I was walking at a quick pace early one morning, squeezing in a brief wander on a busy day. And there she was, this beautiful hooded merganser, all feathered and fluffed.
In my experience, ducks travel in pairs or in groups. But this lovely one was all alone, basking in the late winter sun. Perhaps she was taking a break from her duck clan, enjoying some peace and quiet.
As I watched her, I felt my body calm, and my human concerns faded away. I was fully there with the little duck, quietly enjoying the beautiful morning light. And nothing else mattered.
After a long while, she slipped into the water and paddled down stream. And I had a thought.
Nature doesn’t rush. Her pace is slow and thoughtful and deliberate…fully present in each precious moment. That’s how I aspire to live my days, though I recognize I have a ways to go.
I’m grateful to the lovely merganser for the reminder that it’s possible…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)