Thoreau understood that wildness is not dependent upon a vast, unsettled track of land. Rather it is a quality of awareness, and openness to the light, to the seasons, and to nature’s perpetual renewal.
John Elder, Introduction to Nature Walking by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Needed a Natural Area fix yesterday so I drove out to Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I wanted to get in some steps so I walked along the ponds with camera and tripod. I had no real goals. I just needed to be there. My time there was healing. just what I needed. Beautiful clouds directly above me and over the Front Range. A touch of color after the sun had set. And the water was calm providing inspiring reflections. Nature does that!
My fix was needed because I have felt a bit down. I do that once in awhile. But, I am grateful for the gift of this awareness of feelings. I’ve come to know my feelings are not my reality, they point to something deeper. There is no need for me to worry, or be fearful, or greedy, or resentful, since those are just thoughts. My life is good! Heck we just got a 3.24% increase in our SSA check. My IRA made money this past year. Although I spent part of that on car repairs. The reality is I have everything I need. I am privileged. One year ago I was a very sick man and in the hospital which let me know of health issues that have since been addressed. Today I meet with my cardiologist for a nine month checkup after the TAVR procedure they did last March. I enjoyed a taste of the Christmas season Tuesday evening as I dressed up as Santa for the baristas at Starry Night’s employee party. What a gift that I would be asked to be a part of their celebration. It was way kool! I’m aware I’ve drifted off course with my eating during this season but eagerly accepted a gift box of almond truffles. No, I’m not sharing them!!
I’ll end with this by applying the words of John Elder to my life. I have a quality of awareness in my life, what is reality and what isn’t. I am learning to be open to the light of new tomorrows, new horizons and venture towards them for as long as I can. I am also aware that each season of life is always preceding another season of renewal. So, my fix in nature lifted my spirits. I do have a desire to live the brevity of my life the best I can. Hope you have a great day. Thanks for listening to me ramble or is it babbling.
And, Happy Birthday to my youngest granddaughter, Madie!!!
6 Comments
Mark
A message of openness to light seems fitting for today on the solstice Monte! 🙂
Glad you persevered through those challenges proclaiming “not yet!”
Monte Stevens
You are right, Mark, it is fitting for today. You know I never seem to regret my efforts to visit this area for sunsets. I’m always given something!
Faye White
The reflections are superb but the color along the horizon is delicious. You are fortunate to live near wilderness areas and that you’re aware of their healing properties for you.
Monte Stevens
Yes, the color along the mountains was a special gift. I did warm the temperature a bit in post processing. I am very fortunate to live near several natural areas and have access to them. They do bring me healing in many ways.
Earl
Perhaps that’s a cornerstone of a rewarding personal, emotional and spiritual existence: “an awareness of what is reality and what isn’t.” Sometimes, it’s easier said than done. We do have our filters. I smiled when I thought of “Santa Monte.” It sounds like great casting to me. Have a wonderful, safe Christmas, Monte, and I guess I’ll look elsewhere for almond truffles. 😉
Monte Stevens
I’m learning to live more in the present moment, knowing that facing both life and death are a spiritual experience. However, I do struggle with all those filters I’ve acquired over the years which is not easy to do but doable. Playing the Santa for those young people (20-30 year olds) was a sweet experience. And, yes I’m going to horde this box of truffles but you can order them here. That way you have have your box unless you share them with Bonnie (or buy her a box also). Hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas season. Looking like we could have a touch of snow here.