Every time I go outside to a park, the beach, or for a walk, it's always unique. I experience something new every time. Nature is always moving and growing. Every plant and animal is going about their own lives, growing, reproducing, living, surviving. So, going out in nature always lends to seeing something new, where no two experiences are exactly alike, and if you think they are then, you aren't paying close enough attention.

One of my favorite things about nature is it takes us out of our mundane daily routines, out of our own thoughts and worries, and puts us in perspective that our lives are one of many living beings on this planet, each of them unique and beautiful. Although nature is always moving, changing, and growing, it is also somehow so still and peaceful. There's no rush. And because of that, it helps me to stop rushing too, to slow down and notice the world around me and take a moment to simply enjoy it.

Our routines demand so much from us, our time, our skills, our patience, our money, and our energy, to the point we are drained, giving so much and receiving little. Nature, on the other hand, is more balanced. Nature operates on many different communities, different species, all working together so all or most of them thrive. Sometimes when we get too caught in our own routines and the grind of life and work, we can forget that we too are part of this community. We too are part of nature, just one of many species that all need to work together to thrive.

A simple step outside, a walk in the park, helps put everything back in perspective. It's something we all need to help reset us, ground us, and refresh us. The last few times I went to the park I noticed many new things. I saw a bunch of apple snail shells along the edge of the lake. They were empty, probably an egret or something had eaten them. The round shells were as big as my palm, the biggest snails I've seen yet.

I hadn't seen snakes for a long time, but then I saw one as we were walking along the lake. A long black snake dash into the bushes. Then a few days later, walking toward the same spot, I saw one curled up. It was hissing at us with its head up. It was probably a black racer, skinny and smooth, solid black, with a white spot under its chin. It was cool actually getting a good look at it. You could see its little head and big eyes. It was kind of cute. I know a lot of people don't like snakes, but it's good to notice them too and their unique abilities and personalities, they are fascinating creatures.

What are some new things you have noticed lately in nature? If you can't remember, maybe it's time to get outside again. Nature is always moving and has something new to show you, and maybe most importantly it will put everything in perspective again. We too are part of nature even if we forget sometimes, but our lives are much more balanced when we recognize that. Go, take a walk and you'll see what I mean.