Soph Journal #2 (third quarter): The Transcendentalists (post due Friday, March 4)
They called themselves Transcendentalists. As Transcendentalists they believed in:
1. Oversoul--there is a powerful part of God, a force, in all of us and all living things
2. Communion with Nature--man can experience this "force" when he communes with (communicates intimately with) Nature
3. Self-reliance--every man should rely on this "force" to make important decisions in his life--do not rely on the advice of others--be true to yourself at all times
Respond to ONE of the prompts below in 200 (minimum)-250 words:
Respond to ONE of the prompts below in 200 (minimum)-250 words:
Oversoul
Tell me about a time that you felt a certain powerful
feeling when being “immersed” in Nature. Maybe it was a trip to the beach,
mountains, or the Grand Canyon. This, according to Emerson, is proof that the
current of the Universal Being (the Oversoul) is within you, too.
Commune with Nature (choose a or b)
a. Tell me about
an outdoor place that is beautiful, majestic, or unspoiled that you enjoy
visiting and “could not tire of enjoying.”
b. Or do you have a hobby or activity that allows you to
commune with Nature more readily?
Self-reliance (choose a or b)
a. Tell me about a recent experience in which you were
especially proud that you trusted your own instinct and made a good choice,
instead of listening to the “crowd.”
b. Tell me about a person whom you admire because of his or
her willingness to trust in himself. He may or may not be famous. Relate specific stories about this person to support your choice.
posted by JTF @ 8:11 PM
90 comments
90 Comments:
I have always liked exploring and being a part of nature. My family and I traveled to Alaska during the summer of my twelfth birthday to visit our family friends. They had moved away four years earlier and we hadn't seen them in a while. It just happened that we were going the week of my birthday, so our friends wanted to take us somewhere special. They decided to suit us up with snow gear and show us the Matanuska Glacier, a 27 mile-long chunk of ice in a cold Alaskan valley. We trekked through mud pits and icy streams to get to it, but when we finally arrived at the top of the glacier, the stiff fingers and cold cheeks didn't matter anymore. Standing in the wide open Alaskan wilderness with no city lights and no noise but the blowing wind made me feel powerful and peaceful at the same time. After exploring the terrain more, I found a stream of water gushing out of a a crack onto the cold snow. Our family friends said it was safe to drink, so I held out my hands, caught some, and took a sip. The water was the freshest I had ever tasted - the sharp cold sensation of it running down my throat made me feel like modern technology, as useful as it is, was not necessary. This experience made me realize my love of travel and want to explore more of what the earth had to offer. In those couple of hours, I was one with nature.
One time that I felt a certain powerful feeling was when I climbed a waterfall in Dominica, an island in the Southern Caribbean. The feeling I felt after climbing the waterfall was very amazing. I had the sense that I had just accomplished something so rewarding and I couldn't let go of the feeling. Not only that, but I felt I was completely "immersed" in Nature, and that the Oversoul (Universal Being) pushed me to climb the jagged and slippery rocks of the waterfall. When I began the journey at the bottom, I was nervous and second-guessing my abilities. During my climbing experience however, I felt motivation and confidence to reach the top. Finally arriving at the top, all those feelings of unsureness and nervousness left me and I felt at-peace with myself and Nature. Knowing what I had just done, I had the biggest smile on my face, looking in awe at the rushing waters of the waterfall. Also, pride was one of the only emotions I could describe at that very moment. As you can see, the Oversoul gave me the courage and inspiration to achieve my goal of climbing the waterfall, and the feeling of "immersion" in Nature is something that I will never forget.
Throughout my life, I have had the good fortune of seeing many breathtaking views and sights. Although they are all beautiful in their own ways, one place that is absolutely majestic is the sunset off of a cruise ship. The large ship, filled with thousands of people, sails away into the great unknown yet you feel alone. All of the commotion from the people and the excitement of the day suddenly stop, and the greatest sense of peace rushes over you. The red orange sun reflects off the peaceful waters of the beautiful island you just left. The cool gentle breeze and the steady rocking of the boat hypnotize you into a peaceful trance. This communication with nature, as Emerson describes it, is one that I will remember and feel for the rest of my life. Those magical ten minuets at the end of the day for the week, are some of the best memories of my life so far. Those blissful moments are ones that I would never trade for anything in the world.
Transcendentalists believe in the oversoul or the force of God that is in us all. The oversoul gives us a powerful feeling when we are combined with nature. I have had many oversoul experiences that have made me in unity with nature but there is one that is my most favorite. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was spending the weekend down in Rehoboth Beach and decided to go for an early run. It was about six thirty in the morning when I ran up Rehoboth Avenue all the way to the shoreline. I could already tell that the weather for the day was going to be amazing just by the refreshing smell of the beach air. It was a perfect morning for a run and I had a smile on my face the whole way. As soon as I got onto the sandy beach I knew the Universal Being was within me. I was beyond amazed at the beautiful scenery laid before me. I was standing in the middle of the beach facing the rippling ocean that was below the colorful sunset. I could never describe the feeling that came over me once I saw the view. I felt peaceful and in unity with nature like I never wanted to leave that very spot. I believe in the Transcendentalist's viewpoints on human communion with nature. Nature is part of the world and it is within us all.
Traveling through Europe on quite the family adventure I witnessed the most rejuvenating and breath taking view I have thus far experienced in my life. Being able to stay at a villa in Tuscany was truly a once in a lifetime experience. On a cool summer night my entire family decided to take a long walk up the dirt road behind the villa. We were told by the house keepers that the view would be spectacular, and it definitely did not disappoint in any manner. As we walked up the dirt road a sense of community and willingness came over me. It was almost like a powerful being was among my family as we laughed with each other, smiled, and played with our younger cousins. We had finally reached the top of the hill and turned to our right, when we witnessed what seemed to be the entire Tuscany landscape. The mountains shone bright with fluorescent beauty and below the the river dazzled with sparkles. To the left of the river there were rows upon rows of the most beautiful sunflowers I have ever seen, almost seeming to paint the landscape a bright joyful yellow. After immersing ourselves in the most stunning view we all looked at each other and dropped our mouths in pure amazement. I have traveled and seen many glorious sights but have never left a place with such love for our creator. The stillness of the river, beauty of the mountains, and life filled joy from the sunflowers were quite rejuvenating and proved entirely that there is a more powerful part of God in all of us. Experiencing this view filled me with a new understanding of creation and the beauty nature constantly offers. Sometimes we do not open ourselves fully to witness the creation God has made to show himself witness to us. Traveling to Europe and experiencing the sincere beauty of nature allowed me to become more intimate with God and the tremendous possibilities and adventures life contains.
There is a place in Bermuda where my family and a group of our close family-friends go on vacation. Our room opens up to an infinity pool that overlooks the sparkling blue water. There is a stone stairway that leads down to the quiet beach, and all the way to the left are rocks that form this little alcove. It forms a kind of closed off, cave-like beach. The water comes up about halfway and all you can hear is the sound of the little waves barely crashing on the pink sand. I'll go back there, lay down, close my eyes, and just listen to the water. I feel the warmth of it come up underneath me and engulf me in the saltiness. It is the most serene place I have ever travelled to. When I'm there, I have no worries and everything is at peace. There's a bigger rock farther out in the water that's about a five minute swim. My cousins and I climb to the top, getting cuts and bruises on the sharp shells as we go. Once we get to the top, it feels like I'm on top of the world. I can see where the water is deep and shallow, and I can feel the salty breeze hit my face. It takes a few minutes, but I finally work up the courage to follow my cousins and jump into the pocket of water beneath me. As I hit the water, and the sunshine on my back turns to ice, I feel the rush of adrenaline kick in. I swim back to shore, and everyone who came on the trip gathers around the fire pit to watch the sunset and make s'mores. This is my favorite place because it's not only breathtakingly beautiful, but the calmness of the environment relaxed nature of everyone with me is a reminder that happiness can come from the simplest of experiences.
I have an activity in which I will go to an over night camp for one month during the summer. It is called William Lawrence Camp. For the past two years, I have spent a month during the summer at WLC. There is next to no electricity except for important things, like toilets. You are not aloud to bring your cell phone or any electronic devices besides a radio (if you have one,) a flashlight, and batteries. They have many activities that are in tune with nature, like fishing and hiking. It is a really great and fun place that is surrounded by nature in the mountains in New Hampshire. Right beside lake Winnipasaki. They have a lot of different people from different places. They have councilors and kids from places that range from China, to Canada and everywhere in between. I love going there for a month and spending time in nature. Anywhere you go, there will be a tree or something that you can stop and appreciate.
Jared Wilson Green
I have an activity in which I will go to an over night camp for one month during the summer. It is called William Lawrence Camp. For the past two years, I have spent a month during the summer at WLC. There is next to no electricity except for important things, like toilets. You are not aloud to bring your cell phone or any electronic devices besides a radio (if you have one,) a flashlight, and batteries. They have many activities that are in tune with nature, like fishing and hiking. It is a really great and fun place that is surrounded by nature in the mountains in New Hampshire. Right beside lake Winnipasaki. They have a lot of different people from different places. They have councilors and kids from places that range from China, to Canada and everywhere in between. I love going there for a month and spending time in nature. Anywhere you go, there will be a tree or something that you can stop and appreciate.
Jared Wilson Green
Oversoul
One of my most memorable experiences of being immersed in nature and feeling the presence of the Oversoul was during a snow storm two years ago. School was out and my family was playing in the snow. While I was outside, I went on the back road behind my house. No one had driven or walked on it since the snow had fallen. I made my way down the road just for the sake of exploring. What I found was the beauty of a snowy day. Everything around me was white and clean. I couldn't see very well because of the snow, but I felt like it was just me enjoying nature. Each time I turned back, my footprints had been covered up by the snow. After a while, I realized how quiet it was on the road. The lack of sound made me feel like I was alone in a mysteriously beautiful forest like the character Lucy from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity beneath the silent falling snow. The world looked beautiful and calm in that moment. Someone who is out in nature often can understand the idea of the Oversoul from the philosophy of Transcendentalism. An Oversoul, or God's universal force of good, lives within all people. According to this philosophy, made popular by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a person can feel the Oversoul when they have a deep interaction with nature. In Transcendentalist thinking, the experience I had on that day would have been classified as an interaction with my part of the Oversoul. This powerful feeling of being isolated in the snow fall is an example of the Oversoul at work in my life.
self-reliance a) A couple weeks ago me and some of my friends went to a party. Theres was like 10 of us so we had to take 2 cars. At most high school parties there is drinking, it just something that's unavoidable. No matter how hard you try kids will always find a way to sneak it in. But just because it's there doesn't mean you should drink it. The party went on and me and my friends all had a fun time. It was about 11:30 so me and my friends left. When we got to my friend's car me and my other friend noticed he had been drinking. Not only had he been drinking but he was still trying to drive. He kept assuring us and assuring us he could drive. Two other of my friends said that he was fine to drive. After arguing back and forth about this the other girl and I finally decided that we just weren't gonna get in the car until she could drive. My three other friends gave up arguing and let her drive. I'm really glad that we talked them into it. All five of our lives were saved because of me and my friend's decision. Drunk driving is never okay even if the person says they aren't "that drunk." I'm always proud of myself after parties because I don't drink or smoke, I know I can have a fun time without it and I don't need it. Whenever it comes to drunk driving, drinking, or smoking I always stick to what I know is best for me, and I don't follow the "crowd."
