Our location is pretty close to Lake Lawtonka. It's a super-short drive and bicycle ride to enjoy a walk (or ride) along the shoreline or even just to wander down the road connecting camp sites. We believe nature is essential to one's overall well-being. It's a way to recharge our souls. Enjoying, appreciating, and taking care of nature builds a connection that is holy. When that connection is lost, we aren't well. This concept is not new, of course, but it definitely seems to be forgotten in our society of working, buying, buying some more, and always going.
As we were strolling along the lake the other morning we were in shock as to how people left their campsites and the beautiful shore. How can we not take care of something so beautiful and perfect which was made for us? How can we recharge when nature has been trashed? We believe that it's because that connection to nature is not seen.
In central Europe this connection has been cherished and cultivated. Place of nature, something left green, within a town or close to a town which is easily reachable offering a reprieve from the hustle and bustle from the hectic lives we live can be found all over Europe . It's a place to recharge. An emotional and mental retreat. In Europe they have many opportunities for the public to enjoy nature; to breathe fresh air! In the U.S., at least in our area, most land is privately owned and fenced in. Which is why living near the Wichita Mountains and the lake is such a blessing! We are able to enjoy nature, breathe in fresh air, and recharge our souls. In Germany they have a word for such a place. It's called a Naherholungsgebiet. Literally it means, close recuperation area. As far as we know, there is no term for this type of place in the U.S. other than park. But, it's so much more than a park.
These areas are meant for daily use (and appreciation). Something to be valued and not used and abused. To be cared for and protected. Not just for us, but for others to enjoy as well.So when we find such an area, let us be thankful and respectful. Enjoy it, but do not abuse it; A trashy area is not very recharging.
With the increasing use of technology (always being reachable), this type of place is even more important today than it was 10-20 years ago. As the Germans would say, nature is "Balsam fuer die Seele." Roughly translated it means that nature is a healing remedy for the soul Actively seeking out quiet and nature is important for our overall health. This is the main reason we do not offer cable or internet in our cabins.
"Study Nature. Love nature. Stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
- Frank Lloyd WrightGreetings from the Stone Turtle - Lodging!
This blog is brought to you
by the lovely (biased opinion, we know) Stone Turtle – Lodging, a small family
owned and operated hotel / lodging business near Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort
Sill, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife
Refuge, Meers and Medicine Park. Yeah, that’s right we’re a small lodging
business close to all the awesomeness Oklahoma has to offer!!
