By CONNIE MERTZ

I have always been intrigued how nature melts away the pressures of life.

Take the methodic movement of ocean waves. Watching and listening to the roar of water as it rushes to shore is relaxing and comforting. While I enjoy being in the water, I enjoy sitting on a bench in the evening, admiring the golden sunset and being enthralled with its beauty.

Take the calming effect of a campfire. Who among us hasn't sat dazed staring into the flame? The toasted marshmallows are consumed, and the conversation is almost nil. There is a hush as the fire crackles and burns, miniature sparks fly into the night sky and we are hypnotized by its presence. We lean back and allow our minds to wander to another time and place.

Take the beauty of a landscape from atop a vista. Last week, I had the opportunity to travel the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Towering distant mountain peaks and rugged summits caught my eye. As I stood gazing at several overlooks, I could sense a peace that I hadn't experienced in a long time. It climaxed when we climbed to over 3,300 feet and edged our way out onto huge rocks. We had never experienced such awesomeness, and it seemed as if we could see forever. Vultures and raven flew effortlessly using the thermals. We even saw a peregrine falcon soaring. It was hard to leave this magical place. I was relaxed enough to take an afternoon nap on the rocks!

Take a trip to the ocean or the mountains, or enjoy a campfire. You'll agree with me, nature does have a cure for all the pressures we experience in life-even if it's only for a few days.