Why Do We Need A View?
A wide-open expanse brings joy
When I spoke to her, I had the feeling that her thoughts had been nourished in wide-open spaces where talk was sparse; and silence ruled. - Siri Hustvedt
An infinite expanse, As far as the eye can capture, The light reaches the shore, Of the ocean of my mind.
A wide-open sky, Reaching across the heavens, A light fog creates mystery, Around the still waters.
An outstretched meadow, Dotted with wildflowers, A thin ribbon of water running through, Brings my mind to peace.
A lake’s shimmering waters, Captivate my soul, Swimming with delight, In her soothing expanse.
Just the other day, I wrote to a friend that I felt the deep need to see a wide-open expanse. On my 100-day journey exploring abundance, I define it as a source of well-being.
When we have an overflow of scenery, our spirit can be at peace. Lately, my heart has ached to see an expanse of nature. It has been a long time. Once every summer, we go camping at a creek or a lake for one to two nights. My husband is not very fond of camping; however, he will go for a short time.
The last time we went, I took my son with me, and we went with some friends. It was the late summer of 2019. It was a long drive, but the views there were stunning.
My husband chose to stay home, and he jokingly told me to “soak it in.” He hoped that I would get my dose of nature for the rest of the year.
That short trip worked wonders for me. It was also memorable for my dear son. He is a fantastic self-taught swimmer and can float on his back with ease.
He had the idea to swim the entire lake. He did make it about halfway. Next time, we will bring a small boat to be his support team if he chooses to swim the whole way.
Since I grew up in the country surrounded by a forest and our vacations were camping up in the mountains, I am very close to nature. I feel a need to be at one with the outdoors at least once a year.
In 2020 we were fortunate enough to go to the coast here in Oregon. It was a glorious three days spent seeing big views of the ocean. It calmed my spirit, and I felt at ease.
Once again, I need to be out in a wide-open space. I need to feel the wind at my back and look out onto the horizon. This will bring an abundance of peace to my heart.
In the meantime, I am glad I soaked it in during that short trip in 2019. I spent many quiet moments by the shore of the lake, just taking in the view. I can go there in my mind any time I choose.
My prayer for you today is for you to find a wide-open expanse where you can see the horizon. Soak in all of the sights and sounds of nature. You will feel refreshed and renewed by this beautiful experience.
Day #90: How will you find a wide-open expanse to enjoy?
I am tagging some amazing fellow writers on this journey. They joined me on my 100-day spiritual journey, and it is an honor to have them here on this journey.
I ask that you read their beautiful work here on Medium. Thank you for your generosity!
Bob Jasper, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Amy Marley, Jenine Bsharah Baines, Vishnu*s Virtues, Annick Batamuliza, Lanu Pitan, Neha Sandhir S, Rasheed Hooda, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Terry Mansfield, Tree Langdon, Henery X, Nihan Kucukural, Annelise Lords, Dr John Rose, Desiree Driesenaar, Noma Dek, Cocoa Griot, Tony Young, Jr., Joe Luca, Melissa Bee, and many more! Thank you!
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