My grandparents live down in Bethany Beach year-round. I frequently visit them throughout the year, since my family as well has a beach house not too far from theirs. During the last days of summer this past year I was out back in my grandparents' dock, which had a hammock set up in the shade. I experienced the overwhelming presence of the Oversoul inside me as I lay there swinging slightly back and forth with a nice breeze seeping through the webbing of the hammock. Occasionally I would see small paddlings of ducks floating by, or numerous types of birds flying all around me in the pine trees overhead. Squirrels and rabbits also pranced playfully, yet cautiously, about the property. The musical notes of the wind chimes hanging in the low branches of the trees put my mind at ease. I felt one with nature, peacefully retreating to my happy place. I have not yet been able to fall asleep as swiftly and tranquilly as I did those Autumn days. My thoughts would drift to whatever subject I pleased. The hammock at my grandparents' beach house is where I felt the immense presence of the Oversoul inside me.
My hands down favorite place in the entire world is the beach. Although it is stereotypical, the beach is one of the most beautiful landscapes. I find it to be a very calming place to be. The prettiest sunset I have ever seen was on the beach. I cannot help but to be happy and calm when I am there. Something about the beach that fascinates me is that no matter how many people are around you, you can always hear the ocean. It is so easy to block out all the people around you and just focus solely on the waves crashing on the shore. Luckily for me, I have a beach house and I have access to go to the beach practically whenever I want. I could never get tired of going to the beach. As long as it is warm, I am on the beach. There are days in the summer where I get to the beach at nine in the morning and I do not leave until six at night. I could never get tired of being there. I do not even need anything to do when I am there. I could spend hours just watching the waves crash and the boats pass by on the horizon. I think the ocean is the most beautiful spot in nature and I could spend the rest of my life there
By my house, there is a narrow path that leads to a small waterfall in the middle of the woods. Sometimes I walk or ride my bike there and sit on the ledge of the waterfall and just listen to the water falling and looking out over the small stream that runs away from it. This is such a beautiful location because you are surrounded by trees and water and there are no sounds such as cars or anything having to do with the "real world". The best time to visit this spot is around noon because the light streams through the trees and makes the world around you glow. Sometimes, if I get tired of sitting by the waterfall, I keep venturing down the path. This eventually leads me to open fields and these fields also give me a rush of what I would say is just pure enjoyment of life. I once got lost in these fields and just wandered my way around until I found a road again. I was pretty far from my house, but I didn't care because I enjoyed the walk back just as much as I enjoyed the walk up. The fields and the waterfall are truly places I could not tire of enjoying because of their endless beauty.
Self-reliance is the dependency on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others. Trusting your own instincts and making a good choice rather than going along with the crowd makes you feels very good at the end. There was a time where I relied on myself, and I ended up making the right choice. This experience took place when I was in school. That day I had a test, and some people were telling me about the test. A certain someone then told me about one of the questions on the test, and told me the answer. Knowing my morals of not cheating, I decided that when I take the test I would not go along with the answer that the certain someone told me. I risked getting the question wrong, but it was very worth because after it I kept what I valued in the end. After a few days, I got back the test and realized that the answer that the person gave wasn’t the right answer. The answer I chose in replace of the one the person told me was the right answer. The result of this experience really benefited me in many ways. First of all it told me that cheating is not correct and shouldn’t be done. It also told me that relying on my mind is better than relying on someone else’s mind. This made me feel very good. It made me feel like a champion.
Self-reliance is the dependency on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others. Trusting your own instincts and making a good choice rather than going along with the crowd makes you feels very good at the end. There was a time where I relied on myself, and I ended up making the right choice. This experience took place when I was in school. That day I had a test, and some people were telling me about the test. A certain someone then told me about one of the questions on the test, and told me the answer. Knowing my morals of not cheating, I decided that when I take the test I would not go along with the answer that the certain someone told me. I risked getting the question wrong, but it was very worth because after it I kept what I valued in the end. After a few days, I got back the test and realized that the answer that the person gave wasn’t the right answer. The answer I chose in replace of the one the person told me was the right answer. The result of this experience really benefited me in many ways. First of all it told me that cheating is not correct and shouldn’t be done. It also told me that relying on my mind is better than relying on someone else’s mind. This made me feel very good. It made me feel like a champion.
Commune with Nature Letter A
There are many outdoor places that I love to go to and many that I do not get tired of, but there is only one place that I would want to be for the rest of my life. The Outer Banks in North Carolina is my favorite place in the world without a doubt. My family and I drive the 7 hours every summer and rent a huge beach house in one of the many small towns along the "island". As soon as we arrive I immediately go to the beach and watch the sunset along the beautiful blue ocean. One side of the Outer Banks is the Atlantic Ocean and the other is the Bay. Being almost completely surrounded by water gives me a unique feeling that I cannot get anywhere else. The location is perfect because you are away from everything but at the same time you can easily go out to dinner or a movie in the small town areas. The cell service is strong enough to work but it's really not worth being in your phone. When I'm in the Outer Banks, I feel at peace and I feel that I am supposed to be there with my family. From the soothing waves to the calm sound, I cannot find a flaw anywhere. There is no where else that I would rather be, at any point in my life, than the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Nature is filled with many places filled with beauty, majesty, and enjoyment. One of my favorite places in nature is the Grand Canyon. During the summer of 2013 me and my family took a road trip across the United States and stopped at many places along the way. When we reached the Grand Canyon, i was awe struck about how majestic it looked. When looking down you could see the Colorado River constantly carving the Grand Canyon. Also when you are standing on one of the higher ledges, the view is amazing. You feel like nature is showing you its power when you are looking at one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. Being surrounded by nature is a feeling you have trouble explaining. Everyday when you see the tall trees, the bright stars, or the endless blue sky you have to think about the wonders and beauty of nature. My experience at the Grand Canyon has changed my views on nature in many ways. These kind of experiences make you think about the power of the Earth and how it immerses you in awe to think that something this great can exist it's just mind boggling. I want to go back and experience its power again to see how much more it will effect me and continue to change my thoughts on this world and nature.
Nature is filled with many places filled with beauty, majesty, and enjoyment. One of my favorite places in nature is the Grand Canyon. During the summer of 2013 me and my family took a road trip across the United States and stopped at many places along the way. When we reached the Grand Canyon, i was awe struck about how majestic it looked. When looking down you could see the Colorado River constantly carving the Grand Canyon. Also when you are standing on one of the higher ledges, the view is amazing. You feel like nature is showing you its power when you are looking at one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. Being surrounded by nature is a feeling you have trouble explaining. Everyday when you see the tall trees, the bright stars, or the endless blue sky you have to think about the wonders and beauty of nature. My experience at the Grand Canyon has changed my views on nature in many ways. These kind of experiences make you think about the power of the Earth and how it immerses you in awe to think that something this great can exist it's just mind boggling. I want to go back and experience its power again to see how much more it will effect me and continue to change my thoughts on this world and nature.
Running cross country and track helps me connect with nature like the transcendentalists, especially Ralph Waldo Emerson and Hnery David Thoreau. I run year round, summer, fall, winter, and spring, and I run in places from White Clay Creek State Park, Carousel Park, Bellevue state park, and Lake Forest State Park down in Dover to Courtland Park in Manhatten and Six Flags in New Jersey. When the team goes out to practice, we soak in the seasonal scenery while running workouts, such as mile repeats or tempo runs, and distance runs. We run anywhere from autumn trails in state parks to busy roads like Kirkwood highway. Even though running is hard work, the beautiful foliage and trails help runners escape their day-to-day worries and anxieties. My favorite time of day is practice, because I get to relax, shake off my stress, and just enjoy nature. The most calming sound in the world is the crunch of leaves and branches, pounding steps, and my even breathing. When I get back from my runs, I feel refreshed, happier, and my head is clear. Whenever I am upset or distressed, I go for a run. I understand the ideas and ideals of transcendatilism because of my beneficial experiences with cross country and track.
A place that I find beautiful in nature is the mountain area in Turkey. I never get tired of being there because it is very peaceful and quiet. Every year that I go to Turkey, I make sure that somehow I find time to go to my grandparents' second house in the mountains. When I am there I feel like I have no worries and that I have all the time in the world to just relax. I think the best part about it is that when you are high enough to there is no power and cell reception. That just makes it even more calming because I don't have to rely on electronics and games to get me through the day. The most beautiful part about the mountains are the breathing taking views and the brisk breezes. It is also chilly and it helps relieve the blazing heat from the summer sun. The best part about the mountains in Turkey is the fresh clean water that runs from the mountain to a lower part of the mountain. By the time it gets to the bottom, it goes through a small filter to get rid of the dirt and other debris in the water. To me, the mountains are very majestic and peaceful and helps me get my mind off of things during the summer.
Since I was a child, I've often found myself in love with nature. I spend much of my time outside, or wishing that I was immersed in tranquil and quiet atmosphere, surrounded by the wonders of the world. Just a simple breeze that rustles tree leaves and wind chimes can bring me a sense of peacefulness. I even wish to travel the world when I'm older, whether it's the icy fjords of Norway, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the great forests of Germany, or Ireland's Cliffs of Moher. I'm fascinated by nature, and I want to explore all of it. Growing up, I fell in love with nature through my equestrian sport. I started riding at Carousel Park, and I often enjoyed taking horses on the trails and jumping cross country. However, I've left the county park, and I've gone to a barn in Upper Oxford Pennsylvania, called Second Nature Farm. I've always loved the open fields of the state, but the farm in particular is special. It's secluded and located right on a hill tucked into the edge of the woods. I love being up at the barn and riding through the small, windy trails along the pasture fences. The sun peaks through the trees, and I can see the huge farm fields below. These afternoon hacks are private and quiet, the perfect place to feel happy in nature and with my horse. When I'm in the arena alone after school, I love riding during the sunset. As training goes on, the sun creeps lower and lower in the sky, and its light floats through the trees, illuminating the arena differently with every passing minute. Finally, when the sun slips past the horizon, the stars begin to dot the sky. I find this especially beautiful, because there are few visible stars where I live in Delaware. I truly love witnessing dusk and twilight fall upon Second Nature Farm, and I'm glad that the sport in which I compete brings me closer to the simple pleasures of nature.
