Personal Narrative

Dear Future Adults,
If one studies the fine details of nature, to the simplistic characteristics that differ one tree from another, to how peaceful a bird looks as it soars above us, an awareness of stillness can be brought to life. I finally grasped this concept until not too long ago. This was one of the greatest gifts I brought back home with me after a vacation trip to the graceful city of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Usually, when I travel to different locations, I tend to collect several physical treasures like a fridge magnet, T-shirts, or a postcard. When I get home, I put these items in a special place so that whenever I get the chance, I can reminisce on my experiences just by glancing at them. However, on this trip, my souvenir was a little different than my regular. It was a lesson that would alter the way I live and the way I view nature. This lesson stamped my heart and taught me to appreciate nature's alluring charm and to learn from what nature offers.                 

It all began when I took a cable car to visit the very peak of a famous, 1,300 feet mountain called “Pao de Acucar.” Once I reached the peak of the mountain, there were many tourists either taking pictures, sitting on the benches, or eating. It was not very noisy because the smooth wind overtook the sound of those around me. Once my eyes gazed over the city of Rio, great tranquility took hold of me. It was like everything came to a stillness. There were not any thoughts rushing through my mind trying to distract me. It was like the wind willingly took all my worries and anxiety, and placed great ease in me. I closed my eyes, and it was at that moment, I could finally breathe. Granted, I was already breathing beforehand, but this felt different. I was inhaling the gracious air and with every exhale left the stressors that once had a grip on me. I was free from the weight that filled my thoughts that morning. As I began to realize nature's serenity, a great appreciation of the natural world came to me. I came to an understanding that I did not recognize the impact of just stepping outside and enjoying the gifts of creation. The words nature was one I heard so many times that I overlooked the true meaning and influence it has.

As the awareness of nature came to me, I began to notice the plethora of other contrasting rocky mountains. Each bore diverse features. It was almost like they were not afraid to stand out. Instead of hiding their characteristics, they remained true to who they were. Not fearful of being themselves which was a concept that, at times, was hard for me to grasp. I then looked up and saw just one specific bird soaring in the sky, and gliding on the wind. It was alone, yet it seemed to enjoy that relaxing, and specific moment. It seemed like it was not worried about where they were going to sleep that night, or what they were going to eat, but just taking everything in as it came. I began to ponder on this site and the value it had. A realization came to me and made me notice that there are times in my life when I just have to cease the worries of the future that bring me to an unclear state of mind and to find joy in the present. That sometimes we simply have to enjoy the moment that we are in and take everything in as it comes.

There can come a time in our lives when the pressures of day to day activities can become overwhelming. Occasionally, when this happens, the focal point of the moment can become only what you are overwhelmed by. It is like everything else can become blurred. All the great gifts of life, memorable memories made, and the lessons learned all forgotten in a split moment because of a particular situation. There are also times when our lives feel like it is a never-ending, rushed cycle without any time to intake the gift of nature and breath. If you ever find yourself in a place where you cannot merely endure a load of pressure in your life, I urge you all, even if it is just for a slight second, to take one step into the welcoming hands of nature. Acknowledge it’s great charisma and let it refine your uncertainties. Let it be a time for you to breathe and come to a stillness amidst constant movement. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself learning something unique.