When Heart breaks, Nature Heals!

Hi, *creative minds*! It's me again, **Maria**. In my introduction blog, I mentioned how I love to be surrounded by nature, go on adventures, and connect with it – all for my mind and heart's peace. So, here's a more extensive narrative.  It all started three years ago, when we took our first step outside the house after the pandemic era. We were like animals jumping and running around, feeling the heat of the sun, the spikes of the grass, and the colorful scenery of the world after being deprived of the outdoors for many months. So, we decided to start exploring again.  In a semi-rural area, we have this spot where you can see the panoramic landscape of the town. It is not that elevated but it's quite a bird's-eye view. We come here from time to time after that. There was one time where I was so excited that I slipped, and we all just laughed. Then, just below this peak is a good spot for catching the splashing waves. This is the moment when I knew that I belong to nature.  In the neighboring town, there is also a spot where organized thickets of bamboos are planted. When the family goes for relaxation, this would always be one of the options. Kimonos are available for rent, and food stalls are just around the corner. Ponds outside are wide; it gives Japan vibes. Most of all, when you're inside the connecting thicket of bamboos, the air you breathe feels so clean, and the breeze shifts from blistering to chilly. You can either take a good walk because the inside is spacious or you can have a good rest at the available chairs and hammocks. Just from this town also, is a good view of the hectares of open sugarcane, trees, and other crops. My little cousin enjoyed the view too! We also went to a popular church here where the road is quite good for hiking. You can see my auntie catching her breath from the intense uphill walk. Whenever I am in these kinds of places, my heart feels so at home.  During a group activity, we filmed on top of the mountain; we were the only people there. So we shout our hearts out loud in that wilderness. On a road trip going to the neighboring town again, there was this place they call "The little Tagaytay". I don't know why they call it like that, but that's what they call it. I like how you can see the sea for its background, but the road is very steep in this area though. Meanwhile in Leyte, capturing the whole figure of the mini mountain with me on top, makes me really happy. I can imaginatively pose like I'm on the peak of mount Everest, but on a hot version.  Sometimes, we also go to places far from our town for the sake of good views and cold dips. Here are those moments. Going for a three hundred sixty view of the regions. A deep bridge surrounded by mountain forests. A stream of river between the mountains. And paddling on a kind of estuaries.  But most of all, I just stroll around the park. The vibrant green scenery and the enclosed pathway of trees make me imagine I'm crossing a portal to Encantadia (just kidding). This is my refuge whenever I encounter something that makes me feel blue. Afterward, my mood camouflages with the greenery of this place, and my heart feels light. > **" WHEN HEART BREAKS, NATURE HEALS "** I can greatly relate to this quote. We all have different ways of coping with the difficulties in our lives, but this is how mine works: *nature adventures* and *road trips*. When something bothers me, I simply turn my attention to nature. It alleviates my pain, frees my mind, and heals my heart. This is my system of strength. And luckily, it's free, which means you can also use it for your own benefit. Just try it, maybe it can help. This would be all. See you again in the next Blog!