Life at ONU is full of amazing surprises. While I don't get out in town much or hang out with friends, I look more at the nature that makes up the area. I enjoy looking at the squirrels, no matter the season, or the ducks swimming in or sliding on the ponds. There is more to offer than watching movies on Netflix or scrolling through social media. From time to time, we must take a step back and enjoy the nature around campus. While there may be loud noises coming from cars, dump trucks, or people screaming from the field. Still, it is an amazing opportunity to just walk around campus and enjoy the amazing sites nature provides. One is always drawn to the leaves changing in the fall and blossoming in the spring, or the flowers growing right next to the resident halls and academic buildings. There is a benefit to being a rural college, nature is right next door, providing clean air and cool breezes. Furthermore, nature provides great stress relief, just going for a short walk can take your mind off of what is bothering you. Especially before an exam or presentation, I have witnessed the benefits of the calming reality of nature and seeing the carefreeness of the animals around.
Here is a recommendation for anyone who needs to take a break from what life offers. Just go outside, turn off non-essential technology, and find a nice area to sit and rest your mind. If it is cold, like most days in December, January, and February, just be sure to bundle up. The campus provides many areas to walk, the Green Monster being proof. The woods near Founders is a nice place to relax, just be sure not to get lost. Also, the areas around the ponds are tranquil areas to find some inner peace. Even on rainy days, just take an umbrella and a nice jacket and go for a walk. You should put in your earbuds and listen to music while you're at it. Still, nature provides free music. The birds around the area provide wonderful tunes, the subtle waves are calming, and the wind provides comfort from life's troubles. Remember that there are multiple ways to relax than relying on technology, nature doesn't give you the headache of staring at a screen for many hours. Ironically, I'm using technology to spread this message of staying away from technology, still, technology is a useful tool. Take advantage of nature's gift, beauty rich and rare.
ONU has much more to offer
Whether it be on land, in the air, or the water
From the variety of blossoming trees
Or the geese, high as your knees
Making your mental state a whole lot stronger
A walk around campus is much more than a chore
It does wonders for the spiritual core
The calming touch of the wind
And the music of birds that ascend
You'll be transported to a world of tranquility galore
Vincent, this was so beautifully written. I agree with you regarding how easily we get distracted by technology and need to take a step in nature. Recently, with the weather being unbearable, I haven't been able to go out as much as I'd like. Usually, when I'm not doing any homework or have any events to attend, I can be found taking a walk or going for a run on the Green Monster. It's my favorite way to disconnect from our devices and really enjoy the beauty that this world offers.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an artistic and well spoken point of view. Too often I'm guilty of getting caught up in technology and the next best thing that I forget about the world around me. The way you thought about the ways nature provides things technology typically does like how nature provides music was truly moving. I feel inspired to take a little more time for nature this year.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great well written post Vincent. I have definitely fell victim to the allure of technology but you point of view is great in terms of getting lost in technology and forgetting about what else is out there outside of our devices.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing college students have this point of view. While its hard to pull ourselves away from technology and everyday chores it is so important to get outside and connect with nature and ourselves. I really connected with your thoughts because I go on walk nearly everyday to clear my head and remind myself that there is more to this world than school, work, or my device.
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