News Newspaper. I was very suspicious but it is actually just plain ordinary journalism but letting one know where things are improving and where people are making things better. I was surprised by some of the things that are actually getting better:)
I subscribe to a good news site. Unfortunately the spin of American media loves to focus on the negative and violent. even when things are positive, they find a way to give it a negative spin. So yes, I also need a more balanced view.
DeleteAwesome photos - good idea to ground yourself. I have been exercising in the morning and instead of dreading it until it is over - I am trying to enjoy my time in the fresh air. Trying to take a lesson from the dogs - who get so excited to go on a walk.
ReplyDeleteDogs definitely get it!
DeleteYou know, I love hiking in the wilderness and love solo walks, but I always worry a little when I'm out on my own about who I might encounter.
ReplyDeleteI will not go hiking solo. If I don't have a hiking partner, I have my dog who loves it as much as me. And a big walking stick.
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