“Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel Carson
*****
Walk with me into the tallgrass.

Leave any worries you have at the gate.

Look around. It’s July on the prairie; one of the most beautiful months of the year for wildflowers and critters of all kinds. Can you feel the tensions of the day dissolving?

Consider how many almost-invisible creatures are all around you. Focus as you walk. A flash of color—a small movement. What joy when you discover the citrine forktail damselfly, so tiny in the grasses!

How could something so minuscule and colorful exist in this world, yet almost no one knows its name?

What other names do we not know? What else are we overlooking?
Walk the shoreline of the prairie pond, trampled by bison hooves. Notice a fleet of butterflies puddling, each only an about inch or less.

Pause to admire them. How many other unusual creatures do we miss each day?
Look closer.

Even common creatures are uncommonly exciting when you watch them for a while.
Open your eyes. Really pay attention.

It’s difficult to believe the range of hues spread across the insect world, much less the natural world.

Even a single feather is a piece of art.

There is so much beauty all around us.

The world can be a frightening place. It sometimes leaves us tattered and worn.

But if you look carefully enough…

…it keeps you hopeful.

Walk long enough, look closely enough, and you might begin to think that maybe….just maybe…change in the world is possible.
*******
Rachel Carson (1907-64) was a true force of nature, writing bestselling books that changed the world (Consider Silent Spring published 1962, 60 years ago). I admire Carson for her resilience, her willingness to speak out, and her love and dedication to her family. She firmly believed in wonder, and its power to change us and to change the world. Read more about her life here. I’ve began this blog with her quote before, but in the times we find ourselves in, I felt a need to hear it again for myself. You, too?
*******
Join Cindy for a Program in August!
West Cook Wild Ones presents: A Brief History of Trees in America with Cindy Crosby on Sunday, August 21, 2:30-4 p.m. on Zoom. From oaks to maples to elms: trees changed the course of American history. Native Americans knew trees provided the necessities of life, from food to transportation to shelter. Trees built America’s railroads, influenced our literature and poetry, and informed our music. Discover the roles of a few of our favorite trees in building our nation—and their symbolism and influence on the way we think—as you reflect on the trees most meaningful to you. Free and open to the public—join from anywhere in the world—but you must preregister. Register here.
Rachel Carson – an amazing, persistent, and brave woman. Thank you for sharing her quote, and reminding us to turn to the natural world for healing.
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Thank you for reading, Paula! I’m grateful. Cindy 🙂
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I love this, Cindy. You’ve put into words my feelings about Nachusa and the rest of the natural world. Bravo! Great to see so many odonates, too!
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Thank you, J.T., for being a part of the healing of the Natural World through your volunteer work! And thank you for reading and the nice note. Cheers! Cindy 🙂
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Thanks for helping us look closer and feel deeper.
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Thank YOU for all you are doing to keep prairie healthy and vibrant! I’m so grateful, Susan. Cindy 🙂
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Thank you very much for this wonderful post and especially for your photos and id’s. You have made me think that my 80 year old brain might be able to learn to identify insects!!
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Thank you for reading — and absolutely — you can learn to ID insects at any age! Do you use the iNaturalist app on your phone? It is a great help in learning the insect world. (Free!) A 13-year-old introduced me to it years ago, and I love it!
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What a deep-breath-inducing break to my day. Thank you for these beautiful reflections and the chance to ponder the wonders of the natural world.
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Sherry, what a kind note — thank you. It’s been a tough few weeks in the world — maybe a tough few years! I’m even more aware of how the natural world is a calm and beautiful respite from the news. Thanks for reading! See you in a few months! Cindy 🙂
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We need every bit of healing thst nature gives us. My husband and I are grateful for every part of our outdoor space, prairie and shaded gardens.
Thank you, Cindy. for your words and photos
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Thank you, Marcy, for your lovely note. Enjoy every moment outside! And thank you for reading. Cindy 🙂
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