In the lap of nature.
In response to this week’s Nature Prompt: A Walk In the Woods.
Dr. Preeti Singh post about this week’s nature prompt reminded me of my early morning walks on the Pune University campus.
My house is just about 2kms from the campus; therefore, whenever I am in the city, I love connecting with nature in this sprawling campus. The air is so fresh and clean. Spending time walking on this campus has always helped me maintain a sense of balance.
Walking among the trees and watching beautiful birds and flowers gives me a mental boost.
Walking is suitable for both physical and mental health. But work pressures and a busy schedule often become an excuse for not enjoying being in nature.
Once I got into the habit of morning walks, I realized how a mindful walk in the forest is uplifting after the boxed-in life infront of a screen,one gets to experience daily. The fresh air invigorates and lifts the soul.
The Pune University campus is like a small forest in the city with many age-old trees that provide shade and beauty. There are some lush green lawns adorned with fountains from the British Times.
In the mornings the campus is frequented by running enthusiasts, morning walkers, senior citizens, and cyclists.
The 411acres of sprawling campus has its own charm. It has many botanical wonders.
I also visit this place sometimes in the afternoons. I enjoy sitting under one of the big shady trees and soaking myself in the cool breeze. I love to sit under the tree and read books amidst birds chirping and rustling leaves.
Unplugging from all electronic activities and spending time in nature is an excellent opportunity to recharge. It has often helped me solve complex problems and deal with worries swirling through my brain.
The main stone building of the university with its exceptionally beautiful and picturesque campus is one of the historical landmarks of Pune city.It was built in 1864 and was once the residence of the Governors of Bombay during British rule. This university is popularly known as the Oxford of the East.
There are many beautiful gardens on the campus that I am yet to explore, like the famous Alice garden. It is a quiet place where students are seen studying under large trees.
The other event on the campus in which I plan to participate during my next visit to Pune, is the Forest Healing Walk. The healing walk event is a facilitated nature walk consisting of grounding practices and activities that connect us to our environment through our senses, followed by personal reflection and group sharing about nature and its relationship with our mental health and wellness. The Japanese tradition of Shinrin Yoku inspires forest healing, also called Forest bathing.
Thank youDr. Preeti Singh and William J Spirdione for the inspiring nature prompt ‘ A Walk In the Woods’.
Some of the nature stories that I have liked,
Dr. Gabriella Korosi awesome post on the beauty of majestic mountains and the many mountains she saw in Scotland.She also mentions the mountains in Oregon called the Three Sisters.
Aarti Tailor wonderful post about reconnecting with nature and her day trip with waterfalls, lakes, towns and abundance of mountains.