I personally think that nature can be very healing and rewarding when you are around it. Ever since I was a little kid, I have enjoyed being outside and relishing in the atmosphere it offers. I feel like whenever I am around it or in it, it brings a lot of calmness about my life. I really enjoy being out in the woods, or on a calm shoreline because it really helps bring me back to reality. I think that nature is very important that way, because it really helps people to relax and take a moment to reflect on what is going on in their life. I also think that whenever someone goes out to be in nature, it can really inspire them in the future. There used to be this place that I would go to at my old house that looked like it came out of some movie. It had little streams and mossy rocks that you could climb over. I remember the small trail that led from my house to this tree house which looked out above a large stream. This was the one place that I really enjoyed to go to, and it really calmed me down if I was upset. I think that places like these, that are in nature, are very important to go to because they really help bring beauty and satisfaction to our lives.
In my neighborhood there is this little creak and there is this one specific spot that is my favorite. I call it Plymouth Rock, I don't really know why, it has nothing to do with the pilgrims. To me it is a place to just get away from the whole world. For me going to the creak is the most relaxing thing in the world, and it is convent since it is only a 5 minute walk. I usually take this long scenic path through the sand and there is a lot of climbing involved, that's my favorite too. Eventually you get to this area that is sort of surrounded by water except for this one rock and then you start jumping. I am definitely not kidding when I say it is a huge rock! Probably the biggest I've ever seen. I like to just sit there and watch the water flow down and make mini waterfalls. It is a great place to read or just think. It really clears my head. Last year during finals that's where I went to clear my head and escape the world, if only just for a little while. I always bring my friends to the creak whenever they come over and they tend to like it just as much as I do. I also like to take them to the softball field. I know it isn't exactly nature but, it is surrounded by lots of trees and it is a really nice place to sit and watch my friend who sometimes plays at that field. It is quite beautiful in the summer but, even more magnificent in the winter. When the snow is freshly fallen. Sometimes I just take pictures of the trees because of how beautiful they are. Nature is a very important part of my life. Without it I wouldn't truly be me.
Golf is one of my favorite hobbies. It is such a relaxing sport and it also gives me a connection with nature. I am able to commune with nature for a four hour period. The many different courses and different places are so fun and interesting to play at. When playing golf, I see many different things about nature that are beautiful such as the different bodies of water and landscape that the courses have. The course that I feel I have the best connection with nature is called Inniscrone golf club in lower Pennsylvania. The course is very spread out and has many different views that are amazing. The spread out nature of the course gives great views and makes it a beautiful course to play at. I feel a connection with nature as I am playing the sport in nature. All of the golf courses I play at relax me and its a great place to go to get things off your mind. It's great to be in the sun and play a sport I love on the freshly cut grass. It is my favorite way to spend a nice day by playing a great sport on a beautiful course.
In my opinion, the summertime is the most beautiful time of the year because of the gardens people plant and grow and the abundance of colors in them. Ever since I was younger, I always felt such bliss while in a garden of some sort, my favorites being the two flower shops near my house. In the summer/spring, my family and I spend time preparing and planting various sorts of flowers which we always buy from these two perfect shops. Ever since my first visit to these little markets I've been in love with being surrounded by flowers. I adore the thought of looking all around me and only seeing flowers. I have always been enchanted with the fact of people buying flowers for each other. I believe it is the kindest and most simple way to say almost anything. My devotion to these beautiful plants only grew over the years, so much that I am currently searching for a job at one of these very stores. I’m so thankful that my happy place is so close to me and even in the winter, there are still ways to grow them.
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to experience the tranquility and a connection with nature. For example, my family and I go to the Outer Banks every summer for vacation. During this vacation, the most relaxing part is being able to sit on the beach with my family. Somehow when I am sitting on the beach I am able to just immerse myself in the beauty of God’s creation. As I sit and just watch all the different people, wildlife and the sky moving around I always receive the same overpowering feeling of content. It is so perfect to be a part of the beautiful world around me. Occasionally at night, my family and I will go out to the beach and watch all the tiny crabs scurry all over. It makes me realize that nature always has something going on and life is always continuing. I would never get tired of going to the outer banks and seeing all of the other types of wildlife in their natural habitats. For example, a certain part of the Outer Banks has wild horses that just walk freely around with no distraction or disturbances. When I watch these horses, its almost magical to see them so free and relaxed. It makes me want to live life like that as well. Seeing nature and being able to take in all the aspects of God’s creation, teaches me how important it is to notice and appreciate every single thing God has given this world.
A time where I felt close to and immersed in nature was when me, my family, and some family friends went on a trip to New Hampshire when I was 9. Before that trip I had never really traveled anywhere before other than to the beach and I can still remember how in aw I felt when I first saw all the mountains, forests, and animals like moose and chipmunks, all of which I had never really seen before in person. We stayed there for about a week in a cabin that was surrounded by trees and I can still picture me and my brothers playing in the driveway or eating popsicles with my sister and her friend while watching movies. While we stayed there we did lots of activities where we were always surrounded by nature like hiking up Mt. Washington, swimming in a lake that was right at the bottom of a giant cliff, or dipping our feet in ponds of ice cold water that had melted and travelled down from glaciers in Canada. That trip was definitely one that I'll never forget. Though I live in a rather rural area, never in my life had I ever felt so close to nature.
A couple of years ago, I went on vacation to visit Wyoming. I didn't know much about this state besides there were a lot of mountains and few people that lived there. When I arrived the atmosphere was totally different from anything I had ever experienced. I always heard about fishing there and that there were so many different type of fish in Wyoming's rivers. The first thing I wanted to do was go on one of the nature guides which included a fishing trip. The only fishing I had ever done was around Delaware and I only caught small fish. As soon as I started the nature guide I was amazed. There werent' any loud factories or cars. It was so peaceful and opened my eyes to the true meaning of nature. I could fish and take in the scenery as we went down the river. I also got to learn how to fly fish which was the perferred way to catch the fish we were going after. After we were done fishing, we got to go on a trail through Yellowstone National Park. We saw just about every animal you could including two families of bears. I had only ever seen these animals in zoos so it was weird to see them walking around freely. I saw the burned forests, waterfalls, mountains, geysers, and different wildlife that lived there. This was the closest I had ever been with being out in nature and it gave me a new appreciation for it.
The person I admire the most is my grandfather. I admire him the most because of how much he has taught me, and how he has had an impact on my life. My grandfather has always done things on his own. When he was 16 he came to the United States from Brazil by boat and lived in New York by himself until he decided to join the Untied States Air Force. My grandfathers mother, whom I never had the chance to meet, believed in my grandfather to come to America to start his new life. As he started his new life, he worked hard in the Air Force for 22 years. Now retired my grandfather lives a happy and healthy life with with my step grandmother, and myself. I communicate with my grandfather in everything I do, we have an open relationship and I value his opinion. He has already experienced many of the situations that I'm going through now and I realize that he has made a few mistakes along the way. He has learned from his mistakes and these situations can help me learn. A memory I have, is when I had my appendix removed. My grandfather had his appendix removed about the same age as me, and he knew the pain I was in. He told me to stay in bed for four days so I wouldn't be as sore. I of course, didn't listen to him and wanted to get up on my feet as soon as possible. I couldn't stand being stuck in my room and laying around for four days. A day or two after my surgery, I was walking around the house, and playing with the dog. Four days later, I was in more pain than the day of my surgery. I had stretched the muscles that were trying to heal, and all my grandfather could tell me was "I told you so". This is just one situation which my grandfather had gone through also, and he knew not to get up and walk around after surgery.
My grandfather has worked hard his entire life and is self reliant. He came to a new country as a teenager and built his life in New York. I can not imagine going through his experiences right now in my life. I 'm the same age as he was when he left Brazil and came to America.
I admire my grandfather and hopefully I will become the man that he is.
Being alone with nature can be very freeing and very calming. I have many hobbies that help me commune with nature more readily but the most predominant one is horse back riding. Riding a horse on a trail in the woods is the most calming activity I can think of. When it is just you and your horse you can clear your mind and think things over. The fresh air and the sun beating down on your face seems almost healing. Whether you are trotting through a river, cantering through a field, or jumping over bails of hay, you feel at peace. You and your horse communicate in a language without words and I think that is what transcendentalism is all about. Being able to connect with nature in a way that many people do not understand. Being alone with nature really can heal you in an an emotional way. It can make you think about the day and about everything you have done. Nature can bring clarity to your mind. Riding horses has helped me so many times by connecting me with nature and bringing me closer to the Earth itself. It makes me see what is really important in my life
“In good health, the air is a cordial of incredible virtue…without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune; I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration” (Emerson 240). Just as Emerson has felt a “perfect exhilaration” I too have experienced such emotion. I usually feel this way when I go to Myrtle Beach. It is a place I go to clear my head; it has a beautiful setting with a beautiful blue ocean and sand of perfect temperature. It is a perfect, peaceful place that I go “without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune; I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration.” There were little to no crowds on the beach. The weather was perfect; very few clouds filled the sky, and the sand was warm. The water was nice and blue, unlike the waters of Rehoboth. The atmosphere made me feel relaxed. I felt I could escape from society because I was comfortable with my family and I did not need to worry about anything. I could feel the same way over and over again. If I could, I would go there often, because sometimes I could use a break from reality. I am free from worry when I am at Myrtle Beach.
Meaghan Kane
Honors American Literature
Green
4 March 2016
The Transcendentalists
There are many places, hobbies, and activities in my life where I feel I am Commune with Nature, but there is one specific activity that is my favorite. Snorkeling or swimming in the ocean makes me feel at peace and one with nature. It feels so exhilarating and tranquil all at the same time. The ocean is a dangerous and mysterious place which makes it feel majestic and untouched. No one truly knows what lies underneath the depths of the ocean we have not reached. I'm sure it would be amazing to find out, but the enigma of it all keeps the world wondering about nature. The mystery of nature is a large component of why humans are drawn to it. There is definitely something about the ocean that draws people in. I know I am one of those people whom the ocean draws more than others because I can never get too much of it. Whenever I am near the ocean I feel peaceful and like there is no other place I am meant to be. All of the scents and sights that revolve around the ocean make me happy to be alive. Swimming and snorkeling in the ocean lets you have a sneak peek into its beautiful depths.
Nature is a beautiful thing that leaves you touched and amazed by it's beauty and peacefulness, yet full of questions as to what is lurking in the undiscovered. When I was thirteen years old we embarked on a cruise ship that sailed to Puerto Rico, Haiti, St. Croix, and the Dominican Republic. I will never forget the beauty of any of these places. The ship docked in the Dominican Republic next to a big hill where there was nothing to see but wet trees. After we docked, we had to take a smaller boat in order to get into the island. Although the boat rocked more than expected and it was awfully crowded, I will never forget the sensation I felt while on that boat. I felt "immersed" in Nature. While on the smaller boat, we crept closer to the hill while surrounded by the beautiful, unknown ocean. You don't see much of Nature like that around here or in many other places. I have never felt so in touch with Nature than in that very moment passing that hill while surrounded by the calming, dark water. I can't even begin to describe in better detail why that very moment left such a huge imprint on me.
