Interacting with nature
- Alex Nguyen
- Nov 14, 2025
- 2 min read
November 13, 2025
We need nature more than it needs us as humans. What I mean by that is, if Homo sapiens were to disappear from the face of the earth. Nature would thrive as it did billions of years ago. Cities would turn into natural theme parks, pets would turn feral, and vegetation would sprout across the entire earth. Moss would take over the streets, vines and flowers would climb concrete walls. Marine life would recover fully from all human fishing and destruction. Even some cities would turn into forests. But we need nature for the emotional and interconnected bonds, and spiritual well being. Knowing that nature can thrive without humans, made appreciate it even more.
This week has been one roller coaster that never stops with endless studying, babysitting, and Red Bulls. My body, especially my brain, needed a breather. I thought about one place that could help me: Jewell Wetlands Park. To relieve my stress and worry from finals, I wanted to try something new, something to appreciate nature even more. I felt like I needed to hug a tree. Looking around, I only saw trees that had multiple friends, until I saw one lonely cottonwood standing tall. I knew that was the one. I hugged the cottonwood for a few seconds, hoping it would respond, but nothing happened. But I wanted to appreciate the moment, so just like John Muir, I closed my eyes and started listening to the wind. It was like the wind blowing through the branches of the cottonwood was talking to me, telling me to "relax." My shoulders relaxed, and it was as if that very gentle breeze carried my stress far away.
I wanted to do more than just hug a tree. So I started a cool, chill conversation with that same tree since it seemed to be lonely. I asked it a variety of questions, such as "How was your day?" and "Going anywhere?" to see if it can talk back. Doing this made me feel closer to what nature has to offer. Even though it didn't talk back, I acted like it did. It may seem weird, but doing so made me calmer and more appreciative.
This will be my last site journal on this blog. So I wanted to take a longer walk across the whole park. The trees were naked with no leaves, but the setting sun seemed to shine brighter on every single branch than any leaf could. It was a beautiful sight. What began as a homework assignment turned into a treasure find that I will cherish forever. Knowing that this park is only a 5-minute drive, I will come here whenever I feel down or burnt out. I just wanted to say thank you for tuning into my blog and thank you for the best walks of my life. Alex Nguyen signing out!
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