E for Exit
The dictionary informs us that, as a verb, exit means to go away or out; to depart or to leave. Leaving the dark evenings and the colder weather behind us, the season of summer gives us more opportunities to be outside. The warmer weather and lighter evenings provide more scope for outdoor activities and many of us take take holidays during this season.
Spending time outdoors is beneficial. It can boost our creativity and focus,improve our mood and self-esteem, increase levels of Vitamin D, and it allow us to connect with our creator.
“Nature is fuel for the soul”, Richard Ryan (lead author of a study reported
in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2010). He also
commented that the study showed that connecting with nature was a
better way to feel more energised than having another cup of coffee!
God speaks through his creation, if only we will take the time out of our busy lifestyles and walk in the countryside! So I would like to encourage you to go into gardens, parks, the countryside, the seaside, and to look at the flowers, shrubs, trees, the sky and the clouds, the sand, rocks and sea.
Take time to simply ‘be’. Take time to ‘look’ and see what is all around you. Take time to stop, to be still and to absorb the sights, smells, sounds of creation. Listen to what the creator, wants to communicate to you through creation!
Record your reflections from outdoors in your Journal and close by reading Psalm 148.