I visited the famous Singapore Botanical Gardens recently. I’ve been there so many times that I’ve lost count. But it was only that day that I really explored and discovered the true beauty of this garden. Nature is an awesome backdrop to so many special and everyday moments in our lives. We play, rest, exercise and connect with others on beaches, in parks, forests, by lakes, on mountains and in backyards. And the benefits nature offers are far-reaching: physiologically it boosts our immune systems, promotes healing and increases life expectancy; psychologically and emotionally it promotes well-being, makes us feel alive with uplifting and energizing effects, helps us feel calmer, less anxious or stressed and relieves attention fatigue. Even though, logically, I know the outdoors brings you happiness — many studies have shown that nature is one of the pathways to happiness — I truly just haven’t spent a lot of time out and about in nature. Nature gives a man an experience to know more about himself and his beingness that is why it is advisable to visit a beautiful environment once in a while. Since the dawn of time, humans have been inspired to the heights of creativity and innovation by spending quality time close to nature. Scientists, philosophers, artists and social leaders have wandered forests and hills looking for those special moments of clarity when inspiration hits and brings insight to how we see the world. This is something that happens for everyone who spends enough time outside in nature with the intention to evolve their understanding of life. I personally find this is one of the best ways to get a massive influx of fresh new ideas. Many songs and poems are also completely written based on what people see in nature. It sparks creativity, even technological advances are based off of something in nature. It sparks what some people need to write, invent, or even just learn about or do something for both themselves and others. I feel like this is the part where I should have beautiful background music playing, to help set the mood for this post. So enjoy this little slice of heaven for just a few minutes and join me as we go back in time to an enchanted garden. What is it about old mature landscapes that captivates us the way it does? Is it because we see it as a representation of a different era, a quieter more gentile period where time actually stood still and you could pause to savor and bask in the beauty compared with our hurried lives now where we barley have a moment to breath? Nothing can “take me away” quite as much as a beautiful garden or landscape. I snapped half of these photos as though i was in an enchanted garden, as though it was the most magnificent place on earth. The sunlight sparked like diamonds as it softly caressed a gentle stream. It reflected the most amazing light that filled the entire garden from beginning to end. The most incredible colors, sweetest fragrances, and lovely sounds were in this garden. Have you ever had the experience of being somewhere so incredibly beautiful that you couldn’t help but feel peace inside? I think most people have had moments like this… These moments of natural beauty give us the same cherished peace and inner quiet that so many people seek through meditation & mindfulness practices. Yet the amazing thing is feeling this peaceful state of mind doesn’t depend on doing any fancy meditations or techniques. It’s simply you resonating with the calm atmosphere and beauty of nature. In this way, nature helps us experience a more natural state of meditation and inner peace. And for many people, sitting quietly in nature actually provides a more effective pathway to access the deeper states of peaceful consciousness that so many are seeking. To cultivate appreciation for all aspects of nature is an essential step towards bringing our modern society into harmony with life on this earth. When your senses are captivated by the beauty and mystery of a natural setting, it slows all the noise of mental chatter that normally clogs up our attention. Consider that having this quiet mind grounded in the senses is a really huge shift in awareness from how most modern people spend their time. Nature is something that I feel is under appreciated. We need to be conscious of nature, and what it has in store for us and others. They were inviting me to sit down and stay a while. There is something beautiful to look at in all places. It can be the skyline from a tree parallel to yours. Another great part about nature is lakes, there is always a beautiful “photo moment” that can be taken. The wildlife and how they interact with their surroundings shows the beauty of life. Nothing like a still pond to add to the serenity of a beautiful natural landscape. I felt like I have been transported to another era in this ethereal image of this pond. I am not a macro or nature photographer so when I photograph a flower, it’s because I find it remarkable. The flower literally captivates me wherever I may be at that time. If I am fortunate enough to translate its delicate beauty to others through a photograph, then I feel blessed. Not only was I present and able to enjoy that beauty, but I also successfully shared it through the lens. Does anything look more graceful in a garden than a gazebo? Very dreamy. I think this is pure magic. It's a picture perfect setting. Nature is filled with so much beauty, life and wisdom that it’s only natural to feel uplifted in the presence of big trees and singing birds. But have you ever thought about why we feel this way?
Nature is very undervalued anymore. People spend so much time inside, we all just need to take a few minutes a day, go outside, and take a walk. It’s always great to just take a break from reality and sit back and relax and watch nature; the creatures and the trees and everything in between. It’s one of my favorite things to do on a nice summer day. As with so many things in my life in the past few years, things are changing. 2020 has been sobering, to say the least, the world and what little is left of humanity, seems to be in a steady decline. Bad things happen to good people, good things happen to bad people. It’s nobody’s fault. That’s just life. And learning to accept this, makes me realise what growing older and (hopefully) wiser is all about. When you are too full of yourself, your garden will not bloom, because you forbid the sunshine to come through. Instead of a bouquet of colourful tulips, you only see darkness. Be light and free as the swallows. I often find strength in the people whose paths I would fatefully cross. They would change your life bit by bit, till you find your way home. The times you fell, failed, and were humiliatingly defeated, were all necessary, because without the loss of pride, you would never learn the depth of humility. If you give it a try, I think you’ll find yourself falling in love with nature too. I hope you have an enchanting weekend. Last but not least, the background music is titled "Through The Abor" by Kevin Kern. You have probably heard his soothing tinkling piano tunes before — whether it is in elevators, while waiting for the train in MRT stations, or during a spa session, just before slipping into sleep. Most people probably do not even know the pianist’s name, let alone the song’s title. “Through The Abor”, together with “Sundial Dreams” and “The Enchanted Garden” are “In the Enchanted Garden” album from American pianist Kevin Kern who is born legally blind. It is an album of instrumental songs. This may be Kevin Kern's first music collection ever, but of all his work, the "In The Enchanted Garden" album remains my top favourite. The innocence of childhood, the art of being carefree, the peace of being alone or with another human being -- all of these can be heard in the music. It is a musical hideaway, a secret bower where no trouble can enter. That is what I experience with all the songs in In The Enchanted Garden album. This is piano music in the most simple and sincere form. Sincerity is what you hear when you listen to Kevin Kern.
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