Nature and Our State of Mind

 

When we engage with nature with a peaceful and open mind, we begin to notice its beauty and the subtle changes it undergoes over time and across seasons. In doing so, we can objectively recognize ourselves as a part of nature, cultivate gratitude for it, and naturally find it easier to feel a sense of contentment. Conversely, when we are preoccupied with work, burdened by constant anxiety and obsessive thoughts, our focus narrows to the immediate future. This heightened sense of subjectivity and short-sightedness can lead us to unconsciously perceive nature as something separate from ourselves. As a result, our limited perspective and lack of mental space may even negatively impact our work. In any case, those who have led work-centered lives without paying much attention to the natural world around them often experience a profound shift in their awareness of nature after retirement—just as I have. This change serves as a reminder of the deep connection between our state of mind and our perception of the world around us.

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