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Ever missed something that was right under your nose? The answer has to be yes because all around us, magical, secret things are happening – right under our noses – and we fail to see them.
We might think we take the time to stop and smell the roses, but how often do we silently watch a patch of grass or earth, a portion of bark on a tree, the fluttering of petals on a flower, for more than a few seconds?
Often the magic unfolds only after patient, silent, and focused watching. That is when you will find nature’s hidden treasures.
There are so many worlds within worlds around us and when we take the time to see them our own world opens into endless possibilities of creativity, peace, and harmony.
You won’t have to have read many of my stories to know how much I rely on nature to soothe my soul.
FINDING NATURE’S HIDDEN TREASURES
Even with my intense love and gratitude for all the magic occurring around me, it sometimes takes the young, inquisitive eyes of the Goddesses to point out the hidden treasures in nature.
Often, I am looking, but not seeing. I am overlooking nature’s hidden treasures.
As I train my eyes to see more, entire worlds open before me, leaving me in awe and with an intense sense of wonder and harmony.
It’s a practice that takes time and silent contemplation. I know, who has time for that?
Right now, the world is full of fear and distrust and if we can tune into the hidden treasures surrounding us, we give our minds and souls a break from the tumultuous events occurring in just about every country on the planet.
It gives us hope and strength, maybe even meaning to the chaos. After all, nature does chaos in such a harmonious way.
When we immerse ourselves in discovering nature’s hidden treasures, we can’t help but feel uplifted and inspired.
As a crafter who loves to create things from nature’s gifts, I am attuned to seeing many of its treasures. Read my post, How to Craft Your Way to Success.
Yet I miss so much as I walk in my garden or in the bush. I know that I couldn’t, given a thousand lifetimes, discover every hidden secret in my own little patch, let alone all the rest of the world.
MY SECRET GARDEN
Don’t feel the need to travel afar
To discover new lands, to investigate stars
I sit in my garden, alone with the trees
A yard that is teeming with hidden myst’ries
Sometimes the ground itself seems to move
As hundreds of lizards forage for food
And under a rock, there’s a beetle so bright
I know it’s his beauty he keeps out of sight
The busy bees buzz and the butterflies fly
And up in a branch the baby birds cry
Ruby the ringtail sleeps in a tree
And sometimes she blinks her brown eyes at me
A goldfish shares pond with Frankie the frog
And nearby a bluetongue rests in a log
A lifetime of study, focused and fond
Won’t divulge all the secrets within that same pond
The spider makes webs, such a detailed plan
Can’t be outdone by inventions of man
A dig in the soil reveals squiggly worms
They aerate the earth for flowers and ferns
A miniature waterfall is home to tadpoles
And, all around, ants are burrowing holes
Bright petals dance on the wisp of a breeze
Enjoying a canopy of towering trees
Each tree is a haven for all kinds of life
A shelter for those who would stay out of strife
Each tiny leaf working to make good our air
Of its essentuality so unaware
Night-times – more myst’ry, a feast for our ears
Unusual sounds that focus our fears
A tree’s branch creak, leaves protest and shake
Was that a sweet possum, or a slithering snake?
Night noises of crickets, geckos and bats
The buzzing and biting of mosquitos and gnats
Then the possums come bounding, it’s their turn to play
Full of mischief and mayhem, from sleeping all day
Each morning alas, some new thing is discovered,
A visitor passing or something uncovered
Each season eternal in the circle of life
With beginnings and endings, with change being rife
There is drama and intrigue, the struggle to live
And there’s beauty and harmony, so much to give
I step out my door to this bustling throng
A mere passing word in Earth’s magical song
Tamuria
THE WONDER OF FINDING NATURE’S HIDDEN TREASURES
And, that’s what makes nature so incredibly wonderful. There is room for more discovery every single minute.
Just last year, a bunch of new species were discovered, some of them amazingly unique. You can read about the most amazing discoveries here.
