The high commodity of peace

Today I sat on a quiet hill under a willow tree. Earthy smells of dirt and growing things swirled around me. The willow branches danced and waved and the dandelions shook under the perfect breeze. A flock of doves alighted and landed repeatedly in the field below me. I smiled at the immense beauty of it and was reminded of how some of my favorite things in life were free...But they are not free for everyone. As a teenager I spent a couple of years in southeast Asia, in a crowded and polluted city. I remember gazing longingly up at the small piece of blue sky I could see between the buildings and becoming desperately hungry for a taste of nature. We would occasionally take a ride up to a park and wander through its forest. I was in heaven. I could not imagine the loss of those who never left the city and experienced the raw beauty of the earth. In terms of nature, I have been spoiled. Growing up in the country of Oregon and spending my teen years exploring Hawaii I grew to love the amazing outdoors. I was wealthy beyond belief. Now as a busy mom, I cherish a quiet retreat to nature like I experienced today; just soaking in the peace that nature exudes. I have never found such solace and hope in anything else. The breeze in my hair and the sun on my back give me enough confidence and courage to face anything life throws at me.