Surviving City Life - Natural Living

   Many people around the globe live in cities, as opposed to life hundreds of years ago when it was mostly small towns and farms. City life may have its advantages such as good jobs, housing that prevents commuting to and from a city, convenience of stores and restaurants and entertainment often within walking distance. But it has its down side too - crowded streets with cars and taxis and buses, sidewalks with crowds of people rushing, miles of concrete and asphalt with little greenery, a faster pace of life, often accompanied by pollution and grime from industry.
   And so to find the balance for where ever you live. In a city, there are often parks where you can walk, jog, ride a bike or sit on a bench. Some cities have tree lined streets or flowers, or spas where you can relax and unwind. Or sometimes you can leave the city for the day or the weekend to relax and unwind.
   Another suggestion is to bring nature indoors, whether it is a home in suburbia or an apartment in an urban area. Plants add greenery and nature to a home, as well as cleansing the air of indoor pollutants. Depending on what kind of light you have will determine which plants will do well where you live. Windows that face the south or east give the best light, but also it depends on the number of windows and their sizes. People need light too, and often a picture window or skylight or bay window will allow more natural light into your home.
   Another way to bring nature into your home is through a terrarium. You can purchase one at a nursery or build your own. In a glass bowl you can put any items from nature that you gather - sea shells, stones, leaves, flowers, sand or pebbles. A basket of pine cones is another good example. Or a collection of feathers found on the ground.
   Silk flowers are a good alternative to those who can't seem to grow plants. Plastic is not really recommended, but silk is fine because it is a natural material.

The Sound of Ocean Waves can also be relaxing

   Another good suggestion is art work. Prints or photographs of nature scenes of mountains, woods, rivers, oceans or even flowers helps the mind to connect to nature.

The sounds of birds can be relaxing

   Music is another way. There are many CD's for relaxation that include sounds of nature such as running water, ocean waves, sounds of birds or other animals. They can also provide a good back drop to meditation. Music in general is good for the home. I play my satellite radio from the moment I get up in the morning until I go to sleep, because I love to be surrounded by music.

Enjoying Nature in the Garden

   Imagine the magic of music drowning out the sound of traffic and beeping horns below on the street. A family member used to live on 72nd Street in Manhattan, and whenever I would visit and stay over, the sound of the street below felt like I was sleeping outside on the expressway, until about 4 am, when everything got quiet.

Taking a Walk on my Favorite Boardwalk

   There is a saying that "the city never sleeps" and it is probably true. There is always a background noise, a hum, a vibration of life, which can be stimulating and electrifying. But can a person truly relax in an atmosphere of stimulation? I found an apartment this year in the suburbs for a friend who had been living in Manhattan for 5 years or so, and she was amazed that once she moved she not only slept longer, but her quality of sleep had improved.
   After working and commuting to Manhattan for ten years, I found ways to go with the flow of the city life during my time there. It was helpful to be more cognizant of the seasons, the temperatures of the day, the sunlight or lack thereof, trying to see the clouds and sky above the skyscrapers. Walking with the flow of traffic helped as well. And taking breaks in crammed little coffee shops or on a park bench in Union Square, or going to a museum at lunch time. I also used to look at the architecture of the buildings, each one so different, and the churches, springing up in between the skyscrapers reaching into the sky. My favorite route was Park Avenue, where the median in the middle would be planted with different types of flowers for Spring and Summer. Even that small token would mean alot in a place of concrete and buildings.
   No matter where you live, you need to make your own space truly your own, and make it a sanctuary.

Maery

A Walk Along the Hudson River in Summer