Nature does have a healing effect; its calmness is unexplainable. It fills me with positive energies and relieves stress and worries. It is just absolutely therapeutic.
Last week, a family member who knows all I have been through for over 4 months now called and said to me, "Nkem, I understand how you feel about the current situation in your home. I see your efforts to ensure that you meet the needs of everyone at home considering your husband's predicament, but do not worry; it's a temporary phase that will pass, and you will tell the story soon. I responded in agreement with what she was saying, and then she continued speaking: Nkem, do you have a kind of nature around you? I said yes; I know of one very close to me, just like a dollar's worth of transportation to and fro, but I haven't visited there before. She then encouraged me to make time to go explore nature and revive my spirit"
I have always been a lover of nature. I have visited some conservation centers and beaches before, and the experiences are always amazing. However, I never thought of visiting one during this period until this call came in. So yesterday,I prepared to visit Lufasi Nature Park for the first time. It's really a coincidence seeing this Prompt today about nature, honestly. So before I left my home, I tried checking their access gate fee online, which was one and a half dollars for an adult. This was an old price, and I didn't know; upon getting there, the security personnel told me the new price, which was $7 per person. That was far beyond my budget at that time; I was unprepared for the bill due to the wrong information I had prior to getting there, but then, I needed that environment to relax my mind, relieve stress and anxiety, and be more calm. Even though I wasn't given full access to the park without the fee, I was allowed to explore a part of the park at the front with #1,000 ($1+).
I had a relaxing moment over there admiring the beauty of nature. I sighted the lake, the animal sanctuary, the kids play ground, the conservative forest, and the like. Indeed, it's a unique park, perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of life. In there, I forgot about the things that bother me; I seemed to be possessed by nature. I felt calm within me and felt this unusual happiness, which looks like a load was lifted out of me. I enjoyed exploring nature at the Lufasi Park and already added it to my to-do list soon with my kids, but then I will plan for it and be prepared for all the fees in order to grab all the nature over there has for us.
About a year and six months ago, I took the decision to visit the beach with my last baby when I felt that the whole duties of motherhood was choking me. It was from one chore to another from morning until night. I needed to feel the breeze of the sea. It brings some kind of tranquility. The sight and smell are pleasing to my soul. It was yet another unforgettable experience in nature.
Indeed, nature revives the soul and the spirit. From my experience, I can attest to that and would embrace it at any given opportunity.
All pictures are mine!