I have a confession to make. I do not understand people who have absolutely no appreciation of nature. I cannot even fathom staying in the house — all the time — watching television, surfing the internet for hours on end, or — worse — playing games on the computer while the clock ticks and night becomes day.  What a waste. Of time, that is. And, even more importantly, it can’t be good for you.

But that’s just my opinion.

One of the greatest elements that we seem to take for granted is …. Oxygen.  I’ve always been somewhat claustrophobic, so I appreciate the open air.  I equate it with Freedom.  When I lived in Montréal (my birthplace), I would open up windows in the middle of winter.  Just to breathe in that crisp, cold air.  It made me feel alive.  Taking a late night walk in the crunchy snow, with my nostrils tingling with cold …. is — for me — simply exhilarating.

Now, I live in a tropical climate and I open the windows to hear the rustle of my bamboo and palm trees and  the sound of frogs and parrots. For me, there is nothing — and I mean, nothing — more delightful than smelling the salt air of the ocean and the jasmine … it’s euphoric. As for the sound of the waves and the tide …. for me, that is my idea of Heaven on earth.

Nature is something that we sometimes take for granted. Humor me. Open up all the windows in your house or apartment.  Breathe in some fresh air.  Appreciate the outdoors and welcome it into your home.  You’ll feel lighter, happier and refreshed (okay, those of you living in the colder climates may need to wear a sweater!!) .

Just breathe.  Oxygen is good for you.

Image via andrewsullivanthedailybeast.com.