I chose to write my blog on a Commune with Nature. Every summer for the past 6 years, I have been able to go to the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck New York, for family week. When someone asks me about Omega or family week I usually say its a summer camp I go to, but it is so much more then that. I think its the most beautiful place on earth and when you go its like leaving the real world and entering a magical place that cant be described through words. When you first get to the campus, which is miles deep in to the woods, your breath is almost taken away by the beauty. But as you continue to explore the campus and go further in to it you realize theres a hidden beauty and you make a spiritual connection with the magic of the nature. There is a beautiful lake on the campus that you can swim in or canoe. There is also hidden pathways in to the woods that lead to a quiet spot to meditate. There is a hidden sanctuary to reflect and pray, which os my favorite place on campus. There is also a stone labyrinth to walk circles in. There is also a garden which is an absolute silence place that runs through the middle of campus. I find Omega the most beautiful place on earth, where I found myself through nature, and I'm lucky enough to return every summer.
One person who I admire that has trust in their-self is my mom. She always sticks with the choices she makes, even if it isn't the popular decision. She always sticks to her word and keeps her promises. My mom also takes responsibility for her actions and choices even if the consequences aren't the best. She helps me get through bad situations by offering her advice from the experiences she's had in situations that are similar. One example is when I was going through a tough time trying to decide what to do about an argument I had with a friend. The argument was over something very petty, but it lasted for a day or two and could have ruined our friendship if it wasn't talked out seeing that we're both extremely stubborn. My mom helped me by giving me advice on how to handle the situation, and even though I didn't totally agree with her way of solving the problem she stuck with her advice. Her advice was to talk out the situation and see why both sides were upset, along with discussing what started the argument in the first place, and trying to talk it out. In the end, her advice helped the best because my friend and I talked it out and forgave each other. In the end I think my mom is someone to look up to and try to be confident in my decisions and actions, like she is.
Dauphin Island, Alabama is an escape from all of your stress. Found off the Gulf Coast. The sunsets and sunrises are a beautiful sight to see any day, with their arrangement of light purples and pinks. No matter what time of day you are sure to see many different forms of wildlife, such as dolphins, exotic birds, and crustaceans. I never get tired of seeing the light tan sand between my toes when I touch my feet onto the beach. The crystal clear warm water is a feeling that you never want to say goodbye to. The sound of the tide coming in and out from the coastline makes a melody that could put you to sleep for hours. Anytime of day that you visit you will see natural beauties that will make your heart beat right out of your chest. In the morning you will see the sea gulls pecking for breakfast in the ocean. In the afternoon the sun is at its peak and everyone pauses to find a shady spot under the trees. In the evening you have a sense of calmness from the quiet still waters and salty gulf air. The nature makes its natural fingerprint on the shore with unique sand dollars and shells. Dauphin Island is a place where I find serenity and peace with myself and nature.
In a mix between the first two options, Oversoul and Commune with Nature (a), I believe these two writing prompts to go hand in hand. The one place in nature, that is so beautiful and absolutely breathtaking during every visit never fails to fill the witness of its majesty with a feeling of fullness. Not in the sense of a satisfied hunger, but in a sense of feeling utterly complete and connected with not necessarily God, but something beyond simple comprehension.
I do not remember a recent time in which I have felt this "completeness" for over a few minutes or even seconds, and I don't have an awe-inspiring place in nature that I visit at every opportunity. Yet, the moments in car rides passing a meadow or passing through a forest and even last Sunday afternoon, taking pictures of the sun, even though my camera's directions advise against it.
There are simply some moments where you feel perfect. Not exactly a traditional perfect, but a type of floating relaxation where your mind is blank, save for the future plans you're making, plotting away to introduce this feeling at least one more time.
While I have not felt this way just in the presence of nature, I will say the calm is most easily induced in the presence of an open sky and earth tones. Whether that be a forest in the winter, a meadow in spring, or even in your backyard watching the squirrels as you're swinging on the old playground, really depends on the witness's overall mood.
However, when you do experience this feeling, you will know, as I believe it is one of the best feelings in the entire world.
One outdoor place that is beautiful, and majestic is Cancun, Mexico. I was able to go there two years ago, and that may have been the most breathtaking and unforgettable places ever, or at least I have experienced. My brothers and I made so many memories whether it was jumping off the dock, snorkeling, or even sailing which truly was amazing. It was just something about being out on the open water that is just breathtaking. It gives one a chance to just think about life and many other things. Being out on the ocean gives one an opportunity to just be at one with nature. Another way of being one with nature is snorkeling. There is just something about swimming with the fish that I just find truly amazing. It gives you an opportunity to just forget about the world and its problems, and truly just connect with nature. There is just something about Cancun that is beautiful and majestic that could not tire of enjoying. It was an unreal experience that I will never be able to forget.
There has been one time I have felt "immersed" in nature. I was at the beach with my friend. We stayed at a campground. Around midnight, us and a few of the other kids there were laying in the middle of the basketball court at the park just looking up at the sky. This night there were a lot of stars. We even saw a shooting star go by. I've looked at the stars before, but this moment was different. Just laying there staring at them made me realize how enormous and beautiful the universe is. Ralph Waldo Emerson believed that there is a powerful part of God, a force, in all of us and all living things. This is called over soul. I think that star gazing can give anyone a certain powerful feeling if they take the time to acknowledge the beauty and immensity of it. That night I realized how small we are compared to the universe and how amazing that is.
In my life I've never done much traveling, so I haven't seen many wonders of nature. But even though I've never seen it in person, only Norway has kept my interest for so long. You wouldn't have to look far to find gargantuan mountains and rocky fjords, and everywhere you look is a postcard view. Waterfalls cascade into crystalline lakes. In autumn, the landscapes turn fiery shades of red and orange. Being so far north, Norway is bitterly cold, but I've always preferred a cold winter to a hot summer's day. Even the more populous cities have a majestic appeal to me. The small islands mean you're never too far away from a lake or a river, and break up the industrial monotony of cities. There are rarely monotonous sights, however, as many buildings have a rustic charm and rich history and the cities have a natural air. During Norwegian winter everything is thoroughly covered in a thick layer of snow, with brightly painted buildings adding color to the land, and aurora borealis adding color to the heavens. Whether I'm high up on a mountaintop, down by the shore of a lake, or in a snowy forest, Norway will always be beautiful to me.
There are always special places for everyone, and most of the time it is some where that you can not get tired of. For me this place is a private beach in Rhode Island. This is the place where I have gone every summer except for when I was a baby. As well as this place reminding me of my past it also has lots of things to do, like paddle boarding, kayaking, and crabbing. Also this is where I meet me extended family and my friends in the north. Along with me swing my friends my father gets to see his childhood friends. Which are the parents of my friends, and the stories about these people and the events of his childhood. This beach is also a good representation of normal life, because while you get to have a lot of fun. There is also always work that needs to be done, like filling water bottles, reflooring the beach cabin, and painting. The final reason why I will never get tired of this place is that there is never a dull moment, because if there is no one around there is always watching the stars or having a bonfire. These are the many reasons for this beach being where I communicate with nature.
Commune with nature - A.
Long, lush fields of fresh grass, a babbling creek, animated fish and turtles, frolicking fillies, sky-tearing trees, and amazing sunsets can all be found among the skyline hills. The skyline hills contain many varying features of nature stretching from God's beautifully designed scenes, to the jaunty and majestic creatures who roam these very surroundings. The hills of skyline are located on skyline drive next to the pool and school which are all very close to Saint Mark's high school. The spacious fields of natural greens stretch from the creeks to the soccer field, filling in every patch of dirt on its way. The verdant lawns give off a soothing sensation as you lay in the field allowing the swaying grass to gently coddle you into a deep state of relaxation. Upon reaching the creek the grass dies out and is flattened beneath smooth and rather heavy stones. The dampened stones outline a calmly flowing brook filled with free swimming fish, snakes, turtles, and a few other fascinating creatures. Sitting upon the stones and observing these creatures in their daily steps of life brings great curiosity and appreciation to one's own life. Beyond the stream is the home to the carefree colts of the sunny days. They prance around in the hot sun until it sets. The setting of the sun must be the most magnificent of all the magical moments that occur on the hills of Skyline Drive. The skyline hills are one of the tallest points in Delaware providing one with the perfect sight of a summer's eve sunset. The amazing array of colors form a certain blended beauty that truly brings awe to the eyes of a witness. The way the scintillating sun rests its rays upon the rolling hills of Skyline Drive is truly an image that I've never let go on.
Drew Koense
Commune with Nature (a)
One place that is beautiful that I will never get tired of going to is the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. For over ten years my family has owned a house up there and we spend so much time over the summer up there because of how beautiful it is. One of the main things to go do in the summer in the Pocono mountains is go to one of the many lakes up there. The lakes are big enough that you can ride kayaks on them for hours on end without wanting to stop. The Poconos are also unspoiled in a way that they keep everything very simple. There are no big cities and rarely is there a large shopping mall. There are many small neighborhoods and small local shops that make it feel much different than here in Delaware. As expected in a mountain range, there are also many long hiking and biking trails that people can go on. They range in difficulties but are still a fun thing to do if you want to see the unspoiled inner parts of the woods.
When I hear about a place where I feel in commune with nature I think about my beach house in Ocean City Maryland. I feel so relaxed when I'm sitting on the beach on just hanging out in the water waiting for a wave. I feel that there I can be alone and even talk to myself if I really want to or just lay my head down on my board and not have to worry about exams or the big test I have to worry about during the year. That is a place where people know not to bug me and just let me relax and think. This is especially nice when I go down during the school year because there are not a lot of people there. It allows me to get away from school and all my problems. Going to the beach after the season is like the calm after the storm. After the hustle and bustle of the summer season it finally slows down and the only people that are on the beach are the people that live down their. This is why the beach: as some may say their "safe zone" or in my case my spot where I can get away from anything and everything.
One place I loved seeing and would die to go back to is the Hawaiian waterfall, a picture I showed in class. I had a marvelous trip, but that place really stood out to me, and stood apart from the tourist traps in the cities. To get to the waterfall, you have to drive for about 45 minutes into the heart of the Big Islend and walk a 1 to 2 mile hike through thick forests with tall, green trees and huge flowers. The many colors of the place felt as vibrant and kept you wanting more from nature. I heard the waterfall before I saw it, the water continuously hitting the rocks hundreds of feet below us. People pushed and shoved their way to the front, and I did at first. After a while of getting stepped on, I saw a little rock hill and decided to climb to get a better view. I got way more than what I wanted. The trees gave shade, the ground was soft with moss, a nearby creek drowned out the rest of the world, and the rocks jutted out just enough for me to see the entire waterfall. You couldn't help but just gape at the beauty of it, clear clouds of water just cascading to the silvery rocks, hitting off them and spraying out. I could have stayed there all day, but my mother had to have us move to the next place. I miss that spot, my spot, and wish everyday I could go back. The tropic air would give some relief of this never ending winter. And my favorite waterfall would be the best place to start my trip.
