Monday, December 15, 2014

Finding Solace in Nature













While the world around us is busy, swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we intentionally move more slowly through our days. We wrap ourselves in the pace of nature, breathing deeply and fully, letting our feet lead us along the path that stretches out before us. We hold hands, sometimes we talk, but mostly we just walk, our minds lost in our own thoughts. We stop to look at nature, identify and follow tracks, listen to birds sing, and watch the waves lap against the rocks. And those rocks, yes, there is always a pocketful that come home with us. As we return to the car we are filled with the feeling of peace and solace that we longed to find when we stepped into nature.

As the holiday season ramps up this week, my hope for you, dear friends, is that you may find solace within your days, in ways that speak to your heart.

58 comments:

  1. yes, it is so important not to be sucked in by the rush of this season. because only in slowness can we find some magic, right? thanks for your card, Kim! have a very lovely week! xx

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    1. Yes, so true!

      You are most welcome, happy to hear it reached you. xo

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  2. Thank you! Your drive for simplicity always brings me back to my true desire and its a great reminder each time. Although, quiet walk, lost in our own thoughts- is a far from cry from the constant chatter that is my wilds:)

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    1. You are welcome, happy to remind you. And yes, I can imagine a walk in the woods with all of your littles just might be a little noisier than my little man :)

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  3. Спасибо за прекрасные фотографии!

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  4. As I finish up a few gifts this week there are already plans in the works to make sure I am able to enjoy the beautiful sights that mother nature brings. Love your photos today Kim, especially the snow.

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    1. Enjoy your time out there Tracey. Thank you. xo

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  5. Thank you for that wish... we have truly embraced the peace that comes with no expectations this year. The closer the date arrives, the less I feel obliged to make a fuss. I postponed yet another brunch date this morning... I just can't get myself to make plans on week-ends right now. I guess our plan must be working. Again thank you for your inspiration!

    Wishing you many more quiet days...

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    1. You are most welcome Yanic. I am so happy to hear you guys are soaking up the simplicity and slowness of the season. It is really lovely to be able to do that, and will mean so much for your lovely family.

      Thank you, there will definitely be quite a few more days like this in the next few weeks.
      xo

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  6. Lovely photos. Such a good thing to do this time of year--slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy.

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    1. Thanks Andrea. It is really wonderful, so happy we can make it happen.

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  7. Thanks Kim. Those pictures look like exactly where I need to be!

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  8. Yes, taking things slow around here- enjoying our family time- skiing. No stress here.
    Enjoy your week
    xo

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    1. Sounds perfect! Enjoy! Oh and when you get a chance send us some snow, ours is melting :(
      xo

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  9. Look at those rocks - just beautiful! Such peaceful photos...

    http://learnathomejourney.com/

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    1. That would be the shore of Lake Ontario, it is pretty awesome! Thank you.

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  10. We have really simplified our Christmas and it feels amazing. I enjoy being out in nature as well it brings me to a place of peace and it is so beautifully serene. Being a gal who LOVES to bake and cook my thoughts are of the tasty treats and festivities we will enjoy over the course of the next few weeks whether it be at our home or someone else's.
    Blessings,
    Janet

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    1. It always feels good to simplify, doesn't it? Enjoy all the baking and cooking, both preparing and the eating :)

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  11. Such, peaceful, beautiful reflections and pictures. Thank you :)

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  12. these photos are just so soothing. i can feel both the quietude and magnificence of nature.

    although i rarely steer towards shops and cities anyway, this time of year i am purposeful in my rebellion against crazy commercialism. you guys have the perfect place to steer clear, and fill up.

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    1. Thank you Monica, it was a wonderful time on the trail, and besides one other couple, we didn't see anyone else. It felt like we had Mother Nature all to ourselves.

      Haha, me too! I stay away at all costs most of the time, but this time of year even more so.

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  13. Beautiful pictures, and beautiful snow. Your writing emanates a peacefulness that is so nice to read. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Thank you Carlin. Sadly that snow is pretty much all gone, and what is left will melt tomorrow...we have warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast.

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  14. And may you also find more such days both during the season and throughout the year.

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  15. this is so beautiful! just beautiful... thank you for sharing :)

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  16. Thank you, this is another beautiful post my friend. A good reminder to slow down. Though we've been doing our best to keep it pretty quiet this year, reminders are always needed. Take care.

