A large scale nature engagement campaign study shows being in nature has many health benefits including reducing stress, improving a sense of life satisfaction, and encouraging sustained pro-nature behaviors.
On a recent trip to be with family on the east coast, and as an important part of my self-care plan, I combined a family reunion with a day trip to Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville, NC.
As my readers know, my adult son died late last year. That's why I've had to be extra vigilant about getting outdoors to walk in natural surroundings. Seeing a butterfly, gazing at a lake, or hugging a tree is a great comfort to me.
Each time I hear a bird sing, see a butterfly, or take in the lush greens and grounding earth tones of mother nature, it helps in my healing process.
Then, when I see new growth, it renews my determination to be present for life today.
Following is a photo essay of things that held my attention and renewed my enthusiasm at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville, NC.
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More about the Origami Exhibit Here |
Much of the flora I saw on this look-see was in various shades of green. Color energy can bypass thinking and works at the cellular level. Green hues create balance, harmony, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and rejuvenation.
One of the best color tips I offer today is to gaze at or envision something that's green to lift anxiety, self-pity, confusion, and refresh.
Many things piqued my interest in this 80 acre natural wonderland, nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek. I was attracted to both soft and lively colored flowers, plants, wildlife, and origami.
I'd love to know what colors and vegetation appeal to you.
I am especially drawn to pink flowers like the camellias and lilies bellow. Pink helps soothe mind, body, and spirit. It's a color I associate with gentleness, unconditional love, and caring. It provides balance of male and female energies and helps to reduce stress.
One of the best color tips I offer today is to gaze at or envision something that's green to lift anxiety, self-pity, confusion, and refresh.
I'd love to know what colors and vegetation appeal to you.
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Hosta about to bloom at Cape Fear Botanical Garden |
I am especially drawn to pink flowers like the camellias and lilies bellow. Pink helps soothe mind, body, and spirit. It's a color I associate with gentleness, unconditional love, and caring. It provides balance of male and female energies and helps to reduce stress.
The garden contains more than 2000 varieties of flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs including daylily, hosta, and camellia gardens. There's an arboretum, children's garden, and visitor center too.
Even though some paths and trails offer shade and/or run through the pine or hardwood forest, it gets hot and humid during the summer months.
A good rule of thumb is to bring ample water and wear sunblock any time you're outdoors.
A good rule of thumb is to bring ample water and wear sunblock any time you're outdoors.
Up for walking and hiking? Trails at the garden are packed earth surfaced with gravel or mulch. All except the River Trail are accessible by a normal wheelchair with an able bodied pusher who can negotiate the occasional root or rut.
Walking is one of the most relaxing types of activity, especially if you have a busy schedule. Fit even a short walk into daily routines, and know each little bit improves health, both mentally and physically.
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a perfect place for Fayetteville locals or visitors to exercise and renew their enthusiasm.
Information for the Visitor to Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Cape Fear Botanical Garden Website The address is 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 283o1. Phone is 910-486-0221
Cape Fear Botanical Garden Website The address is 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 283o1. Phone is 910-486-0221
Things to do in Fayetteville
Restaurants in Fayetteville
Although we didn't spent the night in Fayetteville, there are motels, hotels, and B&B's of various price ranges to choose from. If you're traveling there, see your travel agent or book a room online.
Downtown Fayetteville is approximately 2 miles away from Cape Fear Botanical Garden. A popular travel site names Cape Fear Botanical Garden a top sightseeing attraction for this area.
Before I go, I'd like to suggest another good way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Check out Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.
Restaurants in Fayetteville
Although we didn't spent the night in Fayetteville, there are motels, hotels, and B&B's of various price ranges to choose from. If you're traveling there, see your travel agent or book a room online.
Downtown Fayetteville is approximately 2 miles away from Cape Fear Botanical Garden. A popular travel site names Cape Fear Botanical Garden a top sightseeing attraction for this area.
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Before I go, I'd like to suggest another good way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Check out Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.
Journal owners say it dispels negative energy by showing them ways to express their cares, focus on dreams and goals, and learn more about their inner thoughts and feelings in a safe, private place. Read reviews here.
The 12 week journal program is arranged into chapters. Each helps shift perceptions. One example is the affirmation “I cherish and respect myself just as I am," which appears in the chapter Love Myself Unconditionally and Thrive. Its activities and exercises are devoted to improving self-esteem.
Colors of Joy offers color-themed journal prompts to help the journal writer be more mindful of her choices. It supports and guides her as she takes advantage of the self-expression opportunities the book provides.
Pick up a copy of Colors of Joy and use its color-coded journal activities to stimulate intuition and inner wisdom through your senses. Notice which color energies transform fear to love, dread to hope, sadness to acceptance, confusion to clarity, and heartache to peace.
The 12 week journal program is arranged into chapters. Each helps shift perceptions. One example is the affirmation “I cherish and respect myself just as I am," which appears in the chapter Love Myself Unconditionally and Thrive. Its activities and exercises are devoted to improving self-esteem.
Colors of Joy offers color-themed journal prompts to help the journal writer be more mindful of her choices. It supports and guides her as she takes advantage of the self-expression opportunities the book provides.
Pick up a copy of Colors of Joy and use its color-coded journal activities to stimulate intuition and inner wisdom through your senses. Notice which color energies transform fear to love, dread to hope, sadness to acceptance, confusion to clarity, and heartache to peace.
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Journal in Colors of Joy for Healing and Growth.
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The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. Have you been there and what did you enjoy seeing or doing? Please share comments below.
It's a popular venue for weddings, social events, and family outings. It makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures.
Do you get outside each day to fill up on a healthy dose of Vitamin D and connect to nature?
Please share what things you like to do outdoors. Do you camp, canoe, picnic, swim, or play ball? Let us know in the comments section below.
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This post has been shared at Inspire Me Monday – Week 391
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