Open Letter to Our Healing, Energizing Earth
Art Direction and Photograph by: Catie Menke. Model: Melissa Dansoa.
Copy by: Hailey Forbis
Model: Melissa Dansoa
Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
At times I feel exhausted and bogged down by the world we live in, and sometimes it’s overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me a space to be free and for giving me the energy I need.
When life feels heavy and stressful and draining, you have a type of energy that sets my soul ablaze. I didn’t realize the beautiful, energizing powers of you until the entire world got turned upside down with a pandemic and with the constant flow of negative news. The pandemic and negative news bring about lots of uncertainty, anxiety, and a feeling that you are a dark and scary place.
The reality of you, though, is you are a place full of beauty and perfection. I always loved being in nature, but I didn’t appreciate its energizing and healing powers until I was put in a situation where I needed peace and energy.
I was trying to process a global pandemic and was trying to make my way through college all while feeling drained and lost because I didn’t know who I was anymore. I needed a restart and a refresh and a place to be one hundred percent free to completely be me. I needed something to find myself again and you, Earth, gave that to me!
During the pandemic, I would go hiking every week visiting another one of your beautiful places not yet discovered by me. One moment in which I felt free and rejuvenated was outside, in nature, exploring all that you have to offer. The day started with a mindset of this being “just another hike,” but it turned out to be the most magical moment of my life.
We began the hike late into the day and started our four-mile trek down to the river surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. The canyon walls were towering over us as the sun shined bright that day. We made it to the bottom and spent some time taking in the sites and enjoying the cool, refreshing water. Then the magical moment began.
The sun was setting as we made our way through tall, bright green bushes and shrubs as the golden-hour sun shone off the leaves. I felt so much peace and so much energy rush into my soul. Suddenly, the sun sat more, and there was a purple hue along the path with a cool breeze flowing through the trees. Finally, the sun set, and my heart was already full until I looked up and saw billions of shining stars in the night sky accompanied with a bright, big moon.
In that moment I remembered the joy that life brings even if it may be full of negativity and fear. Thank you, Earth, for allowing me to remember what it’s like to truly enjoy all your beauty. Ever since that experience my love and appreciation for you has grown tremendously and my desire to explore continues to increase every day.
There's just something magical about unplugging and slowing down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life that allows me to really slow down and let my mind rest. You allow a space where I am free to explore and take a break from society and the crazy life I live.
I thank you, Earth, for letting me listen to the birds chirping in the trees or hear the wind whistling through the trees. Thank you for letting me watch as the clouds move across the sky and feel the sun hit my face. I’m so grateful I can embrace the beauty of the earth and let your energy fill my soul. You are a beautiful place, and sometimes, I forget about how beautiful you are because I get so bogged down and exhausted with the crazy day-to-day life.
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