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    1. They are, even I need a reminder at times. The craziness of this time of year can suck anybody in if you are not mindful. Happy to hear you guys are enjoying some slow, simple days. xo

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  17. I needed the reminder to slow down recently. I just came back from playing outside with the girls as we actually have some sunshine (hurrah!) and I feel so refreshed. I've been writing my ebook and have been spending too much time in front of a computer and not enough nature therapy and I felt so unbalanced!
    Beautiful photos & words as always :)

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    1. It is hard, sometimes it can be so easy to get swept up, not only in the holiday rush, but also in our day to day lives. Happy to hear the sun found you guys and that you enjoyed some time outdoors.

      Ebook??? You will have to tell me more :)

      Thank you. xo

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  18. this is why I walk daily. I love to be in nature and daydream. I love your photos the browns and blues and whites :)

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    1. Thank you Karen.

      I received the most wonderful package from you today. Everything is just beautiful, and you made Reece a very happy little man. Big thanks, and much love coming to you my friend. xo

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  19. I'm going to praise my wife here - this year, thanks to her, we are already prepped for the upcoming holidays. Instead of last minute hustle and bustle we are planning on taking time with our crafty presents, baking, and being able to just spend some nice family time together.
    Your post has inspired me to make sure I get out, maybe to our special spot along the water - no matter what the weather, a walk along the rocky shore drowns out the rest of the world http://theplaceunderthepine.blogspot.ca/2013/04/rain-waves-or-sunshine-rainbows.html

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    1. That is wonderful! Yes, do get out there, it is so worth it, even if it is a little chilly. Enjoy!

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  20. The area you live in is beautiful!! No wonder you like to spend so much time outdoors. :-)

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    1. We are very lucky to live in this beautiful place, and yes, it truly inspires us to get out there as much as we can and soak it all up.

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  21. The real meaning of this season it's to get the opportunity that the dark and cold days bring us to look inside, take a deep breath and more than do. .. just observe with a peaceful mind.
    The madness of this days is got nothing to see with the season but with the consumerism society around us.

    Beautiful photos and post!
    Enjoy your week!

    Lluisa xx

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    1. Yes, I agree with you Lluisa, so important for us to look inside, and do a little inner work at this time of year.

      And so true. I so agree that this time of year has gotten a little out of hand, and is more about consumerism than what it should really be about.

      Thank you, you too! xo

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  22. What beautiful, peaceful photos. We did just this too the other day. I wasn't feeling well and so we took a walk out in nature and it really helped a lot. Peace and glad tidings to you Kim!!

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    1. Thank you Summer. It is amazing how healing Mother Nature can be, so glad you found solace there.

      And to you too my friend. xo

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  23. Perfect timing! I'm on just such a mission today! Sam has broken up from school earlier than the others and we're off for a long walk along a river to the sea, which, reading your words, I've realised is just what I need.

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    1. How wonderful! Enjoy your time along the water. How nice it will be to spend some one and one time with Sam. :)

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  24. Thank you for providing a place of quiet and calm amidst the frantic season. I seem to be doing better with it this year and you are right that being outside is a good tonic. Your photos are beautiful.

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    1. Awe, thank you for those lovely and kind words. They made my heart smile.

      It is a process I think, one that can take a few years, to slow down the season. It isn't easy in our fast paced world, but it is worth it on so many levels. Hope you are enjoying your holiday season.

      Thank you.

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  25. I love this post. I especially love your third photo, and the 11th one. I love those natural hues. I am going to hold this post close to my heart today. I needed the reminder. In gratitude, ~ Tara

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    1. Thank you. I am a fan of the natural hues too, if you could see how many photos I have taken over the years :)

      Happy the reminder came at a good time for you, may you find a little solace in your day.

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    1. Thank you! Happy winter to you too! I can't think of a better way to spend the winter than snuggled up with a new little one. I did it 6 years ago...so good!

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  27. your little corner of the world sure is beautiful !!!

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    1. Thank you, I think so too, and I never take it for granted.

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  28. Thank you Kim. I needed to read this today, again. Today my oldest boy turns 17! Tomorrow he goes for his provisional licence, which enables him to drive on the road alone. He needs this so he can apply for a job and the interviews are early Jan. I've got everything crossed for him. I am so nervous, which is a bit silly, but this will enable him to begin working in his dream career. And of course I can't let my boy know how nervous I am. xxoo

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    1. You are most welcome Julie.

      Wow, 17! Happiest of days to him, and happy birthing day to you. Hugs to you mama, I hope all went well. It must be wonderful to see him going after his dreams. Give him my best. xo

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    2. Thank you so much Kim. I'll pass your message on. And today he got his licence! We are all very happy. He arrived home after passing the test and filled in his application for the job straight away. It feels great to see your kids so happy. xo

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    3. That is wonderful news Julie, congratulations to him! I can just imagine how your heart feels watching all of this...so much goodness. You must be so proud of him. xo

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