We’re also discovering incredible things such as how plants can communicate. Read my post Talk to the Trees – They Just Might Answer, to find out about more amazing discoveries.
These discoveries do not have to be left to the scientists and researchers. We can make our own and add another dimension to our lives – just by taking the time and being aware.
Being in tune with nature in such a way can help us overcome some of our greatest fears and open our minds to creative solutions. It can give us hope.
And it can be solace in our darkest hours. Give it a try. You don’t need access to a large garden or forest. A little patch of grass or dirt will do. Nature thrives everywhere.
Happy discoveries and have a gleeful week, Tamuria.
Meghan
March 10, 2017 at 12:11 amThanks for reminding me that the world is a magical place! Loved your photo with the stick bug. I couldn’t see it until you pointed it out. 😉 My husband, who is on a journey to minimalism, often says that humans need strife. And, when I look around these days, I tend to agree. This is sad because we focus on that strife rather than the amazing, unique things surrounding us. There are tiny miracles around us all the time! I feel quite inspired and renewed by your article. It’s set to be a beautiful weather day here, so I’m going for a walk to enjoy some of the very things you mention here.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 5:54 pmFor sure there are tiny miracles around us all the time, Meghan. It’s a shame we so often fail to see them or even look for them. Glad this gave you inspiration. I hope you enjoyed the walk.
Beverley Golden
March 10, 2017 at 10:56 amThis is such a beautiful tribute to the glorious natural world we are part of, Tami! How sad that so many people have lost connection to nature and how we humans have exploited it and how many still do not even realize this. My friend has conversations with trees and creates art from the messages she receives from them. She believes they are sentient beings and as new research is proving, trees have intelligence we are just beginning to understand. Personally, I’ve always loved flowers and trees, but only through the critical ‘seeing’ I have developed in my art courses, has my passion for the natural world around us deepened. Thank you for sharing this with us all, as my hope is also that more people will slow down and appreciate the natural world all around us. How sad that some people grow up in concrete jungles and have little access to nature. We really need to education children from an early age and offer them the experiences that will engage their curiosity and love of nature.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 5:57 pmI agree we need to educate children from an early age and foster an appreciation and love for nature, Beverley. I would love to see your friend’s artwork. It sounds amazing.
Lisa Swanson
March 11, 2017 at 10:08 amIsn’t nature amazing? And you’re right there is so much going on in our world day to day that we don’t notice. I love to take a few minutes each morning to get some fresh air and enjoy outdoors. That small practice lifts me up and gives me energy for the day, imagine if I took a little more time to really notice the details. Think I’ll give it a try!
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:00 pmYes, nature truly is amazing, Lisa. Glad this inspired you to take a little extra time enjoying it.
Kristen Wilson
March 11, 2017 at 10:52 amDude.. I totally didn’t even see that stick figure… I’d have to see it move.. however, I do believe you! lol I have to remind myself to look for the little things and appreciate it. Thank you for the reminder, much needed.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:02 pmThey are pretty good at camouflage, Kristen. I wouldn’t have noticed it if I hadn’t been standing still while watering the garden.
Christy Soukhamneut
March 11, 2017 at 3:14 pmThis post reminds me of my dear friend who told me to stop and smell the roses when I travelled for work. He said to remember to take time to see a few sites when I was in a new place. Boy was he right. I am so glad I have taken his advice. I’ve gotten to see some pretty neat things in my travels. I haven’t done it as much lately. Thanks for the great reminder.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:03 pmSeems we are always rushing to get places, Christy, and we forget to admire the view on the way. Glad you had this figured out and didn’t miss all the cool things on your travels.
Tandy Elisala
March 11, 2017 at 4:40 pmNature thrives everywhere! Yes Yes Yes:-) Seriously. I really believe nature is so healing and peaceful. There’s nothing like watching trees, animals, flowers and more. It’s pretty amazing to me. Thanks for helping me slow down for a few moments today.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:04 pmGlad this reminded you to take the time to stop and smell the roses, Tandy. I agree nature is very healing and peaceful.
