John Burroughs - I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order

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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, and Today is August 30th

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the joy of simplicity and how the small pleasures in life can sometimes be the most meaningful.

Today happens to be National Toasted Marshmallow Day, a celebration of one of life’s simplest, yet most delightful treats. Whether you’re camping out under the stars or gathered around a backyard fire pit, there’s something undeniably satisfying about roasting a marshmallow to perfection—or even letting it catch fire if that’s your style.

There’s a kind of magic in the ritual. The way you patiently hold the marshmallow over the flames, watching it slowly transform from a fluffy white puff to a golden, gooey masterpiece. It’s a moment where time slows down, and you’re fully present, savoring the simplicity of it all.

This brings us to today’s quote, from the American naturalist John Burroughs, who once said:

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”

Burroughs reminds us of the power that simple, natural experiences can have in bringing peace and clarity to our lives.

Imagine sitting around that campfire with a marshmallow in hand. The crackling of the fire, the smell of the smoke, the way the flames dance—it’s as if nature itself is inviting you to slow down and just be for a moment.

John Burroughs knew that sometimes, the most profound healing doesn’t come from grand gestures or complex solutions. Instead, it’s found in those simple, grounding moments when you reconnect with the world around you. A walk in the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, or the warmth of a campfire—all these little things can help to soothe your spirit and bring your senses back into balance.

Toasting a marshmallow might seem like a small, almost trivial act, but it’s these small acts that often carry the most significance. They remind you to appreciate the here and now, to find joy in the simplicity of the moment. In a world that’s often loud, busy, and chaotic, it’s these moments of simplicity that can help you reset and find a sense of peace.

So, when Burroughs talks about nature putting his senses in order, he’s really talking about finding clarity and balance in life’s most elemental pleasures. It’s about letting go of the need to control every detail and allowing yourself to be soothed by the simple, natural rhythms of the world around you.

Just like a perfectly toasted marshmallow, these moments don’t require anything fancy—just a little time, a little patience, and a willingness to let yourself enjoy the moment.

As you go about your day today, I encourage you to find your own version of a toasted marshmallow moment. Whether it’s stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, taking a walk in the park, or just pausing for a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, let these simple pleasures bring you peace and clarity.

Thank you for joining me on The Daily Quote. I’m Andrew McGivern, wishing you a day filled with soothing simplicity and moments that put your senses in order. I’ll see you tomorrow with another quote to inspire your day. Until then, take it easy and keep smiling.