APRIL 10, 2006
There
is an old saying that if you want to get the job done ask a busy person. Some of my friends are so busy they do not have time to put their feet up and relax. Whenever you call them they seem hassled and harried and hungry for a little peace and quiet.
Everyone deserves 'oasis time' on a regular basis. I have referenced the fact that I like to watch the sun set. I also like to sit in our backyard and watch and listen to the birds at dusk, which is their usual feeding time. Rarely do I afford myself the big 'oasis' experience, but mini-retreats, or brief times of being useless and just listening and observing can be healthful and helpful.
The natural world has always been a place for renewal. It is often that you will hear someone saying I am going to the factory to get away from it all, or I can't wait to spend the afternoon at the mall to relieve my stress. Granted advertisers try to keep us in front of their goods and cultural pressure makes us work harder all the time, but the places of renewal in any community must be preserved.
Everyone is not fortunate enough to have a backyard, but the community park, the local nature conservancy property, the picnic area by the lake, the view spot along the highway; each can become your little oasis, even for just a brief moment.
Let nature touch your soul daily and life gets a little bit better. The next time your friend or yourself is too busy to enjoy life, take 10 minutes a day for 'oasis time.' That 10 minutes a day when you allow nature to touch your soul may be the best 10 minutes you will have that day.
Or, as my friend the Rev. Dr. John O'Hearn kept reminding me years ago, take 10 minutes a day to 'restore your island quality' Kreitler and you will be better off because of it.
--Peter