Reflections About Iguazu Falls and Nature’s Power

I visited this place twice and both times I was speechless

I consider myself an urban person. I love to travel to metropolis. I’m attracted to the craziness of big cities, I adore the diversity of the huge population centers, the enormous variety of cultural programs, and the number of things to do and see. However, I need to be honest with myself and with you, sometimes, all I need is to let human greatness aside, to truly understand my place in this world, between the huge power of nature.

That happened to me both times I visited Iguazu Falls, I felt small, at the same time as part of that place. I could feel the water on my face, I could hear the loud noise of the Falls, and I could see the enormous amount of water falling the from Iguazu River.

I became speechless, and I think that sometimes, that’s all we really need.

All about Iguazu Falls

If you are not familiar with this natural heritage of humanity, Iguazu Falls are a set of about 275 waterfalls of the Iguazu River. It is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and you can visit the Falls from both countries.

The average height of the Falls is 209ft. But Devil’s Throat, the most impressive Fall got 269ft in height and 492ft in width. It’s indisputable that Iguazu Falls is one of the most impressive places in South America, exhibiting so much natural power.

Reflections and perspective

I had the opportunity to visit Iguazu Falls twice, many years ago. But on both trips, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the strength of the place. I couldn’t talk myself out of thinking how small I was in comparison with nature’s doing.

I think this type of experience is important to put ourselves into perspective, about our true nature: fragile, small, powerless, ephemeral. When such nature’s marvel is continuous, strong, powerful, and everlasting.

Different visits and different experiences

I remember much of my two visits, and it’s funny to think about it because it’s crystal clear to me that I was a different person on each trip. The same way that these past Paolas are truly divergent from today’s Paola, and I love it!

The first time I visited the Falls was at the beginning of my first marriage. My ex-husband and I traveled by car from our city to Foz do Iguaçu — the Brazilian city that holds the Falls — with a couple of friends.

I was really excited about the trip, but nothing could have prepared me for the encounter with the Falls. It was so much more than I could imagine or expect.

My second visit was diverse in so many ways. My marriage was already falling apart, I was lost and sad. I couldn’t feel the excitement of being there again, all I could feel was some weird emptiness.

Until I got in front of the Falls again.

The splendor of such an amount of water filled my soul in a way I could never explain in words. I was still sad, I was feeling lost, but I also was able to feel this huge power that got into me somehow.

I remember feeling emotional, with thoughts even deeper than the first time. I needed that contact with natural power in a way I would never imagine. I believe that somehow Iguazu Falls gave me the strength necessary to take control of my life again. And after this trip, slowly my life started to get better.

Enjoying the connection with nature

Even if you are such an urban person — like me — I would like to dare you to learn how to enjoy contact with nature. Take good and deep breaths of fresh air, observe the surroundings, and explore all of your senses to truly feel like a part of something so much bigger than us.

If you are planning a new trip and are flexible about locations, how about exploring some natural beauty?

And if you get the opportunity to visit the South of Brazil or Argentina, go for the Iguazu Falls, I guarantee that you’ll feel its power, and with the right management, this power can make a positive impact in your life.

I would like to thank Adrienne Beaumont, who wrote about her desire to visit South America, and among many amazing places, she pointed to the Iguazu Falls. Her curiosity about this marvelous spot inspired me to think and write about my personal experience.

Check out her story:

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