I discovered this book in this store while on vacation at our favorite cottage place in August 2020. I began to read this and study it, and highlight the sections that jumped out at me. It's a treasure of a book. And the really cool thing is that the author is local to the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks...Shel lives in the town of Jay, where I've climbed Jay Mountain, a significant climb. It was really what attracted me to this book....knowing that the author lives near one of my very favorite areas of my favorite mountains.
SUMMARY
The author answers the question "What is it about nature that is so profoundly healing?"
The book is written in a journalistic style....it's like she's writing her thoughts in a journal after taking us on a walk through the trails of the Adirondacks.
The author was diagnosed with MS at a young age and is a single mom. She says she changed her life style, finding solace in nature to help her get through a divorce and the MS. She has embraced a plant based diet and uses essential oils as well as her meditation to God and in nature.
The book is about encountering nature's wisdom (she really means God right?? Nature is an inanimate thing so cannot give us wisdom except what we learn from it.....my thoughts on this.) and curative powers. (I definitely believe God created our world to restore us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually like she alludes to but it's overseen by the Hand of God!! He's the one who created Nature to begin with!)
MY THOUGHTS
This is very well written and lyrical. She includes poetry that she wrote as well as quotes by Naturalists and other sources. I was captivated by her insights and study of nature. I could very much identify with much of what she was describing.
There are 11 chapters preceded by a preview and a note from the author, and an epilogue:
- Challenges
- Solitude (Loved this section)
- Lunar and Solar Energies
- Tranquility (loved this section)
- Beauty (Loved this section: all about the senses in the 4 different seasons when out in nature and how this benefits us)
- Sounds and Frequencies (a lot of science in this section but interesting)
- Grounding
- Voices of Nature (LOVED this section)
- Nature's Breath (LOVED this section)
- Scents and Fragrances (I enjoyed this one!)
- A New Beginning (this is where she begins to view Nature as the ultimate healer when we know it's really God/Jesus who restores our souls....but I firmly believe He uses His Creation...Nature...to guide us to wholeness and balance).
- Epilogue
"Whatever it is that makes us push a little more, risk a little more, discover a little more about ourselves---that's where challenge becomes an ingredient of well-being." (pg.28 A Gentle Path of Healing by Debby Havas c.2018)
"I love to walk barefoot; that's when the soles of my feet are connected to the earth. I am grounded, whole, peace-filled." (pg 147 A Gentle Path of Healing by Debby Havas, c.2018)
It was really awesome to read why she prefers to go barefoot outside...it's so similar to why I do it. And yes, I've been known to take off my hiking boots on the mountain summits and walk around barefoot. There is truly nothing like it and yes I feel centered and free.
And this quote:
"When we die to ourselves---our selfishness and our inappropriate expectations of self and others---we allow new growth through our forgiveness of them, our giving thanks for what we have, our love which we extend to others. It is growth in the spiritual sense." (pg 147, A Gentle Path of Healing by Debby Havas, c.2018)
There were so many other quotes from this book but those are the 3 I really grasped and that last one is so spot on......of course it is difficult for us to love unconditionally as humans but we can through the strength and love of God in us because He loves us unconditionally. (She doesn't make that statement but she does recognize God as Creator).
She does make it a point to talk about gratitude in different sections of the book. And as Christ followers, we know that gratitude is key to communing with God. When we live with an attitude of gratitude, we can't help but be loving to all. (Love your neighbor as your self.....this includes our wonderful earth, in my opinion). When we use what God has created for us.....the beauty around us in nature...and the plants we can eat, and the fresh, clean spring water to drink......and spend time in nature...we will have healing.
She backs up so much of her book with scientific research and notes at the end......
I won't go into all of that here.
This is a great book if you are a nature-lover and want to be whole. Whether in body, mind, or soul, nature truly does heal us through the power of God.
The only thing I didn't like was that she doesn't really acknowledge that the true power source is God Almighty. Nature is an inanimate thing.....right? Nature is all around us but it was created by God.....all of His symmetry and perfection; mankind is the one who has devastated the earth with pollution, overpopulation, chemicals, etc.
When we take care of the earth, we are being good stewards of what God created. These are all points that I like to stress when talking to people about this book, because sadly, the author left this out. The One who created the world, was God. and our ultimate healing comes from Him.
I do get what she means though....I've lived it.
Stress on our bodies, in our minds, and in our souls/emotions are set free in nature. Nature can, and does, heal.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 9.
4 comments:
I agree nature is healing, but you are correct in that God is the ultimate healer of all of our hurts, illnesses and wounds. Sounds like a really good book. Thanks for a great review!
Thank you so much, for commenting in my blog, and thus, I could find yours.
Interesting to know how the vaccine roll out is going, with others. We will be getting it, from our doctor's group, which has already told us, of the locations they have, to give it... When it is available.
Very interesting, that you may not get it... Being young and healthy. You are not the only one, who says this!!! But! Will the Government force you to do so, in order to work?
You will certainly be an inspiration for me, on health and wellness issues. Of which I need, all I can get. Being 83, I do not aspire to as many things as you are able to do. But the general message, is wonderful, for all.
Your profession... You must be a special person, to have chosen this, and to continue to do it.
Good wishes to your in-laws (I think it is your in-laws) who are recovering from China Covid. Wondering how they contracted it? And how severe, were their symptoms?
Our son next door, had it, and our 22 year old granddaughter also. His wife, and 3 other children, did not. Interesting..
She was sick for 2 days. He was very sick for longer! And did not fully recover, for weeks.
Again, thank you for commenting......
Warm, Winter Wishes
🌲🌲🔥🌲🌲
Sounds like a good one. I love taking hikes/walks on trails and even around town (usually mornings or evenings for town)...it's my time to pray and reflect and really take in everything that God has given us
Nature is healing but it is a creation and gift of God for us. You are so right, ultimately that healing comes from Him. Sounds like a good book, though.
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