Stillness

The river was perfectly still…barely a ripple. Sitting on a bench overlooking the water, I was mesmerized by the reflection of the trees and stones and clouds and sky.

As my body quieted and my busy thoughts faded, the stillness took hold. And I remembered a quotation I had read, ‘We cannot see our reflection in running water. It’s only in still water that we can see.’

I appreciated the reminder to slow down and take time to reflect. To rest in a quiet space and listen for that inner voice…the voice of inspiration and guidance.

My heart was happy for those moments of peace and calm…and grateful to the beautiful river for the experience.

(Additional photos:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

This Moment

While wandering a few days ago, I encountered a grove of magnificent oak trees. Vibrant reds, and oranges, and yellows…the leaves a brilliant contrast to the bright blue sky.

The deeply fragrant fall air and the beauty of the changing leaves lifted my spirits.

And I was struck by the thought that trees are living beings with natural intelligence. They know when it’s time to stop producing chlorophyll…it’s their preparation for winter that provides us with the glorious colors of autumn.

As I stood in awe, I realized that this moment of exquisite beauty couldn’t last. As much as I wanted to hold on to it, the moment would naturally fade.

And then I had a flash. I realized I was lamenting the loss of the moment, rather than being with the magnificence right in front of me.

So, I shifted my focus and celebrated the glorious trees.

And what a wondrous moment that was…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

Huck Finn

Last week, I wandered in a forest that was new to me. A quiet place with few visitors at that early morning hour. My heart always beats a little faster at the thought of adventure. I suspect there’s a bit of Huck Finn in me, the part who craves natural excitement and revels in the unknown.

Truthfully, that part of me doesn’t get to come out as often as I’d like. I realize that my Huck Finn spirit rises up most easily in the natural world. That aspect doesn’t worry that I can’t see ahead or prepare or control what’s around me. It's the part that gasps at waterfalls, marvels at tree giants, and delights in the animals.

As I explored the twists and turns of new paths and scanned my surroundings for wildlife, I realized how much I love that feeling of freedom and adventure.

Nature is where my spirit feels most enlivened. Unencumbered by the trappings of the ordinary world, free to imagine and create, and deeply experience my Huck Finn self…perhaps a part of my true self.

And I’m delighted…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)