Day Lily in a Walmart parking lot
I recently read a study that being out in nature has a profound affect on our mood, risk of depression and sense of calmness. Overall, nature is an under-recognized healer, the paper says, offering multiple health benefits from allergy reductions to increases in self esteem and mental well being.
But, I think, we intuitively know that. Don’t we usually breathe deeper and relax just a little when going for a walk on a tree lined path or when we step into a meadow of wildflowers?
Scientific American actually has done studies that show when we even look at nature, we relax and heal faster. Think about your time gazing into a lake or relaxing on the porch looking at the backyard. We recharge within a very short time.
As I have grown my floral art images, one of the benefits has been watching how individuals stare at the images and seem to relax in front of my eyes as they immerse themselves in the nature represented.
This day lily was growing in a surprising place…a Walmart parking lot! I had gone to get groceries and spotted it one day. Of course, I did not have my camera gear with me. I made a promise to myself to come back.
And I did. Three different times. The time of day had to be right. The light had to be right. The bloom had to be just right. Day Lillies are just what they say they are. They bloom for one day.
I finally got it right. The bud was perfect, the light was right and I had my gear with me. It is a testament to me that great art can be made almost anywhere. And the random growth of a beautiful flower can grace your life even in (or maybe especially in) a Walmart parking lot.
Today is a day to treat yourself to one of the images you have wanted to see on your walls and enjoy. Whether you are feeling stressed or not, gazing at images of nature lifts your spirits, especially for flower lovers.
Take a look through the gallery and choose a few for your home or gifts for your favorite flower lover.