Bringing More Country to City Life
26 Jan 2010 ~ Categories: blog • body • eco-living • wellness
I thoroughly enjoy my time in the great outdoors. It is great. There’s nothing like waking up to fresh air and the sound of birds and wind in the trees without the distraction of sirens and construction and traffic. For all its vibrancy and convenience, the city sometimes wears on me, my emotional well being and my immune system. I guess you could say I’m particularly sensitive, but I don’t think I’m alone in this department. A lot of folks grin and bare it with city living, more than they are aware of or would like to admit.
The woods, on the other hand, inspires me to bliss. Just like it did Thoreau.
Even though my heart tells me I could fall into full-time country living with joy, I am still tethered to city life. Some portion of urban life for me will be a reality in the foreseeable future. And I like the balance of both.
So the question becomes, how can I bring more country into my city life? How can I begin to bridge the gap that exists when I cross the GG Bridge from San Francisco into Marin County?
Some people enjoy strategically-placed houseplants or even a white-noise maker. For me, aromatherapy is a great way to inspire calm and remind me of the essence of nature. Evergreen-scented candles and rich woody incense are some of my favorite reminders of the wild.
Most importantly, I aim to spend time in the fresh air every single day – usually in the morning before the hubbub really starts – by going on a solitary walk around the quieter streets of my city neighborhood. Even a short walk counts for me. It’s a priceless way to reconnect with the glimpses of nature we’re lucky to have in San Francisco – the fog rolling in, trees wet with raindrops or dew, cherry blossom buds beginning to open, or a sweeping, majestic view of the bay and the ocean beyond.
Find your urban-country balance,
Amy
03 Feb 2010
jessica studholme
amy i love this and aspire to do the same. beautiful picture. thanks to you, going to get in the bath and light a fir candle…:)
xo jessica