Not taking it for granted

There's been an uptick of recorded cases of the flu in my location recently, a cruise ship docked disgorging covid-19-infected people causing a reaction in hospitals so mask-wearing has become mandatory again after a long time without. It cast my mind three years back to 'lock-downs' as the phrase went and feelings around that entire pandemic situation.

I worked throughout that time, with appropriate precautions, and my life while restricted went on (mostly) as usual although the limitations had a negative effect. This is not a post about the pandemic though, it's about how important nature is to me - for every human really - and how I believe we are naturally attuned to it although sadly so many people don't get to experience it fully, or choose not to.

I remember two to three years ago how seemingly every human wanted to escape the confines of wherever they were 'locked-down' into the outdoors but now with no restrictions in place how many are taking the time for it? Hmm, I wonder.

I have a friend who, during the pandemic 'lock-downs,' said, "I'll never take the ability to wander about in nature for granted again," but...she's prioritising anything and everything else over doing so right now only a few years after saying that.

I asked her recently to come to the beach with me but she, "had to work."

A month ago I suggested a picnic and walk in the botanic gardens but she, "had to go shopping for clothing."

A few weeks earlier I asked her to come for a drive into the countryside antiquing with me but she was, "too tired from working," so stayed home.

I understand, life can be exhausting and demanding and people have to work but the moments we don't live are lost forever and I believe in making time for nature in mine. It's somewhere I can recharge, re-energise and benefit through the space away from everyday life. For me it's essential.

We're all different people and have different needs however I feel sad for those who have lost their connection with nature, or quell it in preference for other 'more important' things; I can't help but wonder how much better their lives may be, how much more effective or productive, happy and engaged they may be if they took the time to spend with nature and unplugged from everyday life and devices too.

I don't like taking important things for granted, my health, home, material possessions and people around me whom I value or love; it seems wasteful. The same can be said for nature.

I'm not willing to take it for granted so took a walk on the beach last weekend, alone...but not alone because I was with nature.