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Connecting with Nature

Kien Lai | Stress Management | 9/27/99 | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Connecting with nature

At first the experience was unpleasant due to the fact that it was ninety-five degrees outside. Arriving at the arboretum seemed to make things worse because not only was it hot, but due to my location, I was also being bitten by bugs. Then, as if by instinct, I recall one of the methods of relieving and or dealing with stress. "Tree it" came to mind. So I walked over to a tree and released all the negative energy that I had. It actually felt good. After, I was able to enjoy being surrounded by 'Nature' and saw what I wouldn't have seen if not for the "Tree it" method, which was a sense of acceptance. I began to accept the heat because it's California, and I began to accept the bugs because, basically, I was in their territory.

Besides almost being attacked by one of the ducks, I found the experience enlightening. I was able to apply what I learned in class to help me overcome a situation that made me stress. However, I never did go back to the tree I left my negative energy at. Now that I think about it, my day after going to the arboretum, despite the heat, was great.