Can reading about Nature impact your life in a positive way?

The benefits of reading about Nature

Last year I had to write a short paper answering the question, whether or not reading about nature impacts your life in a positive way. 

If we're out on a walk, bicycle ride, or just enjoying some fresh air from the lawn or porch, we definitely get benefits from nature, right? 

Right. 

But what about when we read about nature? Does this actually give us benefits? 

My short answer is: it can. 

But how and why? 

By reading about nature we come to better know and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. In addition to that, reading about nature may cause us to want to experience it ourselves. Even if that just means stepping outside to gaze around us; at the birds flying overhead; at the squirrels scampering across the yard, or at the rabbits looking for a tasty lunch. At the trees swaying in the breeze; at the grass under our feet; at the sky above us; or even at the little bugs and insects buzzing by, or roaming the sidewalk. 

The great outdoors is beautiful and inspiring place where we will better appreciate the creations of God. 

Maybe, as we look overhead, we’ll see a Bald Eagle soaring across the sky, or hear a Cardinal singing from the treetop. It is such a relaxation to get out there and enjoy the wonderful outdoors; to hear those birds and listen to their wonderful tunes. 

By reading about this sort of thing we might get excited to see them for ourselves as well, even to the extent of traveling to some neighboring states to see the great mountains, the giant Joshua Trees, or some other iconic thing or place in nature like the great National Parks. 

So, answering the question, even just reading descriptions of nature in books can impact mine and your life in a positive way. Even if we are just thinking of God’s great creations, because it may cause us to get "a note happier" and know that, with God anything is possible. 

Thank you for reading and let me know if you agree. Why or why not? If you have any other questions you want answered, or anything else I should write about, just let me know! 

Oh, and, have you every told yourself, "It might have been?" 

That's what my next post is going to be on. John Greenleaf Whittier's famous quote, "For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been."

I'll dive a little deeper into the meaning and give a little bit of insight.

Thanks again for reading,

The Writer