Friday 21 October 2011

Tranquility in Times of Stress

Nature can still make me catch my breath. These images are of  some of the magical places in Switzerland that I revisit mentally in times of stress.....Yes, I'm slightly stressed, so instead of reaching for food, I'm using imagery to coax my brain into releasing more endorphins! 
I can vividly recall the fresh, damp scent that filled my nostrils, the crisp breeze against my skin and my feelings of absolute serenity and awe as I first stood at these locations to record their splendour on camera.






The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.  ~Author Unknown
I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.  ~Henry David Thoreau


Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.  ~John Muir


How do you relieve stress, or are you the laid-back type who always goes with the flow?

8 comments:

French Basketeer.com said...

Elizabeth, love your photos; Switzerland is breathtakingly beautiful from the air or the ground. I try for the gym & steamroom when I am stressed, but often a glass of wine will do the trick too! Hoping your stress will melt away like some Swiss snow~

Ann said...

I "escape" in the garden, in my paints and plasters and in others' blogs. One thing I've not really done is escape to the mountains. It is definitely on my must see short list. I'll probably start with mountains here in the US>

Maison de lin said...

Hello,

The pictures are beautiful, that nature can be so beautiful ...
When, I'm stressed is sufficient to make a long walk in the woods with my dogs.

Greetings from Belgium
Jérôme

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Beautiful!!! I like to go for a walk with friends or listen to music.

julia said...

I go for a walk with the dog...

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

Thank you Mouse for stopping by my Blog. Of course you are able to use the cartoon "off to France"...... I too can really identify with it.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

What a lovely, serene setting... perfect for stress reduction. When I close my eyes, I can see three scenes, the first of which is similar to your lake: S. Mamete Valsolda on lake Lugano, Italy; Petit Anse in St. Barth's, French WI; and the ice flows/glaciers of Torres del Paine, Chile.

My work is stressful. My vacations are restorative way beyond the physical trip.

Bises,
Genie

LaPouyette said...

Beautiful and peaceful images!
A walk through Nature is the best to relief any kind of stress!
Love John Muir's words!

Greetings,
karin

P.S
Sorry for late commenting, just back from my 'escape' to Germany