Never mind pleasure. Search out joy. Pleasure is its shadow. But joy is real, a secret splendor running through all creation.
~ Fae Malania
For as far back as I can remember, I have always felt happiest outdoors. Regardless of the season or the weather, being outside in the landscape has worked wonders at setting things right inside me.
As a child, I would delay coming indoors for as long as possible… denying hunger or tiredness, or that my feet were cold in the winter.
I didn’t do anything extraordinary, just run among the trees and explore every nook and cranny of the yard. In summer, I’d follow ants and caterpillars in their travels and check out every new bloom in the garden. I was always on the move, and usually running from one activity to another. In winter, I’d spend hours on end playing with the snow, skating on outdoor rinks or sliding.
What I remember most from those times was how very happy I was, and how easy it was for me to be in the moment, undistracted by present concerns or thoughts of the past or the future. I still feel this way when I’m outdoors: all of my attention is focused on my natural surroundings. As worry is lifted, I feel lighter and more at peace.
It is impossible to walk rapidly and be unhappy.
~ Mother Teresa
Endorphin-releasing exercise, fresh air and natural light all contribute to creating feelings of well being while outdoors. These have the same effect whether you’re four, fifty or ninety. I also like the way me and my day-to-day concerns seem to shrink whenever I find myself in the vastness of the landscape. It’s both comforting and joyful to feel small in the great outdoors.
Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars… and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy.
~Osho
Flandrum Hill 
“Those eyes, that smile, that wonderful face . . . ”
The Happy Tree made me smile! Now I have to take the dogs for a good brisk walk. We will all be happier for it.
Of course the Happy Tree would make you smile 🙂 Even the mourning doves that have been hanging around it since I added the snow face yesterday seem more cheerful.
P.S. And of course the Grandchild made me smile even more. Good to see that particular apple didn’t fall very far from the tree.
🙂 I think every young child enjoys being out in the snow. I was wondering today at what age most people stop owning a pair of snowpants. Probably the same age we stop owning our own set of crayons.
Sounds like you had a fun weekend, Amy. Does your grandson like the outdoors as much as you did as a child? How far can he trek on snowshoes before he gets tired?
I did Kathy: a night walk in the woods with flashlights on Friday, playing in the snow on Saturday and a picnic on Sunday. He does enjoy being outdoors and is especially fond of snowball fights and making snowmen. The snowshoes were too big for him to go far in them, but he did enjoy the experience.
Enjoying the outdoors is a joy, period. 🙂 Nice to read about yours.
Scott, it is indeed. ’nuff said 🙂
You and your grandson remind me of my son, Ricky….23 and he still loves to play in the snow! When he was your little guy’s age and there was a blizzard, there he’d be – up on the garage roof, lying in a snowbank with his feet up in the air. I love the opening and the ending quotes today! You always pick such perfect ones.
Oh – I’ve been meaning to tell you this for awhile…I found a witch’s broom out at camp! It’s about 50 yards off the road so I have to wait for the snow to melt before I can check it out up close and personal, but I had never heard of them so am quite excited. I printed off your blog from that day and will take it with me when I can explore!
Cindy, isn’t that wonderful that your son hasn’t forgotten how to play in the snow? He must be creative.
Glad you liked the quotes. Sometimes I labour more over their choosing than the photos or text put together.
That is so neat that you were able to find one. Just think how patiently that witch’s broom has been waiting for you to take notice of it!
You have reminded me of when I was a child and used to always play outdoors. Why don’t I go out there to play more often? hmmmm
Grace, I think we all wonder that. Once we become teenagers, it’s more important to look cool than feel warm in winter, so we stop wearing outerwear that’s practical for playing in the snow. Maybe all that’s stopping you is a pair of warm snowpants 🙂
Thank-you! ‘Couldn’t say it better!
Blessings!
Thanks for your comment catharus 🙂
Lucky grandson !
Sybil, and of course I’m lucky to have someone to play in the snow with 🙂 because you always forget to bring your boots whenever you come to visit!