Morton Arboretum (Journal)

Billy Petersen
Professor Williams
Nature Journal
12/4/19
Morton Arboretum

        Today is the day. The day my family has been anticipating for almost a year. October 5th is an exciting time for my family because my sister is getting married. The wedding takes place at the beautiful Morton Arboretum, a historic landmark for many native Chicagoan's.

        I decided to venture out to the Arboretum early in the morning to explore the scenery. October in Chicago means changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and all of the other beautiful things fall has to offer.

        I started my journey around 7:00am. The sun was rising, and its rays sparkled in the mist that was steaming off the ground. I walked on dew-covered wood chips and observed everything living in the forest. I wanted to focus on being an active listener in an environment that was quiet and peaceful. I heard birds chirping to one another as they flew sporadically throughout the sky. I could hear a woodpecker in the distance determined to poke through a tree. From large animals to tiny insects I could hear everything, even the wind slowly flowing across my body.

        Before I left for the hike, I decided to leave my phone in the car. It is amazing how much more attentive you are as a listener away from technology. I was fully emerged in nature with a clear mind and not a worry in the world. I finally realized why my sister chose to have her wedding at the Morton Arboretum. Being surrounded by nature allows people to get away from the stresses of their everyday lives. Only 40 minutes from Chicago, one of the biggest cities in the world, the Morton Arboretum is an escape from a hectic city lifestyle. Having her wedding in a secluded outdoor environment allowed people to come together and celebrate one of the best days of her life. Sometimes people must realize the importance of putting down their technology and spending time with loved ones, because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most in life.

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