Walk in the Woods
July 8, 2009
Carthage, Tx
When I walk, it is largely intuitive. I am in a state of spontaneous flow. I become my element. I seep through grasses, branches, vines and leaves. Bob through like a raindrop. Trudge through waist-high meadow grasses like an ox, all the while smiling. I stop myself on purpose at new places each walk, look around with intention and awareness. I discover something new every time I do this. Perhaps something grand and jaw-dropping like the faerie house and crossroads; perhaps a new caterpillar - silvery fuzz too precise and even to seem natural - perfect, long, black accent whiskers at each end. I blew gently and it ducked its head in surprise. I stop, breathe, absorb. Such rich colors - almost super-saturated, they are so intense. The greens glow and sing - sunlight igniting chlorophyll until the sky seems full of emeralds. Looking up into the branches of a very tall tree is like clinging to the leg of a beloved parent, knowing that I am sheltered and regarded fondly, despite my weaknesses and flaws.
Trees are a gateway to spirituality for me: trees and water. Like swimming when the water is blood-warm and cool at the same time. Slipping effortlessly through with strong arms and legs, my lungs and heart chakra full to bursting. I flow, blend and connect with my element.
Today I saw egrets standing on cows: twelve adult cows and one baby. I saw butterflies mating on ivy. I felt the thrill and the bliss of being in woods that require mindfulness to be safe. They are so lovely as to be stunning and humbling… AND, there is copious poison ivy. There are thorns, hidden holes, spiders, snakes, mosquitoes, ticks and cow shit. It is NOT all sweetness and light. It is a very REAL place - vital and mutable. Welcoming yet indifferent. A survivor. There are bones and scat of numerous animals in those woods. There are deer, coyotes, rabbits, cattle, birds, lizards and frogs.
It feels like edge play to walk at twilight. The light fades fast, deep in the woods. I watch the fireflies begin their dance - their conversation with each other. I imagine they are the sentry of the faerie. I hear the sounds begin to change. The crickets and frogs turn up the volume. Day birds give way to night bird song. Mosquitoes hum and hover. I begin to feel the other side of this forest’s potential. The warm colors have muted and gone out, and all is cool, dark blue and shadows. When I emerge into the lighter meadow to return to the house, I look back into the trees and am almost alarmed at how dark it is inside - knowing that I was just walking alone in there with every confidence. My mouth’s a little dryer, but it smiles in contentment and triumph.
These walks are GOOD for me.
Carthage, Tx
When I walk, it is largely intuitive. I am in a state of spontaneous flow. I become my element. I seep through grasses, branches, vines and leaves. Bob through like a raindrop. Trudge through waist-high meadow grasses like an ox, all the while smiling. I stop myself on purpose at new places each walk, look around with intention and awareness. I discover something new every time I do this. Perhaps something grand and jaw-dropping like the faerie house and crossroads; perhaps a new caterpillar - silvery fuzz too precise and even to seem natural - perfect, long, black accent whiskers at each end. I blew gently and it ducked its head in surprise. I stop, breathe, absorb. Such rich colors - almost super-saturated, they are so intense. The greens glow and sing - sunlight igniting chlorophyll until the sky seems full of emeralds. Looking up into the branches of a very tall tree is like clinging to the leg of a beloved parent, knowing that I am sheltered and regarded fondly, despite my weaknesses and flaws.
Trees are a gateway to spirituality for me: trees and water. Like swimming when the water is blood-warm and cool at the same time. Slipping effortlessly through with strong arms and legs, my lungs and heart chakra full to bursting. I flow, blend and connect with my element.
Today I saw egrets standing on cows: twelve adult cows and one baby. I saw butterflies mating on ivy. I felt the thrill and the bliss of being in woods that require mindfulness to be safe. They are so lovely as to be stunning and humbling… AND, there is copious poison ivy. There are thorns, hidden holes, spiders, snakes, mosquitoes, ticks and cow shit. It is NOT all sweetness and light. It is a very REAL place - vital and mutable. Welcoming yet indifferent. A survivor. There are bones and scat of numerous animals in those woods. There are deer, coyotes, rabbits, cattle, birds, lizards and frogs.
It feels like edge play to walk at twilight. The light fades fast, deep in the woods. I watch the fireflies begin their dance - their conversation with each other. I imagine they are the sentry of the faerie. I hear the sounds begin to change. The crickets and frogs turn up the volume. Day birds give way to night bird song. Mosquitoes hum and hover. I begin to feel the other side of this forest’s potential. The warm colors have muted and gone out, and all is cool, dark blue and shadows. When I emerge into the lighter meadow to return to the house, I look back into the trees and am almost alarmed at how dark it is inside - knowing that I was just walking alone in there with every confidence. My mouth’s a little dryer, but it smiles in contentment and triumph.
These walks are GOOD for me.