Periodically on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level and giving you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.
When was the last time you slowed down and watched a sunflower track the sun, a woodpecker dig for its dinner, or watched the moon wax or wane? Chances are, you are like most people, rushing around trying to tick things off your to do list as quickly as possible.
I came across a poem by H.W. Davies and this beautiful book, Slow Down by Rachel Williams and Freya Hartas. It was a wonderful reminder for me to take the time to breathe and connect with nature.
Each page takes the reader of all ages on a beautifully illustrated journey of different relaxing outdoor adventures from cherry blossoms raining down, clouds forming, fiddleheads unfurling, and 47 more mindful moments!
Look inside
This poem graces the first page of the book. I find it so fitting.:
Leisure
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare? —
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
—by W.H. Davies
Mind and Mood
Frontiers in Psychology reports in a 2019 study that 20-30 minutes in nature was found to reduce stress and cortisol levels. Read the full article at health.harvard.edu then go ahead and step outside — your mind and body will thank you for it. <3
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That is a beautiful poem! I really felt the lack of time spent outdoors last year. Just because of all that was going on, we didn’t get out to the mountains to hike and explore. It does help to be out in the garden, and I always feel refreshed and calmer. But in the mountains I don’t see what ELSE still needs to be done. LOL. This sounds like a good book too.
I know what you mean! There is nothing like getting away from everything and really enjoying without distractions. The garden or park is the next best thing 🙂 It’s a lovely book! Perfect to share with kids (adults might learn a bit too!)