One place I loved seeing and would die to go back to is the Hawaiian waterfall, a picture I showed in class. I had a marvelous trip, but that place really stood out to me, and stood apart from the tourist traps in the cities. To get to the waterfall, you have to drive for about 45 minutes into the heart of the Big Islend and walk a 1 to 2 mile hike through thick forests with tall, green trees and huge flowers. The many colors of the place felt as vibrant and kept you wanting more from nature. I heard the waterfall before I saw it, the water continuously hitting the rocks hundreds of feet below us. People pushed and shoved their way to the front, and I did at first. After a while of getting stepped on, I saw a little rock hill and decided to climb to get a better view. I got way more than what I wanted. The trees gave shade, the ground was soft with moss, a nearby creek drowned out the rest of the world, and the rocks jutted out just enough for me to see the entire waterfall. You couldn't help but just gape at the beauty of it, clear clouds of water just cascading to the silvery rocks, hitting off them and spraying out. I could have stayed there all day, but my mother had to have us move to the next place. I miss that spot, my spot, and wish everyday I could go back. The tropic air would give some relief of this never ending winter. And my favorite waterfall would be the best place to start my trip.
One amazing outdoor place that I love is Paradise Island, Bahamas. On Paradise Island there is an amazing and luxury resort called the Atlantis resort. Activities like water-slides, banana boating, jet skiing, tanning, paddle boarding, and scuba-diving are just some of the things you can do here. I really feel one with nature when I lay down and tan. Something about soaking up the sun makes me feel more relaxed and happy. While I just lay there in a stretched beach chair with my eyes closed, I hear the sweet voices of seagulls in the distance and the waves crashing onto the shore. After tanning I would get up and take a dip in the refreshing water, and then go buy myself a delicious piña colada. Another activity I enjoy doing here is going into the lazy river. While floating upon the water in an inner tube, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. With your feet splashing in the water and you head feeling the warmth of the sun, you don't feel the need to go anywhere or to do anything, it is perfect. Finally after this long and magical ride, I could go down to the snack bar and have myself some yummy fries and chicken nuggets, or maybe even some tasty nachos with a Coke on the side. The best part of all of this is just the feeling of being relaxed and calm, not worrying about what you need to do today or tomorrow, but just enjoying your time right then and there. If I could easily visit this enchanted place anytime I feel sad or upset, I would be here without a doubt.
My recent experience may be trivial, but it means a lot to me. This experience happened yesterday, March 2, 2016, when I was at track practice. I was prepared to go running on my usual distance run with the two runners who like to run at Judge Morris Estate. The other distance runners went to Carousel Park, including Evan Massa, Robert Vadnais, and many others. Me, Richie, and Kyle were supposed to run for 60 minutes at Judge Morris, as directed by our coach. We ran to there and got into the woods, away from the howling winds. The run was a bit strenuous on our muscles since it was, and still is, the beginning of the season when most runners are out of their pristine shape. We went through the woods and ended up in the parking lot, like usual and the other two runners stopped. I did't know why so I asked them. They said they didn't want to run the whole 60 minutes and said I should turn around with them so they don't look bad when they get back. I stood there, contemplating on what I should do. Should I go with them because they want me to, or should I go with my gut choice and run the distance like my coach said to. I decided to be self-reliant. I told them I would meet them back at the track later, so I could finish my run. Though running isn't always my favorite stress reliever in the world, I definitely felt better knowing I could be self dependent and not fall under the influence of my peers.
For the majority of my life I had always enjoyed being in the outdoors. The outdoors had alway been a safe haven for me.
Activities like fishing, and rock climbing have always been ways to reduce stress and have fun. Within the last year I had
started backpacking with some friends, but unlike fishing and climbing, backpacking seemed to induce stress. The idea of
carrying pounds of gear on your back for miles may not appeal to everyone, but once you actually do it, you realize how
rewarding it is. The physical pain of climbing a mountain or pass is made up for by the immense beauty that surrounds you on
the trail. All beauty that exists in nature seems to be intensified and is more fulfilling when you experience the pain that is
associated with backpacking. In the next few years I intend to go backpacking in the Sierra Nevada on the 210 mile, “John
Muir Trail”. Not only is this trail one of the hardest trails in America, it is also one of the most beautiful. The trail goes through
Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks and ends at the top of the highest peak in the contiguous United States,
Mount Whitney. Hundreds of people a year go backpacking on this trail to see the beautiful snow-covered peaks and native
wildlife, and hopefully soon will I.
The Transcendentalists of the time of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau believed that there is a powerful part of God, or force within all of us and in all living things. They called this Oversoul. Transcendentalists described Oversoul as the powerful feeling experienced when being immersed in nature. I have experienced many Oversoul moments in nature from the Florida beaches to the snow of Pocono Mountains. I think the most powerful experience of Oversoul that I've had was in Sarasota, Florida. Our family vacation last summer was at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. The ocean in Sarasota is warm and fairly calm because it is on the Gulf of Mexico. The Ritz had a private beach which was absolutely beautiful. The white sand and turquoise ocean was so peaceful, yet exciting. On one of our last days there, we went to the beach much later in the day than usual and watched the sun set while swimming in the ocean. Watching the sky turn from light blue to orange and pink and finally to dark purple was so breathtaking. We all laid on our backs in the still ocean and stared at the sky in awe. In this moment I felt serene and safe. I think there was definitely an Oversoul connection between the unity of my family and the peace of the beach. I will always remember the image of that sunset because it was an experience that truly immersed me in the beauty of nature.
When I think about how nature has moved me, different images flash through my mind: Niagra Falls, the wheat fields in Kent County, sunrise over the ocean in Rhode Island. But nothing has moved me quite so much as being in my own backyard. When I say backyard I don't literally men backyard, I mean the Chester River which is the river parallel to the one I live on. When I was in middle school I would go on a boat trip on the Chester for a week. Two of my best friends and I would leave all technology behind and spend the week on the Chester River's famous skipjack, the Ellsworth. At the helm was Captain Andy, a local celebrity, famous for his iced tea and ukulele playing skills. We would sail to special spots in the river, even venture out into the Chesapeake Bay. Once we anchored we would spend hours upon hours jumping off the bowsprit, tanning and swimming. Fishing proved to be an excellent food source. First, we would use a seine net to catch silverside minnows to use as bait. Then we would use the minnows to bait perch. After a big catch we would fry up the fish with Old Bay and lemon and have a feast. Once we were finished eating we would read, or sing and tells stories. When it got dark, everyone would roll out their sleeping bags on the deck and we would lay and stare at the stars. This is when I feel closest to nature. Laying in the cool summer air with a slight breeze coming off the water which is silently rocking the boat, and watching the stars. There is something about star gazing that makes everyone silent, it sort of puts you in a trance. You're not quite awake because the things around you are irrelevant compared to the stars, but you're not asleep because you can still formulate thoughts into ideas. Then slowly as you watch the stars you become one with them, you become lost in a sea of stars. The feeling of independence from your body, where it is just your mind floating among the stars. That feeling is when I am closest to nature, where I can feel that God made me for the moment when I would feel whole with nature and the stars.
There is truthfully nothing more peaceful than being a human surrounded by nature. Everyone has a different view or option on nature and its beauties. Yet, almost all people can agree that different types of nature can be soothing and amusing. During everyday life we really don't get to sit back and enjoy the gift God had given us through nature. To just look at the sky, a tree's leaves changing color, leaves blowing in the wind, snow floating to the ground, or birds making a nest and think "Wow, this is amazing." I got the chance to do that in Puerto Rico last summer. We traveled 2 hours, on boat, from the mainland to the island of Vieques. Even the ride over was astonishing. As we made our way I must have seen at least 6 different colors of blue and green light and dark, the sight was truthfully amazing. Once we got to the beach, we stepped into translucent water were I saw fish swimming around me, palm trees on the shore, and seashells all over the ocean floor. I looked around saw smaller personal islands and the sun glistening off the sea in the distance. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I felt at piece with myself, and I felt unified with my surroundings.
When being surrounded by nature you feel a complete tranquility, almost as if everything is perfect. One of my favorite places to go on earth is my aunts house at Keuka lake. Keuka lake is a beautiful finger lake that is located in upstate New York. Ever since I was in second grade my dad, my grandfather, my cousins and myself would head up to that house during the week of Father's Day. We call it the "Father's Day fishing trip". All of us wake up bright and early to go out fishing for the day. Whenever I am at the lake house in keuka lake I feel completely relaxed. The combination of the view of the lake, the beautiful weather during that time and the calming sounds of the boats and wake create a completely relaxing environment. On top of that I am always doing something I enjoy, Such as fishing, boating, tubing, eating or sleeping. One of the best parts of being at the lake house though is being around my family. I get to see and spend time with members of my family that I wouldn't usually get to see to often. The combination of being surrounded by my family and the nature is what makes keuka lake my favorite place to go on earth.
If I could pick anywhere in the world that is my favorite place to be and where I would want to be right now during this snow storm is definitely the beach. Hearing the waves crash against the coast while soaking up the sun is hands down the best feeling ever. I countdown the days until summer just so I can relive those feelings that come over me while at the beach for months. No matter what beach I am at, I am at peace with myself and the world. There's something about how calming the surroundings are that make you forget about the stress and things going on in your daily life. The beach to me also makes me feel at peace with myself. There's times where even though it's fun to be at the beach with friends and family, I go by myself to just have that peaceful and powerful alone time. The beach is like a great getaway for anyone. Then taking in the scenery of all the different colored umbrellas every where you look, to the blue sky and sun shining above you with all the kites in the sky, to even the kids making sand castles around you. The beach is the best remedy for stress relief and a quick escape, im never not happy when I'm at the beach. it's truly a magnificent feeling.
If I had to pick a place that I thought of as both beautiful and majestic, and as one that I could not get tired of, I would pick Marco Island Florida. It is a small island outside Naples, FL, which was recently voted as the happiest and healthiest city in the US. Marco Island is a beautiful place full of great people, which is why we travel down there every summer. The weather is great year-round, and the beaches are beautiful. My grandparents own a PentHouse condo right next to the beach, literally about 30-40 yards from the beach. It provides a great view of the sun at its rise and set, and a great view of the private beach during the day. Outside, you can either sit by the pool or walk on the beach. I like walking on the beach, because it provides peace and quiet. This is a time where I can reflect on things and just think to myself. It is a good way to just enjoy the area around you, and just take time to relax. I thoroughly enjoy Marco Island, and I can not wait to go back there this summer.
