Recently a thought occurred to me as I took my customary walk around the neighborhood, snapping photos that I’m sharing with you here.
Although we are pretty much shut down in New York City, there’s one thing that continues to unfold, moving forward with expression and beauty, without any consideration given to Covid-19.
Spring has still sprung regardless. The flowers are blooming on cue. The trees are becoming greener each day as their leaves grow and flow in the breeze. Birds are singing up a storm. Nature is blooming in all its glory! All this is happening while we humans feel that everything we’ve considered ‘normal’ has come to a screeching halt.
This has me pondering the question…are we humans, in fact, the virus? Covid-19 has caused a pause throughout the world and as a result we can see evidence of healing. Here are just a few:
Air quality has improved all around the world while air pollution takes a plunge (yay lungs!)
Clear waters have returned to the Venice canals
There’s been a significant increase in sea turtle nests in places like Florida, Thailand and Brazil. And they are thriving
Thousands of flamingos took over a lake in India
And just recently it was reported that pollution was reduced so significantly that suddenly the second-highest mountain in Africa, altitude 17,057 feet is visible from Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, which is approximately 85 miles away!
As we humans struggle with trying to stay healthy and safe, nature inspires us, showing us the way. The expression of color and the glorious scents (oh those lilacs and hyacinths!) that rise up to our noses delighting us even through our masks.
It encourages us by example that we can flourish once again. That being said, let us begin the dialogue on how to do so in harmony with all things living. Let’s not go back to ‘normal’ because that obviously no longer works. Let's talk about how we create a new, healthier normal.
Need inspiration? Get out this weekend, even if it's for a few minutes. Take a walk around the block, or if you have a yard, sit outside for a bit. Find some beauty to drink in. If I can do it here in New York City, you can certainly find a way to enjoy nature wherever you are. And if for some reason you are unable to get out, well I offer you my photos. I hope they make you feel hopeful and encourage a happy heart smile.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments section. And if you’d like to share some of your own photos I’d love it! Be safe and healthy my friends. Wear your mask and maintain social distancing! Big Love, PatriciaG
Photos taken in Stuyvesant Park, Gramercy Park and Madison Square Park
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