Deerfield Spa (Pennsylvania)
While we all enjoy nature in different ways, it is my contention that humans, each one of us, have an inherent need of natural settings. "Not me," you may say, "I'm a city person through and through." That may well be the case, and I'm not disputing the love of city living, I am just pointing out that city living is not exclusive to a love of nature. One needn't be a tree hugger to experience gratitude for nature's gifts; there are degrees of appreciation.

Great cities are designed to accommodate the inherent human need for green space, which is why parks are incorporated into their planning. During warm months, the sprinkle of color provided by unexpected flower gardens catches us by surprise. Blossoming trees please our senses. The air is fragrant. Warmth beckons life. We respond to nature. Can anyone deny the uplifting sense of spring or the rejuvenating capacity of a crisp autumn breeze?

Busy lives can be prohibitive to finding the time to enjoy natural settings. But there are ways to green up your daily life. Walk to your destination when you can. Alter your route to a more scenic path. Take time to experience your surroundings; feel the texture of the air. Is it thin and crisp? Laden with moisture? Textured with floral scents? Pay true attention and your walk becomes a form of time efficient meditation.

Another way to connect to the beauty of nature is to bring the outdoors inside. Bucolic artwork visually guides us to memories and dreams of outdoor experiences. Fresh cut flowers brighten any room with color and scent as buds open and blossom. A simple open window can act as a bridge to reconnect with natural surroundings.

Whatever you do, be creative and find a way to connect to your environment; it's the natural thing to do.