The power of nature

One of my favorite parts about riding in the duo bike, are the things I see along the way. Each time, there is some magical piece of nature that sends a thrill up my spine.

My mom was a flower enthusiast when I was growing up. Her garden of flowers in our backyard was stunning and could have won awards, had she been into that kind of thing. She was a humble gardener with an immense knowledge of plants that she taught anyone who was interested.

My sister inherited her green thumb and has a beautiful collection of flowers of her own. I enjoy looking at the beauty of it, but gardening is not really an interest of mine. It feels unattainable to me because my disability does not allow me to be physical in the yard.

When my husband and I got married and bought our first house, I could see that he too was passionate about landscaping and creating a beautiful yard. He finds immense joy and peace spending hours in the yard on the weekends, just as my mom always did.

Lucky me, I get to sit back and reap the rewards of the stunning landscapes.

Over the years, I have gotten into planting a few pots here and there around my yard. That is really the extent of my gardening. I also find it peaceful to go out in the evenings on my scooter and water the plants. I guess you could call me an adaptive gardener.

I have learned to embrace nature in a whole new way since I started riding in the duo bike along the many different paths and trails in Hamilton County.

The Monon Trail is my favorite in the early morning light, just as the sun is rising. I love to see how the light dances on the leaves and trees as the sun rises and peeks in and out as we run. It truly is magical and a wonderful time for spiritual connection.

Nature is a reminder that there is something so much bigger than the small lives we sometimes limit ourselves to. It feels like there are endless possibilities and sparks a creative energy in me.

Before the duo bike, I had not experienced nature like that since I was a little girl when I was able to ride my bike all over town. I was not noticing the same beauty then, as I do now.

My son, who recently went on a hiking trip to The Grand Tetons, said, “at times, the scenery was so beautiful it was hard to focus my eyes.” I loved that, and I understand what he means.

It can be hard for our minds to comprehend that such beauty can exist.

To me, nature now serves as a reminder that there are possibilities that I have not yet explored. I can find peace and calm, in a sometimes grueling and stressful life.

The best part about it is, that it is free and open to anyone who has a desire to connect. While the world is shouting, nature whispers. The sounds and smells of nature can be every bit as intoxicating as what our eyes can see.

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting on my back patio reading a book. I was in a bit of a funk because things were just feeling so heavy and difficult that day. As I sat there, I kept hearing chirp, chirp, chirp. At first, I did not look up and kept reading, but it felt so near and was so persistent. I looked up to see a stunning cardinal staring back at me.

In that moment, the heaviness vanished and turned to peace, as the cardinal and I looked at one another. He chirped a few more times while staring at me and then flew away.

If life is feeling heavy right now, or you just need a reminder that there is more to life than the woes of our physical bodies, get outside. Go for a bike ride, a walk or just simply sit and be still.

We all deserve a warm embrace from Mother Nature.

Until next time …

Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, freelance writer, wife, and mom of two boys. She is the recipient of The Reporter’s Winter 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.org and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.