A morning's reflections

Greetings from the other side.

Looking out through the window this morning at the sunstroked trees outside, I can't help but wonder at the beauty of God's creation. Living here in Finland, I have realized just how similar it is to being back home in Sweden, in terms of the landscapes and natural beauty of it. I often find myself thinking about it. I think the natural beauty that can be found outside of cities, and even in parks or areas where you can get in touch with nature inside a city, are really important for the human spirit. At least, that is is my view on it.

To me there is something inherently serene, calming and spiritually fulfilling about being out in nature. Listening to the birds sing, watching the sunrays stroke the trees and plants around you. It alwyas gets me in a somewhat philosophical mood. I very much enjoy walking around, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, and just think. About anything. It is amazing the kinds of things you can find yourself thinking about at a time like that. It can even be a bit surprising on occasion. Suddenly you find that solution that you have been looking for for that problem you have been trying to solve for a long time. Or you simply realise something you hadn't realised before. I find that it often helps to get my creative juices flowing as well.

Being surrounded by a beautiful, natural landscape can be both serene and calming on one hand, as well as thought-provoking and creativity-inducing on the other, all at the same time.

Looking up at a star-filled night sky, with no streetlights or other lightsources to distract you, can be awe-inspiring as well.

I think humanity as a whole could do well with learning to appreciate the natural beauty that is around us more. It would be such a shame to loose that connection because it gives so much. From a religious perspective I guess you could even say that this is God's green earth, and he has given it to us to tend to and take care of. This marvellous, beautiful blue ball of ours, floating out there in space, is such a beautiful place, and I wish more of us would open their eyes and allow themelves to fully see and appreciate it. :)

See you all on the other side!