10-29-2024 8:37pm

EDITORIAL: Lessons in Peace from Nature

Nate Weeks Editor

A recent sunset as seen from a park in Middle Georgia (Photographer Nate Weeks)

“Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are times when I find myself stressed and worried, and I imagine it is a feeling that most people today are very well acquainted with. Whether the stress comes from a tough job, health, or financial problems, and from the constant barrage of negativity and angry opinions from news organizations and those posting online comments, it can make life much less enjoyable than it should be.

Enjoying and observing nature is one of the best ways I have found to relieve myself of the feelings of anxiety that slowly builds up at times, especially with all the other thousands of stresses of a normal life.

On a recent visit to Macon's Amerson Park, I looked out over the Ocmulgee River as it flowed by peacefully. Birds could be heard singing out as they flew about. The wind blew through the trees around me and yellow and red leaves began to slowly fall down towards the ground in a graceful dance.

Before I had gone to the park, I had been reading about the current contentious Presidential race as well as the horrible wars and tragedies taking place all around the world. There have been times recently where I have felt heartbroken over the state of affairs in our nation and in the darkness evidently in the hearts of many.

But when I am fully taking in the miracles of nature, I find my worries and concerns harder to focus on. At those times, I feel as if I am being shown a secret about something profound by the natural world around me. I can see how time flows on for everything and how the only thing truly constant is change.

Long after my personal concerns are part of past history, beautiful natural scenes will hopefully still be seen all over Middle Georgia and the world. And those scenes will still teach faithful observers deep lessons about beauty, patience, and the miracles of existence that can calm troubled hearts.