Water ripples on the surface of Ežezers Lake in the Latgale region, Latvia

© Eaglewood Films/Nimi

A day to take a moment

“We can never have enough of nature.” So said the American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, whose birthday – 12 July – is celebrated in the USA as National Simplicity Day. Thoreau’s most famous work, Walden, is his account of the two years, two months and two days he spent away from society in a cabin in the woods by Walden Pond in the US state of Massachusetts. In it, he encourages readers to take a step back and look for ways to simplify our lives.

“Our life is frittered away by detail,” Thoreau observed, “simplify, simplify”. This advice is as sound today as it was 165 years ago when it appeared in print. We hope this calming image of Ežezers Lake in Latvia helps you to slow down, step back and consider your life. Some things you can do to mark the day are to unplug from your devices (even this one, eventually), declutter your house, take a walk in the woods or read a book - maybe even Walden.