“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth, are never alone or weary of life.” Rachel Carson

Weekends in the city are special, especially the parks. After a hectic week and the city seems to empty out as the cottagers head out of town, they are an oasis of calm; a place of tranquility, a spot where you can connect with nature in the middle of the concrete canyons and ribbons of unending vehicles.

Parks attract people of all ages and from all walks of life but regardless of whom they are, they all have one thing in common. They value quietude. Watch them… lovers slowly strolling, arm in arm, along the paths; old men sitting on benches, soaking up the life-giving warmth of the sun; young parents proudly pushing stollers. Then there are others, singlely or in pairs, reading their books or the Sunday papers. Occasionally someone glides by on a bike. Even the animals get into the act: dogs, free of their leashes, unsuccessfully chase squirrels. Birds flutter around, pecking for food in the grass.

Connecting with nature, in any of its forms, is important to your health and well being. It helps to release stress, sooth your spirits and sharpen your senses.

It doesn’t have to be only in a park, of course. Whether you are sitting on the end of a dock, in a quiet backyard garden – or on a bench under a tree in the park, plugging into nature affords you the opportunity to set aside your busyness, if even for only for a short while… and just catch your breath.