@basilfawlty89 Don't worry, I see your point🙂 Deranged people commit crimes in many places and sadly, forests are not an exception. I don't camp out at night either, I prefer the safe sanctuary of my home( my garden and balcony) to appreciate the beautiful night sky. The forest visits are limited to daytime only and always in the company of others. It's dangerous to venture out alone, accidents can happen and someone can always go for help if one is hurt.

@LilyoftheValley oh I know. One of my favourite places to go are botanical gardens.

@basilfawlty89 I love botanical gardens too. I can spend hours in one and love knowing about every species; their origin, and characteristics. Best of all if they permit us to take pictures.

@Noreaster Thank you😊 I agree with you, cities, also called ''concrete jungles'', can harden us and can make us forget our connection with nature and how healing it can be and as you say, a source of happiness too.

@DeWayfarer It is indeed important to learn more about nature, there is so much more about it that we do not know and have yet to discover. Yes, it can be nurturing and healing, and provides us with all we need and yet nature can also wield its powerful temper and cause devastation. While it can't be dominated, respect for nature goes a long way to prevent some catastrophes.

@LilyoftheValley and what your saying is not even bizarre. The nest is comfortable though.

@Magenta How wonderful, it's quite a blessing to live surrounded by nature and the only way to fully enjoy it is, as you say, by soaking it up and living it. I believe people who love a natural environment are a different kind altogether compared to those who don't( who opt to live and enjoy city life instead, far from nature). Both have their benefits, of course, but if it's a matter of preference, I prefer the location of my home which is very close to nature😊

@exexec I treasure them as well, nature never fails to provide a beautiful show of its beauty. I have no doubts you will enjoy it as soon as summer gives way to fall, with all its beautiful colors .

@LilyoftheValley We don't get fall colors around here, but cooler temps mean more animal activity. I'll have my camera with me.

@Matt85 I hope when you get the chance to do so again, that it will be a wonderful experience.

@hippyjoe1955 How awesome it must have been to see the northern lights and to actually hear the sounds they emit! I saw a video describing it as some form of a cracking sound and is believed to be due to the disturbance in the magnetic fields. Apparently, the Aurora creates electrical charges and as they bounce off the ground, something like static electricity is produced and they create sounds audible to some people. I think it's amazing.

@LilyoftheValley Yes the best I could describe the sound was someone walking through dry grass. Kind of a rustling sound. Very soft. I see the northern lights all time so that wasn't unusual. What was unusual was how fast they were moving and how colourful they were that night. Like I say I didn't realise the sound I heard that night was the sound of the lights until I described the sound to someone else and they told me it was the lights. I have never heard them again but then again I now live in a city where the city lights drown out most of the stars.

@hippyjoe1955 You're one of the lucky ones to experience the Northern lights' sight and sound. I hope I can one day experience it too😊

@Bri89 I hope the coming change of season will give you a boost of energy🙂

@LilyoftheValley Me too. Thank you.

@Bri89 You're welcome.

@Lilymoon 💚🌿🙂

@OldBrit I do too🙂

@Nick1 Yes, it calms me too. It's one of nature's magic.

@Lilyb It is, indeed! There is a certain surge of vibrant energy and feeling of well-being after being around nature, as if something inside us has been renewed and refreshed😊

@LilyoftheValley 100% agree!!

@Zonuss It most definitely is🙂

@ABCDEF7 Yes, that's right, Japan has been actively promoting this for many years to reduce the high stress levels of its citizens. Extensive studies in medical universities in the US and Europe also show positive results in the improvement of health, mental, and emotional state when practicing this. Studies show it effectively reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, calming the nervous system and tests show lower blood pressure and better immune function in those exposed to natural environments, attributed to sensory stimulation( sights and sounds), and the psychological sense of freedom from feeling trapped in non-natural environments, which urban living can create.

But not only in Japan, reverence for nature and its powers has been practiced by ancient indigenous tribes throughout history; Native American Indian tribes, the Mayas, ancient pagans as well as those who practice contemporary forms of paganism (Wicca), Yogis from India, Celts through their beliefs in Animism, the list is long for many have known and know the many health benefits nature has on the human body, mind, spirit and soul. Something in nature, which is still beyond our full grasp of understanding, has the ability to give off healthy and positive energy that humans need.

@ScreamingFox 💖🙂