Do you have a favourite place that you like to escape to relax and unwind or simply block out all the noise in your life? I think most of us do enjoy some quietness and stillness in our lives. Our lives are busy, fulfilling the demands of others, trying to make money to make ends meet, all in the vain hope that one day we might be able to retire some place quiet and finally relax. I have come up with my very own perfect places to escape and contemplate, some of which may surprise you.
In some cases you don’t need to go very far for a total escape. I can just find a patch of uncrowded beach on the Gold Coast some days, or sit atop Burleigh Headland and perch myself to be still for a while. Otherwise I can drive into the Gold Coast Hinterland to the green and lush rainforested mountain ranges or find a deserted beach within half an hour’s drive of where I live.
Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind. – Amit Ray
Taking in natural beauty around you can be very therapeutic. Sit for a while in your garden, take a stroll around your neighbourhood and notice the trees and flowers, amble through the park, walk along the beach or sit quietly and notice nature’s sounds – bird’s chirping, running water, crashing waves or the breeze rustling in the trees.
I love going camping for a few days with nothing more than a tent, a sleeping bag, some food and provisions either on the beach or in the bush. The last time we did this was on the beach at North Stradbroke Island, that is an hour’s drive and a 45 minute ferry trip from where we live. We set up our camp under the casuarina trees amongst the sand dunes just off the beach at Cylinder Beach.
Of an evening you can light a campfire and star gaze at the night sky taking in the peacefulness of the bush with only the sound being the waves crashing on the shore nearby. Awake the next morning to the sound of laughing Kookaburras and a variety of other birds – no alarm clock is necessary.
During our travels in our caravan we have encountered many beaches on the Australian coastline that we’ve had entirely to ourselves. There is something special about finding a secluded beach that you can stroll along, take a swim (clothing optional) and not encounter one other person.
There’s something euphoric about climbing to the apex of a mountain and then sitting still for a few moments taking in the panorama set before your eyes. It’s even better if you’re the only person sitting atop the mountain, which was the case on several mountains or hilltops that we scaled during our trip around Australia.
Whether it’s a cascading waterfall, a trickling stream, a vast expanse of lake, a duck pond, the seaside or a flowing river – there really is something tranquil about sitting by the water. During a trip down the Murray River, I found sitting alongside the river at the end of the day to be extremely relaxing.
Hiking in the bush or rainforest is one of my favourite things to do, particularly if it leads to a scenic spot like a lookout, viewpoint or a waterfall. There are several hiking options in the Gold Coast Hinterland that I occasionally like to experience, such as the hike to Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park or Natural Bridge.
Escaping to a wonderful 5-star resort either in Australia or in an Asian country is just what the doctor ordered. We’ve taken advantage of great online deals and booked ourselves into luxury accommodation in Thailand, Vietnam or Bali to completely unwind and rejuvenate. Most resorts offer the ultimate in luxury with comfortable sun lounges, bures, day spas and some of the best sunset views.
I don’t mind a stroll through a botanic garden, particularly if there are beautiful plants and flowers to observe. I enjoy pretty rose gardens as they have a certain romance about them and the scent from the flowers is divine.
I like to indulge in a frothy cappuccino or cup of fragrant tea at a cafe and just sit quietly to relax and watch the world go by. It’s even more enjoyable if the cafe has a lovely outlook over the beach or on the waterfront some place.
I will leave you with this very pertinent quote:
The heart at rest sees a feast in everything. ~Hindi proverb
Where do you like to go to escape and contemplate?
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset.
The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
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Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
June 14, 2018A beautiful way to start my day Kathy with many options for escape – that don’t cost any money! I love escaping to our apartment at the Gold Coast but also love walking through Southbank in Brisbane. Even though there are people around you can still find quiet spots to sit and enjoy the river.
Kathy
June 14, 2018Oh yes you do have some lovely options for escapism! I find water very calming and I love to sit by the ocean, a river or lake. We all need some quietness and stillness in our lives. #TeamLovinLife
Jodie
June 14, 2018I loved this post Kathy!! It’s true we don’t have to always go far to find a great escape. Many times there’s a fabulous one in our back yard!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
June 14, 2018Yes it’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard when you start to look. I’m always on the lookout for beauty in my world and find that it gives me a good vibe. There’s way too much negativity in this world. #TeamLovinLife
Min@WriteoftheMiddle
June 14, 2018Oh you’ve made me realllly want to get away! i’ve been nowhere since Mooloolaba in February. It’s time – even for just a day trip away – though a weekend would be better. I love all of your suggestions, particularly as nature well and truly calms and relaxes me. I love that quote at the end – “The heart at rest sees a feast in everything”. Beautiful! :-) #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
June 14, 2018Yes I’m feeling the same way even though I had a 6 week holiday at the beginning of the year! Getting a house ready and having it listed for sale is hard work and I feel like I need a break away soon. I do try to walk each day and find a quiet place to sit still for a while to meditate or contemplate.
