Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Albert Einstein
Look Deep
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Tag Archives: nature
The Way
The stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius famously said “what stands in the way becomes the way.” I was reminded of this quote while hiking Saturday.
We hit the trail at Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve where we blessedly saw almost no human beings but we did see a good bit of standing water and flood water on the lower trails.
So we started down one only to hit a small lake where Salt Creek had flooded the trail and much of its surroundings. So we headed back to the parking lot and down another trail only to find similar results. So we backtracked to higher land and still had a wonderful hike.
It was an adventure and I enjoyed every minute. That’s because we were moving, we were outside, we were surrounded by tall trees, rock formations, and by reminders that real civilization is to be found in a quiet forest. Real civilization is in the quiet. It’s in a brisk breeze through hemlock. It’s in the birds that sing. It’s even in the small snake that graciously moved off the trail after nearly giving me a heart attack when the “twig” on the path started to zig zag toward my foot.
Evidently the shriek I gave off was uncivilized enough the snake went the other way.
Anyhoo, those detours gave us an excuse to see a trail coming and going. They also reminded us of the power of water and how forces of nature can put humans in their place.
I’m sure not everyone would be so thrilled by such detours but I thought it was a good day. Plus, we went over four miles which is my current personal best since developing a leg issue a few months ago!
What stands in the way when you’re determined to have a good day? Not a darn thing!
Around Here
Around here, there’s a lot to say and nothing to say about how my time has been occupied and where my thoughts wander. Sunsets are welcome as are good books, long weekends and days when I don’t even consider turnjng on the tv.
Around here, I’m trying hard to dial back my stress levels and all around busyness and am avoiding troubling situations when possible. I’m trying to drill to the core of some health issues and am starting to feel like that is a lost cause.
But, around here, we don’t quit and we don’t lose hope. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. That may be the case but I’m convinced it will work one of these days.
Around here, Scout is suddenly sleeping very close to me at night and I’m drinking in the warmth of his little body and the purrs and soft snores that lend such comfort.
Around here I’m still thinking about the wonderful hike I took Saturday and about how lucky I am to live in a place where nature is so accessible to the public.
Around here I’m still thinking about the art we saw, the book shopping we did, and the great pizza we had from a little place in Columbus on Sunday. These handmade prints are accompanied by an old recording of natives speaking that sent shivers down my spine.
I like art that feels meaningful, that I can find a connection to so it’s not just something on a wall but something I will remember.
What a nice day that was.
Around here, it has been windy and cooler than normal. I’m bracing for the summer that’s to come and thinking about ways I can lean into the misery and try to enjoy it. Stay tuned.
Most of all, around here, I’m thinking about the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our nation over our storied history. We are a young country and one with a government prone to mistakes but I will always be grateful for those who answered the call to serve our nation and I am proud of our military.
I didn’t do anything patriotic this Memorial Day weekend other than think about this very topic, admire the flags our local volunteer firefighters put out, and watch the National Memorial Day concert on PBS.
Nonetheless, I have something to say. If you are reading this and you are a veteran or active duty military, I want you to read these words:
Thank You For My Freedom.
Around here, your sacrifices mean everything.
When You Arise
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
Marcus Aurelius
The rain will be back today, creating ideal circumstances to see a movie, linger at the coffee shop or to catch up on chores. Whatever you do, make today count!
First Hike Of The Season
After an unplanned break from steady hiking due to a sprained ankle, illness, rain and ice, I finally made it back out with my hiking partners yesterday. We chose an easy trail and did only about four miles so we could ease back into it.
After a lovely, long winter it felt good to be outside for a stretch of the legs. The sun accompanied us most of the way as did a strong breeze. At about 44 degrees, it was comfortable.
Sunshine on your face, clean air in your lungs and dirt beneath your feet.
These things are vital to health and wellness. These things remind us that we weren’t meant to walk on concrete all day and that our connection to nature will help keep us sane and feeling inspired in an increasingly soulless world.
Even though I live in the country where nature is outside my door, access to parks is of utmost importance to me. I firmly believe that public lands like state and national parks and forests should be protected at all costs. Humans have proven they will strip land of resources and build anywhere they can make a spot without care for the needs of the natural world we rely on so heavily for our health and well being.
Our parks and forests are treasures and I am grateful to live close to public lands so I have a place to go for my own physical and mental health.
What’s your favorite hiking spot? I’m always looking for potential destinations! Have you been out on the trail much this winter? Do tell.
Saturday Is A Beautiful Word
Saturday is a beautiful word filled with endless possibility for us 9 to 5’ers. Sometimes we envision ourselves obliterating a to-do list, spending time on a hobby, or out exploring. My day will be a little of all of these things.
Today won’t be beautiful but it will be 44 degrees and that’s pretty warm so I’ll be going outside anyway. Fresh air is good for clearing the clutter from one’s mind and lungs.
Conditions may not be perfect but it’s the only Saturday we have this week so it’s best to seize the day and use the free time to our advantage.
If you’re watching the news, you know that life here in America has been stressful lately.
I haven’t talked about this here because I consider it my job to rise above the muck of daily living. Instead, I try to give you something positive to think about and something productive to aspire to in your own life. However, it’s important to note that humans were not designed to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Whether you’re mad because you don’t understand why everyone isn’t thrilled with the direction of our government or you’re terrified because you stand with the rest of the world’s belief that the American government is on the wrong side of history, the burden is not yours to carry today.
Take a day off from the madness. Turn off the news, stop doomscrolling social media. Let it go. Even if it is just for today.
You have my permission and my encouragement. You deserve a day off.
Use today to do something you’ve been putting off or to take a long drive on roads you’ve never driven. Invite a friend for lunch or get lost in the quiet of your local library. Bundle up and sit on your porch if you can’t leave home. Nothing feels better than attacking a space to declutter and clean.
My day will include home chores, a hike, and time with my fella. I’ll be avoiding the news and will resist the world’s insistence that human beings are most valued for our wallets and consumerism. Yup, my No Spend Challenge continues in its harshest form again.
But first, we must get out of bed. So do that, have a nutritious breakfast and enjoy your Saturday. You have earned it!