Nature is one of the greatest sources of happiness. In fact, humans had lived in the lap of nature for millions of years and their stay in modern cities is comparably very very short. Still, now the majority of them live in close proximity to nature. In fact, the human race is dependent upon nature for its very survival (plants recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen; our food is a product of nature; and we can survive under a very limited range of variables of nature like temperature, etc.)
Nature is all free! It is there for everybody to stand and stare at and derive happiness and solace from it. It does not distinguish between rich and poor, strong and weak, man and woman. The silvery sun is free, the golden moon is free, cool breeze, warm seashore, imposing mountains, smooth-flowing rivers, dark and inviting forests, all are free.
It is free, not because it is cheap, but because it is rather priceless. How much would it cost to make only an artificial island with rivers, forests, mountains, and the surrounding ocean? Billion dollars, zillion dollars? Can one make it? And if one could afford it, would he give it to humanity free to enjoy? Would he not charge some entrance fees? How much?
When we see the moon, we see it in its entirety, no matter how many millions of people are seeing it at the same time. Is there a separate moon for each of us, or is it only one moon that each of us somehow sees as his own individual moon? And similarly, the sky, the sun, the ocean, rain, and sunshine, all are there for us to possess fully. Each can stare at the sky and claim all of it for his or her happiness. It is all his or her.
Nature understands your moods. If you are sad, it is also sad with you. But it does not make you sadder. It does not lead you to further despair. It applies gentle balm to your wounds. It sits beside you like a mother, spouse, brother or sister, or a friend and embraces you, talks to you, listens to you patiently, and empathizes with you. Slowly it lifts your spirits and makes you see your little woes, worries, and wounds in the right perspective of infinite time and space. You smile, you laugh, and you are happy again!
I am sure, you are keeping your money in the bank and this bank balance gives pleasure and happiness. Even when this money is lying idle or tied down in investments. Sometimes it is money just on paper, such as, for example, the value of shares and bonds. When you need something, you withdraw the money and exchange it for some pleasure and happiness. Well, all this is good.
Yet do you realize that infinite beauty and happiness are lying around you in the form of nature? Do you appreciate this fact and draw happiness out of it?
