In the Stillness of the Gardens

On a beautiful spring morning on May 16, members of the St. Andrew’s community gathered at Airlie Gardens for “A Walk with Friends,” hosted by the parish Health & Wellness Ministry.

Deb Goughnour and Mary Carter (Committee Co-Chairs) opened the morning with a spiritually grounded devotion and prayer centered on God’s presence in creation and the sacred invitation to slow down long enough to truly notice the world around us. Deb also shared reflections on the benefits of nature walks, reminding the group that time spent in nature can quiet the soul, renew the spirit, and awaken us to the deeper connection between ourselves, one another, and God’s creation.

As the group walked through Airlie’s scenic gardens, admired the seasonal blooms, and paused near the labyrinth by Mt. Lebanon Chapel, the morning became more than simply a walk. It was a gentle reminder that God often meets us not only in sanctuaries and prayers, but also in birdsong, sunlight, friendship, and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

In the stillness of the gardens and the companionship of the walk, participants were invited to slow down, notice, and simply be present to God and one another.

The Healing Benefits of Nature Walks

Reduces Stress

Walking in nature helps lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and a calmer mind.

Improves Mood

Exposure to natural surroundings boosts serotonin and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.

Boosts Immune Function

Spending time in nature strengthens your immune system by enhancing your body’s ability to fight illness.

Enhances Creativity

Disconnecting from technology and walking in nature sparks creativity and problem-solving skills.

Supports Mental Clarity

A walk in nature refreshes the mind, improves focus, and reduces mental fatigue.

Increases Physical Health

Walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts overall energy.

The Color Green

Natural green spaces can help reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Bird Songs

The sounds of birds can reduce activity in the amygdala, restore focus, and improve mood.

We walked beneath the live oaks

while morning light poured through the branches

like a blessing.

Airlie Gardens asked nothing of us

except that we slow down enough

to notice...

the birdsong,

the blooming paths,

the quiet companionship of friends,

and the holy feeling

that God is often found

in beautiful things

that do not hurry.