Tag Archives: travel

What If / How Come

Solace in the Storm

This morning as we drink coffee, my partner corresponds with a good friend of ours who is halfway around the world in Thailand. Our day is beginning; hers is coming to a close. How wonderful is it that we can communicate with our friends around the world?

I ask how she is. “A little sad, I think”, was the reply. I am reminded of how many people are struggling with “a little sad” (or even more than that) these days. I hope that his words helped her to find some solace, some comfort as she reflects on her day, life in general, and the fact that she has good friends halfway around the world who care.

My memories of Thailand in and of themselves bring me some solace, in a time when world travel has become so difficult. (Nothing should be this hard! Our world is way out of balance.) Of course, travel memories are just one example of solace for me.

What brings you solace and comfort, when these turbulent times get you down?

Inspirational Quotes:

“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.” ~ Martin Luther

“A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.” ~ E..B. White

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ~ Anne Frank

Nature’s Sensibility

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Nature presents to us constantly the reminder of our roots, our organic selves, our place in the natural and creative world.

It also brings us back to what is real and sensible. In short, we are able to retrieve our commons sense and sanity in what is increasingly an insane society.

I’m feeling a little soul weary this morning, so I’m keeping my own words short. But I thought I’d bring you some fave quotes from Henry David Thoreau, on which to ponder today. After this, I’m heading to my park and the river to recharge… I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

I’ll be launching a book on the Earth and nature very soon, which incorporates both my writing and my art. Please sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to be notified.

Nature quotes by the transcendentalist writer, Henry David Thoreau:

“We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.”

“Take long walks in stormy weather or through deep snows in the fields and woods, if you would keep your spirits up. Deal with brute nature. Be cold and hungry and weary.”

“I have a room all to myself; it is nature.”

“He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair.”

“Every blade in the field – Every leaf in the forest – lays down its life in its season as beautifully as it was taken up.”

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”

“Wildness is the preservation of the World.”

Nature’s Sensibility © Susan L Hart 2021 |Friendly comments welcome | Photos courtesy of, danfador, jplenio, Simon, epicantus, Free-Photos, PublicDomainPictures, Comfreak, Piixabay

Bring on the Light

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Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet whose words and wisdom have transcended time and borders. This quote from his writings certainly is applicable to the times in which we live.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ~ Rumi

I do believe that our souls grow from life’s challenges. And are we not all feeling at least a little bit wounded these days? In terms of soul growth, we are undergoing an intense awakening and steep learning curve lately.

Just think of the massive amount of light we are creating during these challenging times. I feel it pulsing in and out like a giant wave circling the world. It is astounding.

The challenges of the past year and a half are growing us, not just as individuals, but as a collective humanity.

Bring on the Light. Be the Light.

Some other great quotes by Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi (aka Rumi)

“Forget safety.
Live where you fear to live.
Destroy your reputation.
Be notorious.”
~ Rumi

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”
~ Rumi

“What you seek is seeking you.”
~ Rumi

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Rumi

“Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.”
― Rumi

Life Is More Than

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How do you define life? Many of us tend to be so wound up in the doing of it, we forget to make time to contemplate why we are here, what is the meaning of life, what gives it quality and fulfillment.

Life is not simply about survival, and yet in our media right now the narrative would lead one to believe that is the case. Fear can take over our minds, if we are not careful.

All of the good things that we’ve known keep us well still apply. Fresh air, nature, nourishing food, physical exercise, adequate rest, playfulness, companionship, friendship, doing what we love. Oh yes, and the big one, simply LOVE in all of its forms and connections.

Embrace what feels good to you and resonates with your very soul. Tap into your inner being, and listen to your body, mind, and spirit. Above and beyond wellness, seek joyfulness in your experience here on Earth. We are all born with the intrinsic right to JOY.

Inspirational Quotes:

“Ignore those that make you fearful and sad, that degrade you back towards disease and death.” ~ Rumi

“The aim is to balance the terror of being alive with the wonder of being alive.” ~ Carlos Casteneda

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“There are many aspects to success; material wealth is only one component. …But success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being, and peace of mind.” ~ Deepak Chopra