Jo Tracey
June 14, 2018Aaaaaah. For me it’s nature – and water. I read your posts on camping and caravanning and am inspired. I know that I’ll go away & consider what my husband says are the practicalities behind the fantasy…& then I’ll read another of your posts & be inspired again.
Kathy
June 14, 2018Yes nature and water are the best forms of escapism and getting away from all the noise in our busy lives. I love my morning rituals of walking and finding a lovely spot somewhere just to sit for a while and contemplate life. We all need to do this once in a while.
Anne Downing
June 14, 2018I have been escaping to our local bushland lately. It does wonders for my soul!
Kathy
June 14, 2018You do a lot of camping Anne and you certainly get off the beaten track. It must be very therapeutic and I know that you know what I’m talking about when it comes to bush camping! It’s so relaxing. #TeamLovinLife
Vanessa
June 14, 2018One of the things I like the most about where I live is that the beaches are so quiet. It’s the easiest getaway ever.
Kathy
June 14, 2018Yes having uncrowded beaches nearby would be a bonus. I can normally find a spot along the Gold Coast that’s not too crowded, particularly on week days. It’s a great way to escape. #TeamLovinLife
budget jan
June 14, 2018Who doesn’t love the chance to escape and contemplate. Great ideas and post.
Kathy
June 14, 2018Thanks Jan. I really need to escape and contemplate most days as my head is all over the place at the moment! I would love to be taking off somewhere for a holiday, but can’t do so at present. #TeamLovinLife
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
June 14, 2018There are some beautiful spots shown in your photos Kathy – I think my idea of peace and relaxation comes from tranquil water, gentle sunshine and something lovely to eat and drink. I think I could find that combination in several of the spots you’ve shown!
Kathy
June 14, 2018Oh yes good food and a glass of wine in hand at any of these locations would be an added bonus! I do have a photo of me enjoying a glass of wine on Cable Beach and I must say that was extremely relaxing watching the sun go down. #TeamLovinLife
Deborah
June 14, 2018Some beautiful spots there Kathy and gorgeous pics! I tend to think of the ocean (or water I guess) as relaxing but I’ve never really spent time in the secluded countryside or mountainside.
But yet… that time away from it all is very important. I need to head to my local beach a bit more!
Kathy
June 15, 2018I think most people find the ocean or water very relaxing. I know I do. With the beach right on my doorstep I tend to head here every day. It’s my favourite part of the day.
Denyse Whelan
June 14, 2018What a lovely post! I know that I like to be in open spaces with nature to unwind or to re-connect with myself after a busy time (getting through this cancer thing is like that) so I drive to the local beach which has expansive views and jus absorb what I can via the senses. I sometimes have been known (in warmer weather) to lie on the grass in our backyard and look up. Brilliant for mindfulness!! Denyse x
Kathy
June 15, 2018Thank you Denyse. Nature truly does help you to reconnect with yourself. I also love to lie on the grass! #TeamLovinLife
Natalie @ Be Kind 2 You
June 15, 2018We have so many beautiful places to explore herein Australia and for me – here in Victoria. Everything is a short drive away and even driving from Melbourne to the Murray River – you experience so much. Love where I live.
Kathy
June 15, 2018We are very fortunate that we don’t have to drive too far out of our major cities to see beautiful countryside. I think that is also what I love about this vast country of ours. #TeamLovinLife
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
June 19, 2018Mountains and hills are the best place to contemplate one’s naval. Once you’re up so high, everything else just seems insignificant. You realise your “problems” are only as big as you allow them to be. The world down there is small when you rise above it. #teamlovinlife
Kathy
June 19, 2018Yes I agree there is something very calming about sitting on top of a mountain or hill. We all need somewhere to escape to occasionally.
Jan Wild
June 25, 2018We are so lucky in this country to have so many places to sit and catch our breath, we do take if for granted I think. Like you I love the sound of birds or running water. The sights, smells and sounds at the beach are some of my favourites – aaah, it is calming just to think about it. I am going to pin this post so that others might enjoy your suggestions.
Kathy
June 26, 2018We are very fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful natural attractions like beaches and rainforest. City living would just not suit me at this time of my life. Thanks Jan. #TeamLovinLife