Nature Makes Me Cry (in a good way)

I first watched a Humpback Whale breech over 20 years ago. I cried like a little baby. They were tears of joy and the lovely memory stays with me still today. I cried when my favorite bear (399) showed up with four cubs several years ago when many wondered if she would come out of the den at all.

I cried this year when once again, to everyone’s amazement, she emerged from the den with a coy in tow.

There have been many times in nature that I find myself feeling very emotional. Probably never more than when I had the pleasure of visiting the home of one of the most magnificent creatures on earth – the mighty Polar Bear!!

I had a very physical and moving reaction while standing on the ship witnessing a creature of this magnitude walk towards me. Besides feeling incredibly grateful, the tears that streamed down my face were a reminder of the impact being in nature can have on one’s soul. To this day I smile when thinking of any of these encounters. So the tears, the crying – they are good things. They are normal. They are welcome. So many of these tears of joy were courtesy of the wildlife I have been blessed to encounter. I truly believe being in nature heightens your senses and makes you vulnerable to feelings you wouldn’t expect to have. The sight of the mountains, the sound of an elk bugling, the feel of the dirt trail beneath your feet, the smell of a fresh evergreen. And of course, I’m convinced any meal consumed by a fresh stream just tastes better!!! Thank You nature for bringing my senses to life! And for the joy you bring!!! Even if sometimes it in is the form of tears. ✌️💚Nature