Finding our truth in nature
The afternoon sun shines through the woods by Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Nature has been a steadfast support for many people this year. As so much has changed in the world, the basic elements of the natural environment endure, along with that constant sense of peace the outdoors provides. This has been a meaningful and healing refuge for people amid challenging times.
That refuge has never been more relevant for people's lives than right now, especially with COVID-19 relief from Washington up in the air — again. In various ways in 2020, the national news hits home locally like it never has before. But in Vermont and elsewhere in New England, the winter landscape provides a number of opportunities to head out into nature and forget the worries of the world. That kind of relief is always available, right outside our doors, and it goes well beyond the confines of the material landscape.
The abundantly harmonious, peaceful atmosphere of nature is an essential resource. It not only helps dissolve our worries, but nature's peace is part of the bedrock of our existence. It points to a certain permanence we might take for granted, but is foundational to our well-being. It's truly wonderful to know the beautiful landscapes we enjoy have similar, harmonizing, grounding impacts for everyone. These impacts are not isolated; they unify us.
The near future will once again bring challenges, some we perhaps can predict, others we couldn't possibly see coming. But what is for certain, is that we have a shared existence, one in which we all have access to the same amount of good, which we can readily share with one another through kindness. Similarly, the natural environment is something we also share, a grand ecosystem that supports all of us. And we have countless opportunities to enjoy it, and learn from it. Let’s remain open to opportunities to learn from each other as well, as we move through this season of celebration. So many times in 2020, we’ve lifted each other up, and we know there is a lot more that brings us together, than separates us. Now is the time to hold courageously to that truth.
— Gareth Henderson
