Nature is Good for You

I definitely think lawn mowing counts. That’s a form of gardening, thus you are out in nature. And it’s a singular exercise that you do yourself — time with yourself, if you will.

Nature for me is a draw, like writing. It’s something I have to do to feel whole (or at least 3/5ths full). It’s a passion.

But I have to admit, like many things, it started as a chore. Couch potato-ing is so easy and feels good. I believe it is a huge phenomenon that people come home at night and spend six hours playing online (usually violent) video games.

What you won’t get out of me is kookiness or California flakiness regarding the subject. There is no magic, per se, in getting outdoors. In fact, if you’re not careful and well-prepared, it’s a very good way to get killed. Few die on their couches eating potato chips.

But there is no doubt that physical activity has an immediate and positive effect on one’s attitude. And just making the change of getting away from one’s desk is good. But I’ve also seen people “out in nature” who might as well have stayed home. I’ve seen people gabbing non-stop about work as I’ve passed them on the trail and I’ve thought, “Why do they even bother?”

Probably more central to this subject is solitude, not nature, per se. You need to get away from other people and spend some contemplative time. Nature just happens to be a convenient place to do that and has other benefits to it as well.

I watched a lot of that Monty Don stuff of people creating gardens in small spaces outside their homes. To a man (or woman) they noted that they really needed a place to get away, even if it was just out the back door and a few steps. Some of the gardens are so carefully crafted that a few steps away and it seems as if you’re lost in a jungle. I do recommend watching “Big Dreams, Small Spaces” if you have Netflix or can find it elsewhere.

Richelieu had nothing to do with the Spanish Inquisition.  Indeed, during most of his domination of France, the country was hostile to Spain, and often at war.

They do look nasty, but they weren't even close to the most painful stones which I have had. As I say, if my stones were diamonds, I would be rich.

I think many people attribute (perhaps rightly so) some good health benefits to cranberries. I've been making Mr. Kung's Magic Diet Smoothie lately. I've been trying to find some frozen cranberries to put it in but can't find them. So I make due for now with blueberries.

I usually say a heck of a lot more than that, Mr. Kung

I'm sure you've seen a lot of weird detritus from my experiments, Mr. Kung.

Thanks for the advice. I originally tried to delete my post by clicking the "edit" icon and then clicking the little gear thing. But when I did that, it said "bookmark." I didn't realize that one should simply click the gear thing and then delete. No need to click "edit."