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Sometimes life in a city can be difficult, especially being surrounded by a constant stream of noise. Cars honking, police sirens blaring, and a neighbor's loud music can be overwhelming.
It's important every so often to do what is possible to take a break, a vacation, from city life.
This is a simple truth that many of us know intuitively, but don't often practice. We want to get away, but the busyness of our schedule or difficult economic situations prevent us from escaping the city.
Pope Benedict XVI believed that however difficult it may be, we need to get out of the city and experience the beauty of nature whenever possible.
Nature vacation
He spoke on this topic during an Angelus address while vacationing in the Aosta Valley in northern Italy. He explained how we need vacations in nature now more than ever:
In the world in which we live, the need to be physically and mentally replenished has become as it were essential, especially to those who dwell in cities where the often frenzied pace of life leaves little room for silence, reflection and relaxing contact with nature.
Benedict XVI continued his reflection on how nature can reconnect us with God:
The vacation period affords unique opportunities for reflection as we face the stirring views of nature, a marvelous "book" within the reach of everyone, adults or children. In contact with nature, individuals rediscover their proper dimension, they recognize that they are creatures but at the same time unique, "capable of God" since they are inwardly open to the Infinite. Driven by the heartfelt need for meaning that urges them onwards, they perceive the mark of goodness and divine Providence in the world that surrounds them and open themselves almost spontaneously to praise and prayer.
The beauty of the natural world reminds us of the beauty of the Creator who made such wonderful sights.
Our heart can become more open to God while viewing the beauty of nature, prompting us to "open" ourselves to "praise and prayer."
Pope Benedict XVI was thankful for the time he spent on vacation in nature, and frequently took advantage of any opportunity to escape the hectic life of Rome.
We all need time spent away "disconnected" from all the artificial screens we see every day and immerse ourselves, if we are able, into the world that God created for us, instead of the world we have created for ourselves.
