Nature, yay!

Sometimes I’m amazed at how much time I waste every day. When I’m not in school, and my job only takes up half of my day, I spend a lot of time wondering, “What should I do today?” More often than not, my bed gets a nice visit from me. Sleeping is easier than thinking of something to do that is worthwhile. I see all these people going to far off places, graduating school and finding awesome jobs, going on fantastic adventures, etc. And I sit around day after day, not doing much at all. I paint a lot, and I clean a lot, but I’m sure I could find much better things to do with my time. I’m not always so lifeless, but when my diet is as nutritious as toilet water, my energy and motivation go down the drain. However, there is one thing that always gets me up and going, and that’s a trip to the mountains. Another thing that would get me going is a serial killer chasing me with a rabid mongoose and  a sawed off bazooka.  

If I had my way, I’d live in the mountains, in a cozy little cottage far away from civilization and humans. It would be well hidden, so no gung-ho adventurer could stumble upon it and ruin my solitude. My house would interact with the environment around it—not unlike Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. I’m talking trees in the house, large windows, architecture that mimics nature, etc. Living in the mountains would be spectacular. Hiking, exploring, snowshoeing, tree-climbing—the possibilities are endless! Wasting time would be impossible. I would spend nearly every waking moment outside, crunching through leaves, climbing up cliffs, wading through streams, and bushwhacking to my heart’s content. Then, after spending so much time outdoors, I would create. I believe there is no better stimulation for the creative mind than running around in nature. It’s almost as if the crisp, natural air lends clarity to the brain and emotions. To me, the mountains represent freedom and unbridled passion. As cliché as it sounds, I feel so invigorated in the mountains, like my body and spirit are awakening from a long, cold hibernation.  

It seems like a lot of people have a connection to nature. It’s interesting to note that the first humans on this earth did not live in a rooftop dwelling—at least, not at first. Before Adam and Eve were cast out from before God’s presence, they lived in the Garden of Eden, where all creatures and creations were united in God.  It makes sense, then, that many people, myself included, feel closer to God and the spirit world when they are surrounded by the natural beauties of this earth. I believe that the joy and freedom I feel when I’m in the mountains, surrounded by trees and rocks, comes from the fact that this earth is a creation of God’s hands, and that nature is a window into our previous home. Think about it: A house without decoration is boring, drab, and horrible. But once it is occupied, it becomes filled with things that make it home-a comfortable, familiar place to be. When God created us, His greatest creation, He didn’t send us to a drab, lifeless place. He sent us to a place that He had decorated beforehand, filling it with things that would remind us of the home we were sent from—familiar, beautiful things that would make us feel more comfortable. I think our spirits have the ability to recognize that, which is why the pull of the natural world is so strong.

One day I’ll find my own hobbit hole in the mountains. Hopefully I’ll become a crazy hermit who only comes out of hiding once a year to sell squirrel jerky at the farmer’s market. Once I find my paradise dwelling, I’ll load up a trailer with millions of books, tons of painting supplies, tools, some necessities like food and clothes, and my ukulele. I realize a life in the mountains wouldn’t be any easier than the life I have now, nor would I necessarily be happier, since I can be happy now. But it’s my dream. And I’ll work hard until I achieve it, gosh dangit!