One person who I personally admire is a man who trusted his own instincts to come to America. This man goes by Richard Burke, or as my family calls him "Burke." Burke is from Ireland and moved here not only to follow his dream of living in America, but to better his relationship with my sister. They met in Ireland while my sister spent a semester studying abroad. He worked very hard to get a visa to move to America. Once he received his official visa, he was given three months to find employment or he would be deported back to his country. His first job was a chemical engineering job for the State of Delaware, doing drug analysis. This job required a masters degree from the American college education system but the European level of education with their consideration of a bachelors degree there, is a masters degree herein America. After a few months, he got a job offer from Linked-In, a professional job networking website. This job was to work at a plant overseeing the materials that would be processed and powdered to be made for various products, such as protein powder. Since working at this plant, he is now the head-engineer of the plant. He claims he was promoted due to his beard but it is truly from his hard work and commitment to his job. He thinks that because he is only twenty-five and has a "baby face," that his beard makes him look older. Not only with promotion, he has achieved a lot in his past few years in America and will only continue to better himself.
In the summer I go to mom mom's beach house in Lewes. She has a beautiful house on the canal, very close to the bay. The house being on the canal is my favorite part because its so beautiful to look out and see the water and see the sun set over it. This summer I had one of those experiences where I felt so immersed in nature. One night the weather was so beautiful. It wasn't too hot or cool and there was a nice breeze so I decided to sleep outside on the deck. I got some cushions and blankets and made myself extremely comfortable on a lounge chair. It was one of the most incredible and relaxing things I had ever experienced. When I looked up the sky was filled with so many stars and the moon was so bright. I could see the moon and starlight reflecting off the water, giving it a twinkling affect. Even when I closed my eyes nature was still intoxicating me because I could hear the ripple of the canal, the small waves crashing on the shore, I could hear the summery sound of crickets, and smell the salty air. All this made falling asleep a breeze. One of the best parts about it was that I woke up around five and the sun was coming up. It was a little chilly so I pulled the blankets a little tighter around me and watched the sky change colors over the water before falling back to sleep. This was something I will never forget and something I look forward to doing again this summer on another perfect night.
I myself don't often immerse myself in nature, I prefer the comforts of a place with controllable temperature and wifi. However over the past summer my family and I rented a beach house in the Outer Banks. We only stayed there for about a week but during that week I spent a lot more time outside then I normally do. Now there were plenty of fun and peaceful times I had going to the beach and biking around the area but there was one part of the trip that stands out in my mind. One night around 2am I went out onto one of the decks of the house. I didn't really do anything but sit there and listen. There wasn't much but the drone of bugs in the humid night and the sound of the waves, but it had an indescribable quality about it. It was beyond peaceful, possibly serene is the right word to describe it. Whatever the word may be for it, it is what I consider the time as was closest to nature. I have never heard of Oversoul until we started learning about Ralph Waldo Emerson, so I don't really have a thought about whether or not it exists. But assuming it does, I believe this would be an example of it.
I myself don't often immerse myself in nature, I prefer the comforts of a place with controllable temperature and wifi. However over the past summer my family and I rented a beach house in the Outer Banks. We only stayed there for about a week but during that week I spent a lot more time outside then I normally do. Now there were plenty of fun and peaceful times I had going to the beach and biking around the area but there was one part of the trip that stands out in my mind. One night around 2am I went out onto one of the decks of the house. I didn't really do anything but sit there and listen. There wasn't much but the drone of bugs in the humid night and the sound of the waves, but it had an indescribable quality about it. It was beyond peaceful, possibly serene is the right word to describe it. Whatever the word may be for it, it is what I consider the time as was closest to nature. I have never heard of Oversoul until we started learning about Ralph Waldo Emerson, so I don't really have a thought about whether or not it exists. But assuming it does, I believe this would be an example of it.
Commune with Nature
For everyone, there is a place in nature that is just as beautiful every time you visit it. For me this place is crabbing on the chester river. Riding along the water, at four in the morning, with the wind in your face is as close as you can feel to flying. The smells of the salt water fill your nose. Once we reach the place where we think we will catch a lot of crabs we stop and my dad and his friend set up the pots. This gives me time to watch as the sun rises. You almost always feel a cool breeze on your face. Being on the water is a peaceful feeling. It is almost like you are being controlled by nature when you move up and down with the wake. Having trees and large houses surround makes you feel like you have no connection to the outside world, and that you are entrapped in the landscape. Crabbing helps me to enjoy this experience even more. Pulling a keeper out of the water is an amazing sight. It makes you feel like someone who lives day to day hunting for dinner. When I leave I am sad, but I know eventually I will return, and it will be as beautiful as ever.
A couple of summers ago I went white water rafting with my family and friends. We stayed at a camp site in the woods. When we went rafting it was super stressful. When you are rafting you don't know where that rapids are so you would suddenly drop. There were patches of rapids that were super rough and some that were more calm. While rafting we were surrounded by mountains covered in trees. It looked like a painting. All the different shades of green came together to creating the most beautiful landscape. The sky was bright blue and clear. All that you could hear was the sound of the Rapids and the water crashing against rocks. When the water was calm all you could hear was the sound of trees rustling in the wind and the birds chirping. Looking around and seeing the mountains with the light blue sky on top of them was one of the most soothing things I've ever experienced. I forgot about everything stressful that was going on around me. We were surrounded by dangerous rapids that created a stressful tone but somehow the scenery made the mood calm and joyful. It was an amazing experience. Thinking about it causes me so much joy and happiness. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. A
Ever since I was born, I have been going to my lake house on Fairview Lake in the Poconos. In my eyes, it is beautiful, majestic, and unspoiled and I will never get tired of going there. In the winter, when the trees are covered in snow, you can look out onto the frozen lake and see the untouched snow on the ice whose only tracks in it are from animals. The snow covered mountains set a beautiful backdrop for everything. In the summer, you can see the green trees and the breathtakingly blue water and hear the sounds of people having the times of their lives. Every time I bring a friend up with me, they can't wait to come back and never stop talking about it for weeks after. Just being there puts me in a good mood. Laying on the hammock in the sun has to be one of the most relaxing things ever. I share the house with my cousins, who are my favorite people in the world, so being there with them just makes everything 100 times better. Being in the water and waterskiing, wake boarding, tubing, or just swimming really connects me to nature and shows me the beauty of God's creations.
There are many wonderful places in nature that I enjoy admiring the beauty of. One of my favorite places is the beach. Every weekend in the summer my family goes to Ocean City New Jersey. Sitting in the sand and watching the deep blue waves is so relaxing to me. I love how peaceful it is so listen to the seagulls while reading a good book or just listening to music. The beach isn't exactly "unspoiled" because there are many people there but it is still a majestic place. Splashing in the water with friends or laying on a towel by yourself there is no place that compares to beach in any way. It's so calming to listen to the waves crash and children laughing. The energy at the beach is always positive no matter what season it is. There's so much you can do from surfing to fishing, swimming to playing volleyball, you'd never run out of things to do. If I could spend everyday at the beach I most certainly would. I believe I would never get tired of being at the beach. It is a place that is truly timeless and will always be around for generations to come.
In my family we have always been religious and my parents are strong believers but they never really required us to be the same way. About two years ago, I was an eighth grader looking for where I was heading off to next and originally I was planning on attending Wilmington Friends because of the slim to little religious aspects. My parents and my friends all agreed I should go to Friends and it was really seeming like I would but I ended up wanted to check out other schools just for the heck of it and I saw St. Mark's. My parents didn't especially care but they thought I wouldn't do well at a Catholic school. They told me to look at it but not consider it as a heavy option. After a while of looking at it I decided it would be a better fit for me than Friends and I took an exam to get in. Now a year and a half into my four years here, I am so glad that I took a second list of the schools I could attend and that I had the strength to rely on myself. I never had really overturned what my parents and friends thought so I means a lot looking back and seeing how well everything all turned out.
This past summer I was fortunate enough to visit the beautiful of Island of Oahu in Hawaii. While there I went deep see fishing, swam with sea turtles, hiked the diamond head volcano and most importantly visited Pearl Harbor. I have to say Pearl Harbor was the most breath taking memorial I have ever seen. It was very sad to be there as about 1000 U.S Navy shipmen lost their lives on the same ground I was standing on during a beautiful December day in 1947. However, I also found some joy and happiness in visiting the memorial. It wasn't a time to mourn the death of the men that lost their lives, it was rather a time to celebrate their lives and thank them for giving up their young lives to protect this country. I also was able to meet two Peal Harbor survivors or who are almost in their early 90's. It was absolutely amazing being able to speak to two men that survived the worst day ever to occur in U.S Military history. They seemed happy and content and were very open too sharing their fading memory of the historic day of December 7th, 1947. Lastly, I was lucky enough to go aboard the USS Arizona Memorial. Walking into the memorial I was speechless. It hit me like a train how significant life is when I saw the walls of the memorial lined with young men's names who lost their lives. Twenty-three sets of blood brothers died in the very spot where I was standing. Seventy-six men died right below me. Twenty feet below water was the 608 ft mother ship of the Pearl Harbor fleet that was sadly sunken by the Japanese. The reason I chose Pear Harbor for my topic for this blog is because I would love to go back to this memorial as it brought me a sense of sadness and sorrow for the victims but also the fact that I need to cherish the gift of life more as anything can happen at any given time.
Communion with nature is one of the beliefs of transcendentalists. This a belief that man can experience a force when they are in nature. A majestic place in nature that i like to go to is Fair Hill Nature Center. You can walk on many different trails that are a couple miles long. You can explore the forrest. I have been going to Fair Hill since I was very little. It is always a trip that we take as a family. My favorite time to go to Fair Hill is during the Fall. The leaves are falling and changing color. It is very peaceful and serene. I like to stop and walk through the streams and explore. On one of the trails there is a part where all the trees are intertwined and overhanging. They make a tunnel. It is one of the most amazing things that i have ever seen. I always walk very slowly through this part of the trail because I love it so much. Many times you will hear and see different bird, like woodpeckers. Hearing the sound of a woodpecker on a tree is another one of my favorite things about Fair Hill. Hearing the soft tapping against the bark is a wonderful sound. I love to sit in the meadows and admire all of the beautiful surroundings. I will never get tired of going to Fair Hill Nature Center.
Every summer for the past ten years, my family has gone to Ray's Town lake in Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful man-made lake surrounded by mountains. We went hiking one day and found a beautiful waterfall. The stones formed like steps and we were able to climb to the top. I was originally scared because it was very high but when I reached the top I felt amazing. I was proud of myself for overcoming my fear and the view was immaculate. I couldn't see anything but forest and water and it felt so calming and peaceful with the sound of flowing water. I felt the presence of God in this moment and felt like I could accomplish anything. Another time that I felt truly one with nature while at Ray's Town was looking up at the stars at night. We laid in a field and looked up, it was the most humbling thing. I felt so small in that moment. I have never seen so many stars and it was absolutely breath taking. In the hustle bustle of our daily lives we can get out of touch with nature. Sometimes when I feel very busy I think about these moments and feel relaxed and at peace.
