nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
A different kind of religious experience
The darkness surrounds you, envelopes you with the smell of leaves turning to dirt, the crunch of twigs beneath your feet, and the sound of birds calling to one another across the vastness of the trees. You move through this space with reverence, as a priest might move through a church, with respect and familiarity. This place is sacred, sincere, and you would never dare to disturb the serenity this place has borne for so many. Moonlight filters down through the branches of the trees and you can almost feel the rays gently touching your face, your skin, sinking beneath the surface sending a wave of calm straight to your bones. You trek on silently, the breeze gently pushing you onward toward your destination, spurring you on to one of the only places you feel the most yourself, the one place your soul feels truly at peace. In the distance you see your destination, the spot through the forest where the branches seem to create an archway, leading you like a shepherd would their flock. An old, abandoned temple long since forgotten by civilization, but the forest has not forgotten this place. Unlike people the forest does not discard its past, it turns it into something new, something far more beautiful than it ever was before. Vines have grown on the building, creeping slowly up the walls to replace the ornate decorations once hung so ostentatiously, now the building has a much more subtle beauty. The rows upon rows of unforgiving, wooden benches now have soft moss adorning them, a cushion for those who come here to worship the forest rather than the old customs. Through the cracks in the floor flowers grow, bringing life to this hallowed place. You smile to yourself taking in the appearance of the temple. You move forward toward the alter, your steps reverberating like a heartbeat through the entire structure. It feels fitting to you, you live for the forest, for the simple beauty of the nature found within these woods, within these walls. You reach the smooth stone of the alter, running your hands slowly across the cool, rough surface, the sensation familiar and comforting. You reach down to the bag hanging at your side, the leather worn and familiar, and you pull from it a small bouquet of flowers. You take the ones from the alter you left when you last came, they are withered and brittle now. You replace them with the fresh blooms, the colors seeming to glow beneath the moonlight filtering in through the holes in the roof, and against the backdrop of dark, aged stone, the sight is striking. You take a few more minutes to yourself in the temple carrying with you the old flowers to dispose of later. You sit silently on one of the old pews, relaxing as the quiet hum of the forest lulls you into a state of calm you have not felt in so long. You imagine this is the feeling that drives people to devote themselves to religion, this sense of deep peace and belonging. You consider yourself devoted to this forest, to caring for the creatures within it, and to preserving the peace you find here. You begin to doze off, the moss beneath you a comfortable and welcome cushion after your trip here. The crickets play their music, and the birds sing their beautiful songs creating a gentle lullaby, and you wish you could stay forever. You know you cannot stay though, as much as you would love to, and after some time has passed, you stand, stretching your muscles slowly, collecting your old flowers, walking toward the archway that once held a door. It is time to go home, your time in the forest is over for tonight, but you know you will be back.
By Savannah Aichem5 years ago in Wander
How To explore 5 types of animals in Yala
Yala National Park, the second-largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, is a fantastic place to explore the wildlife in the country. However, only the first and the fifth out of its five blocks are open for safaris. Being one of the oldest national parks, it has become a haven for all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here's how you can explore the fascinating wildlife in Yala National Park.
By Peaushan Devanarayana5 years ago in Wander
Beaches
Beaches are amazing because when the sunset hits you can see the horizon. I also love the beach because the water is so clear. The best beach that I went to was in Nassau, Bahamas, and Bora Bora Tahiti. I travel a lot around the world. Beaches are my favorite honestly and I would love to live on one. I love taking pictures of the beach, someday I wanna take pictures of people riding the waves on their surfboards with my long lenses on the camera just to get the perfect shot.
By Gracie Crusinberry5 years ago in Wander
End of a Summer's Day
I always wonder at clouds: light, frizzy wisps of cotton wool; white, fluffy heaps of celestial whipped cream; grey, menacing masses of soaking wet pillows. They come in so many shapes, textures, colours, in constant change throughout the hours, the days, the months, the seasons, the years.
By Sybille Stephenson5 years ago in Wander
A Meditation Guide for a Walk By the Sea
Hello. Thank you for letting me join you on your walk by the sea. Imagination is a beautiful thing. I feel like for me, whenever I feel calm, when I have space in my mind to think, when my worries have been pushed aside - that is when my imagination is really able to blossom. I hope that today, on this walk by the sea, that your imagination will also bloom.
By Kaelin Priger5 years ago in Wander
Niagara Falls - A Guide to the Majestic Waterfall in North America
Are you a nature buff and wish to enjoy some peaceful time in the lap of Mother Nature? If yes, then make Frontier Airlines Reservations to North America and enjoy the majestic views of the very famous Niagara Falls. This waterfall needs no special introduction as its spectacular beauty and incredible location has made it famous all around the world. Lies amidst the border of the US State of New York and Canada’s Province of Ontario, this waterfall is a collective name of three waterfalls, namely Horseshoe Waterfall, Bridal Veil Waterfall, and American falls. This destination is notable for its alluring views and romantic aura and thus lures the visitors from every nook and corner of the world. Get your flight tickets done to Niagara Falls now and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By Olivia Sophie5 years ago in Wander
Finding beauty
There has been a feeling of emptiness to the whole thing. The start of 'lockdown' was an exciting and scary time. The fear was easy to identify - viruses are dangerous and invisible - not a great combination for any anxious soul. Choosing to use a word like 'lockdown' brought a movie type of energy to the mind. Imagining men in black suits (with unnecessary sunglasses) escorting particularly important people into special bunkers was extremely easy. You could almost hear a mental alarm blaring. It was a new type of risk for many of us - a universal one that seemed like it would affect us all. Walking empty streets in deserted towns for essential supplies gave the impression that something big was happening. This one was going to be different. The financial crisis of 2008 was the last time a potential game-changer came along; feeling as though it could change everything for everyone. However, the current situation did not take long before the general mood was more like bored children during a rainy summer holiday. Routines stopped or altered and Zoom became a thing. The internet allowed us to continue to be connected but it could often be difficult to feel connected. Having another person nearby is a sensory experience (whether or not we are always conscious of this). Most of us will be most keenly aware that we can see and hear other people. Comfort can be gained from the touch and scent of another person just as much if not so obviously. Taste can be included in the sharing of a drink or meal (and other avenues not covered in this article!).
By Chris Cody6 years ago in Wander
Where The Eagles Bathe
A pair of bald eagles teach us about savoring lifes most precious moments. Owning a dog is one of the surest ways to get in your daily exercise. Particularly when you live in a small space like a Studio or RV as we do. Our Staffordshire Terrier, Athena, takes us for a daily constitutional religiously and without fail. In her opinion, if she were to miss her walk, she’d surely expire and not make the next day. There is a wonderful but secluded beach just walking distance from the RV park where we stay and it’s perfect for allowing Athena to run freely.
By Laura Miller 6 years ago in Wander
