I have something to show you, to share with you. I want you to really get to know nature.
Leave from wherever here is. Whether it be the Duke Gardens, the Duke Forest, the beach, wherever, go and make love to nature. It is an essential part of every emotionally nourished, well-rounded and grounded human being.
As students, we all budget our time; we think that we budget it well. I would wager that very few people specifically allocate time for inner reflection in a wholly immersed atmosphere.
Make a commitment to being free of technology and material desires. For an hour, go minimalistic, reduce the world to the natural beauty that it so plentifully provides. To fully enjoy this time, you must put all worries and responsibilities aside.
Childishly frolick in the gardens. Breathe it in, absorb its essence. Let it leave its mark on you. Make time for it.
We have unique luxuries at Duke, luxuries that we often times choose to ignore. The gardens and forest are lovely places where beauty reigns supreme. Deprioritize efficient time management; your time reflecting in nature will be time well spent.
This past Friday I went to Japan (via Duke Gardens) with a friend and a very dear friend. We shared the dreams, desires and idealistic visions that make us unique. We understand each other a little better and we undestand ourselves a lot more. We left feeling deeply happy, having shared something profound. I like to define living as an enriching, profound, and mutual experience with live and vibrant beings.
Go away from the places you are used to. Explore something new. You have the time, make it. Learn about each other; learn from each other. Prioritize deep reflection. It will be intellectually, emotionally and spriritually rewarding.
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