An outdoor place that I could never get tired of is the Jersey Shore. I have a beach house in Long Beach Island (LBI) and visit it very frequently in the summer. Being able to get away from Delaware and my normal routines is amazing, especially when I'm going to such a relaxing place like the beach. There is a certain type of relaxation that calms me and makes me happy when I'm on the beach. I can never get tired of going out in the ocean and surfing, paddleboarding, or just simply diving under huge waves. I am always excited to run into the ocean with my friends and family and enjoy the waves that day. I love how peaceful the beach can be when I'm lying down, soaking up the sun. I could lay out and nap, or read a book on the beach forever. I also love how much fun you can have playing games near the water or up in the dunes. And one of the most majestic parts about the LBI is the sunrises and sunsets. Occasionally in the summer, me and my friends wake up at five in the morning and walk down to see the sunrise from the beach. It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful things to watch. Almost every night after dinner, me and my sister bike down to the bay to this special spot to watch the sunset, which is also breathtaking. The Jersey shore is my safe haven, I'm always happiest there and I could never stop enjoying it.
One place I find to be majestic no matter how often I go is my grandparents cabin in Minnesota. It is located in a small town called Mcgreogor, Minnesota and has a population of only 350 people. Many of the lake homes are on Big Sandy Lake. My grandparents live on Mescher lane. My grandmothers maiden name was Mescher and her family at one time were the only people to live on that portion of the lake. My grandparents have their main house and along side it, a cabin the whole family built including my mother. The family has lived their most of their lives. Most of my relatives have either passed away or sold their properties but my grandmother and her sister kept their homes and will continue to pass them down. I find the lake to be a very calm and peaceful place. We tend to stay there for a week every summer. The lack of people that I'm used to seeing is relaxing. The lack of people gives the town a slower moving pace which the citizens of mcregrgor have grown accustomed to. Many of the people in the town know eachother and have usual events where everyone comes together. It is truly one big community that everyone is included in, even people who don't live their like my family. I find the small cabin in Mceegor to be a place of constant tranquility and a place I never get tired of visiting.
A place I could never tire of is the beach. My whole life I have lived in New Castle in an old lighthouse keepers house. The house is right on the beach. I also have family who lives down the beach. As a result I feel that I have always been around the beach. I feel that because I have always been able to go to the beach whenever I want because it's in the yard, it's become a relaxing place to go. I find that looking out my window in the morning to see the sun rise over the beach is so pretty. Whenever I go to the beach there is always different sounds and sights that help me feel relaxed. I love to hear the water crash against all the shells that are on the sand. When I am at the beach I can say that I am able to relax because I forget about everyday life and I am able to stop and enjoy the beach. When I'm there I can sit on the sand and just enjoy the sand, the sun, and just the surroundings. Although it's not the Rehoboth Beach and I can't shop or swim there, I enjoy the peacefulness that is there.
There are many places that I enjoy going to in nature. One of my favorites is camping in the Pocono Mountains. I go there often with my family and friends. I love camping so much because it is so peaceful. It is the most relaxing place I've ever been to because there are no everyday distractions to disturb us. I lay in my hammock and get to read my favorite book, which I don't get to do much during the week because of schoolwork and practices. Also, falling asleep in the tents at night, watching the stars, and listening to the natural sounds of nature is so peaceful. We hike on beautiful trails and see many animals in their homes. One time we hiked through this one trail and came to a beautiful waterfall. People were jumping off of the sides into the water down below; it looked so fun! We also drove up this huge mountain to Boulder Field. Boulder Field is literally a field of boulders. They have been there since the Ice Age! Everyone climbs on and around the boulders, setting goals to see if they can make it to the end. There's barely any service up in the mountains so no one is distracted on their phones. We go camping all of the time throughout the year. It's also very fun to run around and explore different places with my brothers and cousins. I will never stop enjoying camping because it brings me away from my everyday life and brings me closer into nature.
Nature has always been something that i loved and felt connected with. One of my favorite things to do is just explore new places, roads, abandoned houses and even just drive around with no destination. Surrounding my house is all woods with ponds and one big nature trial. Whenever I am upset, angry, or even happy I like to go down there and just be at ease with myself and the nature around me. But there really is no place I love more than the back roads we have in Delaware. Sometimes my friends and I will drive through connecting backroads known as the "valley." No matter what season it is the valley is always such a beautiful place. You can sit by the pond, walk across the red bridge, and just have fun with friends while nature is surrounding us. All it is is backroads but there's something so peaceful about driving through it before you go to school, work, a friends house, pretty much anywhere your going. Driving with no designation through backroads is seriously one of the most peaceful things and really makes you feel some type of way.
Fishing is one of my favorite things to do. It's very peaceful and quiet and it also brings me closer to nature. I can stay out there with nature and throw my line out all day long. The many spots that I fish at and all of my secret places where the biggest fish hide makes every time I go fishing unique. When I'm fishing, I get to see and experience nature in ways that not many people do. My favorite spot is a small pond on my cousins farm where it seems the fish are hungry all the time. The pond is about half a mile long and at its widest only a few hundred yards across. Around the pond you see and get to experience many different aspects of nature, like birds fish and animals such as deer and muskrats. I feel a very strong connection with nature whenever I'm outside, living on a farm, there is nature everywhere. I love all of my spots and I really just love being out there with no one around to tell me what to do or nah at me to do something. So the time away from it all, the beautiful silence that nature has is what I love the most. It is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon.
A typical picture of relaxation and my favorite place to go is the beach. You can feel the warm sun on your body and you can hear the waves crashing like a rhythmic song. The beach is full of opportunities, everywhere you look someone is doing something different. When I go to the beach i enjoy people watching. To left of you there's a group of teenagers playing music as loud as they can out of their small phone speakers and singing even louder than the tunes. To your right there's an old couple sitting in their chairs talking about the latest noise. Lastly, In front of you there is a young family building a sandcastle. Theres so many different people who go to the beach for the same reason of having fun. It is a beautiful place for such simple activities. When you swim in the water you have limited control as the waves pull you up and down with the current. The beach is also a place thats beautiful at all times of the day. You can see the breathtaking sunrise in the early morning, the busy bustle during the day, and the moon shining over the night water. I've been going to the beach since I was a little kid and I don't think i will ever stop. I feel like the beach is a place I can call home and i don't see myself ever living more than 2 hours away from it. It's somewhere that i love and a place that I will take my children one day.
A place that I enjoy visiting and "could not tire of enjoying" is Sandy Hill Camp. I've been going there since I was a little kid and continue to keep waiting to go back.The reason I love going there is because it is on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I love waking up and looking out my window to see the beautiful view of the water and trees. My favorite activity to do there is sail because it is very calming after a long day to forget about everything and relax on the water. After two weeks of living in a cabin without any electronics, just people and nature, I come back feeling more in touch with nature than ever. I will never get tired of being in the water there.
An activity that I enjoy, and that connects me more to nature is playing baseball. Whether it's playing in a high school game, or having a catch with my brother, baseball allows me to embrace the outside world while playing the sport I love. Playing on the fresh cut grass and fresh raked dirt is a sensational feeling, and sometimes I forget how grateful I am to play on such a nice field that we have at St. Mark's. Baseball reminds me of all nature and the baseball field has to offer in the world, and sometimes I forget that when I get caught up in the mental struggle of the game. While baseball is such a mental sport, it also has a simplicity to it. The simplicity of just stepping on the field just turns my mood around and puts me in a great mood. When I'm pitching in the field or up to bat, I don't have the time to really capture all the baseball field, as well as baseball has to offer to me. For some it's a career, and for others it's a place of happiness and joy. Baseball really has had an impact on my life, one that I will never forget.
An activity I enjoy that allows me to connect to nature is skiing. My dad has always enjoyed skiing and has worked to teach me what he knows. When I go skiing in certain places that are not crowded and allow me to ski with small groups, it is very peaceful and allows me to connect with nature.It gives me a chance to not worry about what I need to do for school and sports and just relax and do something I love. There are times when the slopes can be crowded and I have to focus more on the world around me to make sure no one runs into me. But when they are not and I am alone on the slopes, I am able to go slowly and take in the scenery that the mountain holds. Even on the ski lifts I can drown out the buzz of the lift and take in the perfect weather while thinking about recent events and all the good times I have had. I do not always have time to just take things easy and not have to worry about anything else, but I can always find time to enjoy myself and nature when skiing.
I have two hobbies that allow me to get closer to nature through either trail running or mudding. Whenever I go trail running I'm able to bond with everything around me because I feel connected with the Earth and the atmosphere around me. I feel fast and natural like nothing can stop me at all. The feeling of the wind blowing past my face and the trees flying by at the edges of my vision. The sun shining on me in patches as the trees block out some of the rays. And once I hit the turn around point and head back, the feeling of rediscovering the trails just as I had earlier is captivating. And, the fact of just knowing that my legs are eating up the ground in front of me is truly powerful. The other ways that I feel closer to nature however is whenever I take my jeep mudding through some old fields in PA. Being able to drive through these fields with four wheel drive on and seeing the mud fly up the sides and onto the windshield. And, getting out and stepping into the mud and feeling like part of it, with it all over my car and boots it just feels natural. Feeling the ground being torn up and flying by underneath my tires. Something about it just feels right.
Commune with Nature (A)
Nature is a beautiful thing. Some people may have different view of what the perfect scene is, but I believe that the most majestic place is the beach. I doesn't matter what beach because they are all pretty much the same. They all have sand that is acceptable to lay in at any time of the day. The lifeguard stands are a place to hangout and enjoy the view. The ocean goes for as long as you see, and the sun never disappoints to pronounce a brilliant sunrise and sunset. The beach is a paradise during the day, and a place of relaxation at night. For some reason, the stars always look brighter and better on the beach. The cold sand on the beach at night along with the boardwalk festivities make the beach a wonderful spot. The beach is also a very casual occasion. For most beaches, there is no fee to enter and to get in. Also, the beach can be a result of any kind of trip. People take week long vacations to the beach and some go for a single day. This summer I plan to go to the beach as much as possible so I can admire the natural beauties of this beloved place. The beach is truly a place that I "could not tire of enjoying."
Every person has to believe in some part of transcendentalism. Whether it is the feeling of an over soul, a commune with nature, or your own belief in self-reliance. For me, ever since I was little I have felt a commune with nature. I have always been interested in wildlife and would go on hikes through the woods in my backyard constantly with my childhood neighbors. Every summer I go down to the beach. It is my happy place. To most people, they probably don't think of Cape Henlopen beach to be the most beautiful place that they have ever been to. However, even though I know it isn't the most beautiful place in the world, I will never stop enjoying this beach. This is the beach that I have grown up going to and I love everything about this beach. My family and friends would always drive onto this beach and stay on from ten in the morning to seven at night. We would go fishing, and boogie boarding in the water, or just be laying out in the sun enjoying everybody's company. There were always so many kids running around just having fun. One of the most beautiful parts about this beach is when the ocean is shimmering in the morning and the seagulls are just walking around. I could never get tired of this beach and will always love going there.
I love being immersed in Nature. I like connecting with wildlife and plants as it's therapeutic to me. I commune with Nature through the common practice of gardening and animal-watching. I would call it birdwatching, but I feel that I like to pay attention to all animals! I enjoy being outside and feeling like I'm helping Nature. It gives me a sense of empowerment and peace. I feel calmed from the sense of being in a state closer to what humans came from; the time when humans were still dwelling in the ruggedness of the outdoors and embracing it as their home. I plan to get more into gardening this summer and try to grow something new: watermelons. I also plan to bike more and plant flowers that attract bees. I'd like to have a bee house in my yard as well, but my father said we can't as it would only be occupied by wasps. I tried to reason with him but he was stubborn. I think I will still make some of the protective structures for family and friends so they can participate in supporting solitary pollinator bees. I'm getting into Nature activities once again to try to maintain healthy habits. I want to get out more and share my feelings with Nature, letting it soothe me as Emerson and Thoreau believed it could do. Nature is becoming my haven and I adore it.
One time that I felt particularly connected with nature was at a lake house over the summer between 6th and 7th grade. We went to Lake Murray, South Carolina to visit my grandfather's family. I am really not the outdoorsy type, but in the south they seem to spend more time outside than inside. The backyard was beautiful, but not exactly picturesque. There was a stone path from the house to the dock. Next to the path was a swing. The area around the stone path was grassy and overgrown but passable. There was a fire pit in a muddy clearing by the lake that was surrounded by lounging chairs.
Every morning my cousins and I would wake up, grab something to eat, and fish with our grandfather for a bit. We would spend all day swimming, boating, and just being outside. I don't mind being outside, especially if it's someplace beautiful like a lake or in the woods, but I still prefer the indoors and air-conditioning on most days. I don't like to sweat; I think bugs are gross; honestly, I find plants creepy, especially when they're overgrown. It may have been the fact that I was with my cousins, or that I wasn't at home, but being outside for that week was actually amazing. The air was fresh, the sun set over the lake every night was beautiful, spending time with my family was fun. There haven't been many times where I felt connected with nature, but the time at Lake Murray was definitely one of them.
There is one place that comes to mind when I think of my "happy place". I've I think of my aunt's cabin on the Potomac River in Green Spring, West Virginia. There is no cell phone or internet service except for a certain spot in the gravel driveway(if you're lucky). The only contact to the outside world is the landline in the kitchen. It's one story high not including basement. It has a huge yard and trees at the edge hanging over the river. We don't usually stay there overnight since it gets too cool but we'll go for a few hours or spend a day there. It's a family tradition to have the 4th of July at "camp", as my aunt likes to call it, but we like to go up year round. When you wake up early in the morning, you can sit on the porch and watch the sunrise and hear the birds singing. This is one of my favorite parts of the river. I'm usually one of the last ones up so I always hear the rest of my family talking on the porch since I sleep in the living room. In the summer, you can watch the people floating down the river. Sometimes they'll wave or shout something. When we get to float is when the real fun begins. Usually about 6-8 of us go since that's how many inner tubes we have. Everyone gets an inner tube and takes it down to the riverbank. We walk out a ways and then sit down in the tube and wait for everyone else. When we're all ready, we start the float. It takes about an hour to float down to Indian Rock, where we get out. In that hour, we talk to each other or take the to think to ourselves. It's a very peaceful, quiet time. I love watching the trees and the dragonflies as I make my way down the river and hearing the peaceful waters rushing over the rocks. Every so often, a fish will jump up out of the water and we'll see the splash it makes as it goes as it goes back under. I usually end up way ahead of everyone else so I have sometime to be alone with my thoughts. I truly enjoy this time because I don't have to think about where I'm going or how to how to get there. I can just relax. The only people who love the river as much as me are my cousins Whitney and Travis. Travis lives in Texas now and has a family so my aunt likes to say she's leaving the cabin to me and Whitney. I love this little spot in West Virginia and I can't wait to go back this summer.
There are so many beauties of the world. These places bring people peace, serenity, and realization. One place that I could never tire of enjoying is Stone Harbor, New Jersey. I go to this beach every summer for two weeks with my family. This location is my place. I am my happiest when I'm here. I am surrounded by the most beautiful beach. It isn't crowded like the others, the sun is warm and the sand is clean. I like to call it my second home. Laying on the beach listening to the waves crash on the sand is a feeling like no other. It makes me feel zen. It takes away all of my worries and pushes me to live in the moment. Because life is so delicate and pure. Being in Stone Harbor is eye opening each time I go. It secludes me from my friends and problems back home. It is a time for myself that I am selfish with. I look forward to this trip because although I'm only a few hours from home, it feels as if I'm on the other side of the world and I love it. Being with my family in a place I so appreciate is the time of my life. I never take it for granted and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else for the rest of my life if I had the choice.
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There are so many beauties of the world. These places bring people peace, serenity, and realization. One place that I could never tire of enjoying is Stone Harbor, New Jersey. I go to this beach every summer for two weeks with my family. This location is my place. I am my happiest when I'm here. I am surrounded by the most beautiful beach. It isn't crowded like the others, the sun is warm and the sand is clean. I like to call it my second home. Laying on the beach listening to the waves crash on the sand is a feeling like no other. It makes me feel zen. It takes away all of my worries and pushes me to live in the moment. Because life is so delicate and pure. Being in Stone Harbor is eye opening each time I go. It secludes me from my friends and problems back home. It is a time for myself that I am selfish with. I look forward to this trip because although I'm only a few hours from home, it feels as if I'm on the other side of the world and I love it. Being with my family in a place I so appreciate is the time of my life. I never take it for granted and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else for the rest of my life if I had the choice.
According to Emerson, a time that you feel a certain powerful feeling when being “immersed” in nature is proof that the current of the Universal Being (the Oversoul) is within you. This feeling can be a trip to the beach, mountains, or even the Grand Canyon. This past summer, I felt the "Oversoul within me." I went over a friends house in PA. Across her house she had very thick woods with a very long narrow hiking trial. We decide it would be a good day to explore the woods. This spontaneous adventure we decided to take was not as easy as we had planned. There were thorns every where and the air was unbearably hot and humid. We had no phone signal and not enough water. At first the trip seemed like a disaster but eventually we got to an open part of the woods. This part of the woods had a fallen tree, almost making an archway to walk through. It was beautiful. There was bright little orange flowers everywhere and birds chirping. There were fallen trees to sit on and nectar bushes covered in butterflies and bees.
It was something that had come out of a story book. Everything seemed magical, like everything was set up deliberately but we didn't know how it had gotten there. Me and my friend ended up sitting there for hours completely immersed in nature.
A time when I felt the presence of an "oversoul" while immersed in nature was last summer when I was walking through the woods. I was with my best friend and we had decided to go through the woods instead of walking thought the neighborhood like usual. As we walked, I felt very peaceful and just truly happy because I was with someone I loved and surrounded by nature. It was a beautiful day with lots of sun but not too hot and there were lots of animals and birds around us. I had walked through those woods many times before, but on that day I was really struck with how beautiful nature truly is and what an impact it can have on you. The sense of peace and happiness I felt that day has stayed with me and I would love to go back through those woods, both by myself and with my best friend. Something kind of cliché I learned that day is that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. The simple fifteen minutes we spent in the woods were just as memorable and enjoyable than the places we were walking towards. I think this experience really shows the presence of an oversoul and the effect it can
have.
A place where I can commune with nature is at a spot on the top of that really big hill in the 55 and older neighborhood right next to Saint Mark's. My friends and I used to walk up to the very top and sit between two of the houses with the best view, and you can literally see the skyline. The view you get up there is unlike any other. It's even more perfect when the temperature is just right, like mid 70's, and when the sun is starting to set. When you're in that type of environment, you can do nothing but just relax and forget about all your worries. And if you have worries that need to be worked out, it's a good place to go to just, think. It's the places like these that really make you thank God for the things he has given us. The simple fact that we have places like these to go to and admire, and look at with awe. My dad and I like to go sit right on the Branywine and just look for the little ripples in the water when a fish just barely comes to the surface. We would pack a little sandwich and a bag of chips to munch on while just sitting there and doing nothing but just talking and looking around. I feel like nature could be medicine for any type of negativity you have in your life. It gives us a sense of freedom that we don't have when we are at home or at school. We need it in out lives sometimes.
Located at the base of the Appalachian Mountains in south western Virginia, lays a rolling majestic three-hundred acre Angus cattle ranch that has been in my family for over 40 years. One side borders the Jefferson National Forest, the other side borders a narrow, winding gravel road that leads deep through Crockett's Cove. Inhabited with humble dwellings and scattered farms, one is more likely to encounter a wild turkey, deer, or bear on a walk through the woods, then encountering a neighbor throughout your day. Even the presence of our modern four wheelers and John Deere tractors are no match to the sprawling pastures and endless pine forests. Night is so dark that the expression of " not being able to see a hand in front of your face " is accurate, but the stars are the brightest and beautiful I've ever seen. When night falls, the only sounds are the distant mooing of cows and the crunch of the leaves under the feet of the night hunters. There is barley cell phone service that deep into the cove, but as technology advances the farm invites us to detach from the technological world, and you don't have to worry about what is happening in the world. It makes you enjoy being there and exploring the nature and beauty that comes with the land.
Located at the base of the Appalachian Mountains in south western Virginia, lays a rolling majestic three-hundred acre Angus cattle ranch that has been in my family for over 40 years. One side borders the Jefferson National Forest, the other side borders a narrow, winding gravel road that leads deep through Crockett's Cove. Inhabited with humble dwellings and scattered farms, one is more likely to encounter a wild turkey, deer, or bear on a walk through the woods, then encountering a neighbor throughout your day. Even the presence of our modern four wheelers and John Deere tractors are no match to the sprawling pastures and endless pine forests. Night is so dark that the expression of " not being able to see a hand in front of your face " is accurate, but the stars are the brightest and beautiful I've ever seen. When night falls, the only sounds are the distant mooing of cows and the crunch of the leaves under the feet of the night hunters. There is barley cell phone service that deep into the cove, but as technology advances the farm invites us to detach from the technological world, and you don't have to worry about what is happening in the world. It makes you enjoy being there and exploring the nature and beauty that comes with the land.
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