finding peace in nature
I grew up in Hanoi as a kid in the early 2000s. It's a beautiful city with a long history and rich culture represented in its architecture and buildings. But Hanoi is a very different city from Wellington, where I've called home for the past decade. In the area where I spent most of my childhood, there were five-story apartments and houses everywhere I look. Nature to me back then was nothing more than the roadside trees and the countryside. But growing up as a city girl means that I wasn't a big fan of the countryside. I never stepped foot in a forest. Until I moved to New Zealand.
An oil painting of a typical apartment building in Hanoi where I grew up in
Admittedly, during the first few years in New Zealand, I wasn't keen on being outdoors. I went for the first hike without knowing it was a long and steep hike, so I was very underprepared and struggled a lot. That experience scarred me for a long time. But in recent years, I have started to go on more hikes with George. After each hike, I would be exhausted and every part of my body would ache. But my head would be so clear and my heart would be so full.
After a mental breakdown on Friday night, I knew I had to get out in nature. Luckily the sun was out. Hardly any clouds in the sky. And a calm day. George and I headed off to the Belmont Regional Park. I had only visited this place a couple of times before, even though it was only a ten-minute drive from our place. But that's good because we could do something today that I hadn't done before. And I'm always excited about that. It means everything will be a surprise.
We started off by going downhill straight into the bush. I thought it was going to be a chill hike today. Little did I know. Soon I found myself climbing up steep paths that never seem to end. But as I looked down to my feet trying to find stable ground to step into, I realised that at some point in history, all the tree roots had grown and expanded on the ground to create these steps for me to climb on. Their roots provided me with a clear pathway, and their branches let me lean in and hold onto when I needed support.
Mother Nature has always been there to protect and support us.
And all we humans do is bomb each other and burn down everything.
After a steep climb always comes a spectacular view. The breeze would blow away all my sweats. The air would always seem so fresh and abundant. I stood there trying to fill my lungs and stomach with as much air as I could, then long exhales. Breathing is such an overlooked act every day. But it always seems so much more significant when I'm standing there on top of the mountain.
I love the 360-degree view after a tough climb. But I love the little wonders along the way all the more.
The lushest patches of moss on the ground.
The little pockets of light shone through a dense layer of tree leaves and branches.
The prettiest little flowers and baby ferns growing on the ground.
I can always count on nature to fill me with pure childlike wonder. But most importantly, I know I can always find peace in nature. Especially when the world is a bit too much right now.
