The Wildflower Effect

Summer has arrived, and with it have come the blooms of wildflowers, reminding us just how restorative time spent in nature can be. Landscapes dressed in vibrant colors make it not only visually appealing but also physically and mentally healing. Many hours have been spent in the grasslands, drawn mostly to the intimate flora that seems to be extra vibrant this year. For the coming months, there will be the natural cycle of blooming plant life. Each takes its turn, in its time, to paint the landscapes with its special mixture of beauty.

June has been a month of abundant Black-eyed Susans and Common Milkweed. This is normal for the month of June. There are many other beauties dotting the lands, but the places I venture to on a regular basis are abundant with these two native species. I always think I should go to other places and find other things, which is always enjoyable, but when I can spend mornings with the black-eyes and milkweed, it’s never a bad thing.

I have been seeing these same wildflowers bloom this time of year, many in the same locations for nearly twenty years now. I always wonder why it took me forty years to discover how enjoyable the true circle of life really is. Here’s to twenty more years of enjoying the flowers we refer to as, “wild”.

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.

~Thales of Miletus

Our lives vary from day to day. It is probably safe to say, nobody is thinking they need to shove more into each day. There will always be chores, projects, goals, we want to get accomplished. Many of these sooner rather than later. Over the years I have become more aware of how we all have a tendency to rush through life. These thoughts comes with age, as most good thoughts do. Life truly is short once you discover all the goodness nature has to offer. When we take the time to slow down, we seem to have more time to practice those things that have true meaning to us. This can be an exciting vacation in far away places. Or, setting quietly on your back porch listening to the birds as evening comes.

Nature, especially in its summer abundance, has a profound effect on not only our body, but our mind as well. It should go without saying, time spent outdoors, regardless of the time of year reduces stress, improves mood, sharpens focus, and has even been proven to have physical benefits that simply can not be acquired any other way.

If life feels like it is a struggle, if everyday things are becoming overwhelming, If you just need a break from the daily grind, the remedy may be as close as your front (or back) door. Step outside and see what’s there.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

~John Muir

In addition to the wildflower images shared in this month, I’ve also been reflecting on the role nature photography plays in connecting people to the land. When we witness the beauty of something as humble as a wildflower in the open grasslands, or a row of milkweed along a fence line, we are reminded of what is still wild and worth protecting.

This month I wanted to share a little more than just a few images and few words. A couple weeks ago I attended presentation by Joel Sartore. If you have never heard of Joel, I would encourage you to spend a few moments to check him out. Needless to say, as a photo minded person myself, I found what he had to say extremely important. Even though Joel has been a National Geographic photographer for over 30 years, his work and legacy will be known far into the future for what it represents. Which is more than just the pictures that he takes.

I couldn’t begin to summarize, with any degree of important that is deserving, what Joel has devoted his life to. I can say this. There needs to be more Joel Sartore’s in the World. The Photo Ark

May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.”

~ Native American Proverb

Thanks for hanging out with us again this month. I hope you have a great July filled with lots of fun and celebrations! Stay cool, and if you need some advice on how to do that from Stormy, play in the hose outside as much as you can!