Kimberly
March 12, 2017 at 2:39 amBeautiful! It’s so easy to look and not see… I am always trying to be more mindful and be in the moment. I know the goddesses help you to do that, as does my son. Nature has always been a great source of restoration for me as well. Thanks for sharing, this is lovely.
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:06 pmChildren are wonderful for reminding you to slow down and actually enjoy the moment, aren’t they Kimberly? When we do that, we find renewed energy and peace.
Anne
March 12, 2017 at 3:13 amA lovely article and a great reminder to look for the beauty in everything. Thank you!
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:07 pmWe are surrounded by so much beauty. I think it’s sad some people don’t see it. Glad you enjoyed this Anne.
Joan M Harrington
March 12, 2017 at 9:01 amThere are so many treasures in nature if you open your eyes and just look around you 🙂 Thanks Tamuria 🙂
tamuria
March 12, 2017 at 6:08 pmSo true, Joan. We just have to take the time to slow down and really look.
Apolline Adiju
March 13, 2017 at 3:50 amThis is a reminder how wonderful our earth is, even though most of us take it for granted. I enjoy nature most especially in Spring and Summer with the blossoming of flowers and trees regaining their luster
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:19 amSpring and summer are my favourites too, Apolline. Such a colour feast. We are in autumn now in Australia – another kind of colour feast.
Lori English
March 13, 2017 at 7:32 amTamuria,
I looked at your post yesterday and shared it. I like the new way you are putting in the photos they look great , and thecontent is too. Nature is great and yiu can find a relaxing way to be you . I live across from a wooded area, and I would go there frequently and play. Nature is a great way to connect to yourself and let go of stress.
Lori English
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:20 amI couldn’t agree more, Lori. Nature is a great way to connect yourself and let go of stress. Your wooden area sounds like the perfect place to do this.
Jennifer Quisenberry
March 13, 2017 at 7:36 amThere is so much magic and beauty in the world. I’ve been trying to take the time to enjoy those things more these days. Life’s too short. Thanks for the reminder!
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:22 amIt’s so easy to get caught up in the demands of life that we can sometimes forget to see all the magic around us, Jennifer. It’s great that you’ve been trying to recognise the beauty and magic more.
Rachel Lavern
March 13, 2017 at 12:40 pmThis is a beautiful post Tamuria. Reminded me of a time I was running a race through some breath-taking trails, and focusing on getting to the finish is missing the point. I tried to notice the beauty of the race and the people around me. I really wanted to also be stopping and smelling the roses.
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:24 amLiving life is often like running a race, which is why people forget to stop and smell the roses sometimes, Rachel. It’s not really practical to do this during a race, but we can make the time for it in life. Glad you enjoyed this post.
Reba Linker
March 15, 2017 at 11:03 pmI love this, Tamuria. I really love the appreciation of the nature that is right under our noses. Yes, a beach or mountain vista is glorious, yet there is a world in every drop of water, isn’t there? And of course, talking to the trees fits so well with my recent post about singing plants – we are on the same page, or should I say, leaf? Much love!
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:27 amWe truly are on the same page, or leaf, Reba. I couldn’t believe it when I listened to your amazing interview and heard those plants sing. What a joy. So true there is a world in a drop of water – magic and beauty everywhere.
Joyce Hansen
March 16, 2017 at 1:54 amYour posts always leave me with such a sense of calm and peace, Tami. You’ve taken me back to my fifth-grade teacher who use to read us a poem about the beauty of the trees and take us to a nearby park pointing out all the different trees. It’s one of my best memories from school. I also think that more people are waking up to not only to the beauty of nature but also how everything is connected in this vast energy network.
tamuria
March 16, 2017 at 8:30 amYour kind and generous words are a lovely compliment, Joyce. Thank you. Your fifth-grade teacher sounds amazing. I do hope you are right that more people are waking up to the beauty of nature and the energy that connects us all.