Put the Talk on Pause and Heal with Wildlife

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inEnvironment, Health & Well-Being, Psychological Health, Repost, TravelTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I first posted this essay with the title Put the Talk on Pause: A Photo Essay back in mid-April, when the pandemic was relatively new to the US and Micro of the Macro had very few readers. Since the message is still applicable and the photos are some of my favorites, I have done a bit of editing to repost for my newer readers. For those of you who have already seen the post, please enjoy the trip down memory lane!

Mom & baby near a hiking trail in California

I don’t know about you, but I’m in a definite time warp. I can’t keep up with the date or the day of the week. On the one hand, this year is flying, much like last year. On the other hand, the stifling control of pandemic and its unyielding, pervasive gloom talk seem to have been with us for ages. There’s nothing I would love more than to wave a magic wand, making the next several months a part of our collective past.

A new friend on the coast of northern California.

But until I come across that magic wand, I’ll make do with smaller mundane acts that get me from one day to the next while help keeping me sane. One of those acts is turning off the tv. Listening to incessant politics and bad news from reporters, government officials, and even commercials, causes feelings of impatience and anger to surface on my normally peaceful mindset. So it’s high time, as my grandmother used to say, to put the talk on pause.

One of the friendliest strangers I ever met!

In that pause, what can I count on to transform my troubled thoughts and feelings? Today, I’ll utilize the healing balm of animals. According to 69 scientific studies on human-animal interaction reviewed by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, interacting with animals can be quite therapeutic. Some of the benefits shown in these studies include improved mood & behavior; reduced stress, fear & anxiety; improved heart health & immune function; and reduced aggression. Doesn’t your pet make you feel better, especially now in the time of covid?

These funny traffic enforcers made an appearance in northern New Mexico.

Even though we cannot interact with animals in pictures, it is my belief that simply viewing them must have positive effects as well. According to Statista, viewing wildlife while hiking, mountain biking, diving, etc. is extremely popular in this country, with about 20 million folks participating annually.

This big Wyoming dude forgot to finish shaving before his morning stroll.

The wildlife pics included in this post are a few personal favorites, taken during my travels around the American West. It is my hope that you’ll find yourself smiling as you look at them while taking a well-deserved pause from all the talk.

I think bears may enjoy swimming as much as humans!

Blessings for Animal Healing,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

32 thoughts on “Put the Talk on Pause and Heal with Wildlife”

  1. Oh, I do agree with you but if there is something better it is simply getting out into the countryside, into the landscape! Nature, which we are a part of, is the great healer, for body, mind and for the soul. And if you can’t get out after turning the tv off, read a good book, something about nature. At the moment I’m reading several books; what do you think of my choices: The Last Wolf by Jim Crumley, Pub. Birlinn; Wilding by Isabella Tree, Pub. Picador? I’ve just finished: The Unexpected Genius of Pigs by Matt Whyman, Pub. Harper Collins, and A Time of Birds by Helen Moat, Pub.Saraband.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  2. You were right to re-visit this, such delightful pictures! Nature never fails to lift your spirit. And that friendly one, real,
    Sweetheart.

    Thank you.

    Joanna

    PS Please, don’t miss tomorrow’s Literary post, it is about nature and one of the best nature writers.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  3. “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

    As a young girl, I was very intrigued with reading the “Little House” series books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I can remember how vividly she would describe the plains, mountains, lakes, rivers, streams, woodlands, wildlife, etc…. I could only imagine the beauty and splendor of actually seeing these natural sites. Then, in 1974 the TV Series “Little House on the Prairie” gave us a glimpse of these spectacular places for some 10+ years. At During this same time, I began traveling with my “bowling career” and was able to see for myself many, many beautiful places throughout the USA and abroad. It wasn’t the bright lights, fancy restaurants, concrete shopping areas, etc…. that fascinated me during these years. It was ALWAYS the places where I connected with nature! Thank you for reposting this blog which is so calming and soothing to the soul……..

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  11. love this post! I could not agree more. Wildlife and nature in general light me up, every single time. I had to stop watching the news on about March 20th. Now Stephen Colbert catches me up. At least I find him entertaining! lol

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment