Nina Bacon's Blog

 Mary Oliver Poem #4: “Praying”  Mary Oliver's poem "Praying" serves as a gentle guide to a more contemplative and grateful existence. Mary Oliver invites the reader, me in this case, to prayer. She explains what this can look like and debunks some myths surrounding prayer. She explains how prayer isn't confined to the grand or picturesque; it extends to the ordinary and overlooked elements of the world. The opening line, "It doesn't have to be the blue iris," immediately alleviates any pressure to seek out the traditionally beautiful or exceptional. Oliver encourages a shift in perspective, a willingness to recognize the divine in the everyday. Whether it's weeds in a vacant lot or a few small stones, the poet prompts me to pay attention to the often-dismissed details of my surroundings. The directive to "just pay attention" becomes a call to mindfulness, an invitation to be fully present in the moment. In doing so, I am prompted to engage...

 Nature Journal #7: October 14th, 2023 I believe, to many individuals, what we don't see or experience often, is something we appreciate more. While this claim may seem vague, I do believe it applies in many areas of our lives. However, when specifically examining how people interact and appreciate nature, many dream of seeing the Northern Lights or visiting Niagara Falls. This is, at least in part, because it's one of a kind. It requires effort, a trip maybe, to witness these incredible beauties. Other aspects of nature such as the clouds, species of trees, or maybe even flowers can often be overlooked because they don't appear to be unique. Snow may be grumbled about in a state like Minnesota, whereas, the Florida resident dreams of snow-capped trees.  To this point, the eclipse on October 14th of this year seemed to catch everyone's attention because of its' uniqueness and rarity. The day was full of blue skies and sunshine; when the moon passed in front, the wor...

 Nature Journal #6 Botanical Gardens  I've grown up going to botanical gardens, particularly, the St. Louis Botanical Garden. I think my love for the gardens and for plant life has been an acquired love. I remember when I was little stomping through the trail to get our family picture for the Christmas card over with. But eventually, with time, I learned to appreciate the beauty in each varying section of the gardens. So much so, that for my 16th birthday, I went with my parents to walk around. Nowadays, nearly every time I visit home, I go for a walk at the garden. While in many ways, the beauty here is curated, it still feels natural. It is not only nerdily educational, but it also organizational aesthetic as each section of the garden is separated by the origin of the flowers, plants, trees etc. And, in each season, and with every visit, I have come to appreciate something new.  Botanical gardens are such a unique exploration of human interference with nature and also ...

Nature Journal #5: 2nd day at Fort Worth Nature Center October 3, 2023      Life is always full of surprises. I honestly expected repetition and somewhat of a monotonous experience comparing today to last week’s trip to the Nature Center. Of course, I knew it would be impactful and a unique experience, I just could never have predicted the day we had. I was prepared for similar work with privet and bamboo; however, little did I know, the use of the wood chipper would look a little different today. I thought we would continue making progress and moving wood, however, the progress that was made was not what we expected as a class. It is an encouraging though to see how we were able to adapt to the challenges presented and still help out in some capacity. Cutting and sawing were definitely not what we expected to be doing today, but if it was a form of service for them, then I think most of us were happy to help.       The first surprise of the day came w...

 Mary Oliver Poem #3: “Why I Wake Early”  October 2nd, 2023 Mary Oliver's poem "Why I Wake Early" has had a profound impact on the way I view the morning, nature, and life itself. This short yet powerful poem serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us each day, inviting us to embrace the simple joys of existence.      The poem begins with a greeting to the sun, and this simple act of acknowledging the sun's presence immediately sets the tone for the rest of the reflection. It reminds me to be grateful for the natural world and the life-giving energy of the sun. Mary Oliver personifies the sun as a force that not only illuminates the day but also spreads its warmth and light to all living things, from the tulips to the morning glories to even the "miserable and the crotchety." In this personification, the sun becomes a symbol of unconditional love and acceptance, a preacher of kindness and compassion.      As I read thes...

Nature Journal 4: A Full Moon September 30, 2023 Full moons have always been such a funny thing for me to think about. People associate weird experiences, feelings, and events with the phases of the moon, and I’ve always enjoyed silently following people’s theories about the moon. The fascination with full moons is not limited to just superstitions and anecdotal stories of bizarre occurrences. Throughout history, different cultures have imbued the moon with a multitude of meanings, attributing it to fertility, harvests, and even the cycles of life and death. The moon, in its various phases, has been a muse for poets, artists, and philosophers alike, inspiring countless works of art and literature. Even today, my internship with psychiatric patients, the therapists constantly make comments regarding the moon and the ensuing madness. I will credit their beliefs as I’ve witnessed some crazy behavior from kids during full moons.  But, regardless of the accuracy of human sensitivity...

Mary Oliver Poem #2: “Oxygen” September 30, 2023      Mary Oliver's poem, "Oxygen," invites readers to explore the profound interconnectedness between nature and human existence, highlighting the significance of the air we breathe. In just a few lines, Oliver manages to capture the essence of life, love, and our undeniable dependence on the natural world. It evoked a great sense of reflection in me, and for that, I appreciated how Mary Oliver was able to personify this invisible part of life.      The poem begins with a universal truth, "Everything needs it: bone, muscles, and even, while it calls the earth its home, the soul." In this opening line, Oliver emphasizes the universality of the need for oxygen. It's not just a biological necessity for our bodies but something that penetrates even the deepest recesses of our being, reaching the soul. By personifying oxygen as a "noisy machine," she introduces a sense of vitality and constant motion, mak...