#ANatureDesiderata

Sitting here alone at home on this rainy day, gazing outdoors while listening to the rain of soft pellets dance on my roof – it was soothing to my mind and spirit. As I closed my eyes to meditate, it reminded me of what I call a “take-me-away, Calgon” moment, a phrase used when I was younger. For those who are unaware of what a “take-me-away, Calgon” moment is, allow me to briefly define it. It was a TV commercialized slogan used in the 1980s and 90s to pitch a bubble bath product for relaxation. This commercial was so effective during that time to the point that many of us couldn’t wait for that moment to de-stress or unwind at the end of a long day feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed.

I believe everyone at some time in their life needs a “Calgon” moment – relief from constant bombardment of drama, stressors, challenging life events, and other forms of negativity. The good news is stress can easily be managed and controlled which I’ve learned to achieve through meditation, such as by going for nature walks or watching sunsets and sunrises from beachfronts, just to name a few. We long for those “take-me-away Calgon” moments. For our mind and spirit need a break from all the upheaval that are now prevalent in society.

As the raindrops continued to fall, I began meditating by closing my eyes and taking deep breaths. Then, I visualized walking in a forest, a place of life and light, and hearing singing birds and trickling water from a nearby, cascading stream. I envisioned butterflies circling about in sunlit areas along with other beautiful signs of a healthy forest. Sights and sounds of nature are welcomed and most familiar to me. It brought back memories I had during my former career as a hydrologist and National Forest manager. After five minutes of meditating on this nature scene, my mind and body began to reach calm and rid negativity from life stressors.

Moreover, throughout my meditative journeys, I’ve further experienced desiderata, a place of calmness, happiness, peace, and relaxation. As a result, I reached a level of positivity with a less burdensome spirit, and a quiet space for listening to my inner voice and hearing my truths.

Both as a life teacher and wonderful counselor, nature-driven, desiderata moments have served me well. With that, I would like to see or hear about your “take-me-away, Calgon” or desiderata moment by posting on this website.

Thanks in advance!

Gala D. S. Goldsmith

President/CEO

Be mindful: “Be You. Do You. For You”