“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
John Muir
Scottish born John Muir, worked for most of his life to preserve the wilderness of the American west. He was a conservationist before there was such a thing. Muir helped the National Parks become established, with the National Parks Bill passing Congress in 1890.
This bill established Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. He was often called the “Mountain Prophet”, and is now considered the, “Father of the National Parks”. His books have inspired millions.
In this quote, Muir so beautifully illustrates the connection of the physical and spiritual worlds. For Muir the spiritual was deeply rooted in nature, or perhaps nature was deeply rooted in the spiritual.
Nature is also good for the body. I love the expression, we need, “beauty as well as bread”. Life is more than just the physical world, it is more than just the spiritual world. It is both at the same time, and both are equally important.
Peace.
Writing and Image © Copyright 2017, ancient skies
Originally posted June, 2015
Rivers Renewed 
Beautiful!!
Thank you Lisa for your wonderful comment! Peace and rich blessings to you.
So true. Beautiful photo and words 🙂
Thank you MichelleMarie! I think nature brings healing because we draw closer to our Creator. Peace to you my friend and your family.
I think so too. I really do. I spend a lot of time outside too! Peace to you and your family too! 🙂
Your last paragraph hits the essence. Wonderful, Nicodemas!
Thank you Erika! Peace to you and your family.
Thank you and blessings to all of you!
The is beautiful Nico, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Connie! I wrote more like this in the early days, so your encouragement is a blessing! Peace to you and your family.
🙏
Reblogged this on The Phoenix Rises.
Thank you so much for the reblog! What a blessing. Peace to you!
Well said.
Thank you Anna, peace to you and have a wonderful week!
Great post, Nico. You might like the book by Joseph Pieper called “Leisure: the basis of culture,” as it touches on some of these things…we do indeed need beauty and time to contemplate it!
Thank you Anna! That does sound interesting, I’ll check it out. Peace and wonderful blessings to you and your family!
a walk in the woods and meadows brings health and peace. Thank you for reminding us of john Muir’s passion and accomplishment.
Holly
Thank you Holly for your wonderful comments! Muir really made a difference in our world. Peace to you and great blessings!
I am currently in a healing process and think of the waterfalls in Yosemite national park dissolving my disease. That is my visualization of choice as it is heaven on earth. Here’s the link to my journey: https://speakingupmytruth.wordpress.com/
Wishing and praying for your continued healing! Thank you for your beautiful comments. I will stop by. Peace and rich blessings to you!
AMAZING!!✨🙏
Thank you so much! Peace to you and rich blessings.