Is it not possible that a place could have huge affection for those who dwell there? Perhaps your place loves having you there. It misses you when you are away and in its secret way rejoices when you return. Could it be possible that a landscape might have a deep friendship with you? That it could sense your presence and feel the care you extend towards it? Perhaps your favourite place feels proud of you.
In John O'Donohue's book "Divine Beauty: The Invisible Embrace," he explores the profound connection between people and the places they inhabit. He suggests that a location can hold deep affection for its inhabitants, almost like a mutual relationship. This affinity implies that a place may feel a sense of loss when one is absent and a sense of joy upon their return, highlighting the emotional bond that can exist between a person and their environment.
O'Donohue proposes the idea that a landscape might develop a friendship with an individual, appreciating the care and love that person shows towards it. This perspective encourages readers to view their favorite places not just as physical spaces, but as entities capable of experiencing emotions, pride, and joy in relation to their presence and actions. Such reflections invite a deeper understanding of how we relate to the world around us.
