The Water’s Edge
It was a gorgeous day! Thursday’s weather was perfect – sunny, blue sky and cool, with intermittent breezes. I spent the late afternoon walking the Stony Run. The ground was muddy from last night’s wintry mix, with patches of snow remaining. The trees are brown and dry, and even the holly looked faded, but the bamboo still stands tall, lush and green.
Heading north, I’ve walked this trail so many times before, but noticed an off-shooting trail new to me disappear in the underbrush, which was scraggly, but I was curious so I braved my way through. I followed the path hoping to discover something new, perhaps a hidden treasure, but was sad to find a dead-end that had the potential of being something special, a place to meditate, but vandals had destroyed it – breaking branches and burning leaves, and leaving behind their empty beer bottles, food wrappers and cigarette butts. What a disgrace!
I made my way back to the main trail, continuing my journey to the end. Occasionally, I noticed trees that had fallen, and there were two more recent victims. Soaring, they are fun to climb – Supine, fun to sit on or walk across, and still impressive, but I would rather see them standing upright because like this they just thin out the forest.
But how I would love to be in the area to see one fall. It would be a scary kind of excitement. Of course, I asked myself the age old question – "If a tree falls in the a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" I know many who are confused by this metaphor.
If something happens, but we don’t know it, can we personally say it happened? And, on the flip-side, if we sense (hear, feel or taste) something, can we be absolutely sure of what we sensed?
By asking these questions, it helps us to establish convincing arguments regarding facts and truth, not observable to people not involved in the actual events, but I digress. (Yes, even I have my philosophical moments, but not too often, mind you.)
On my way back, I traveled the stream (as often as I could) using the stones and rocks, and unfortunately landed in the water too many times. I made it a point to sit periodically by the water’s edge where there was a bend, a shift in the stream, to enjoy the soothing current.
Water has so many wonderful benefits – it quenches our thirst, keeps us clean, can be used for exercise, etc. The physical contributions to the body are great, but the mental advantage is equally fulfilling.
I know many who use water to aid in their meditation, and even I do this on occasion. The sound of water can invoke calm, soothing feelings, which will reduce tension – stress. Give it a try!
As always, I appreciate my me time, and yesterday was the best way for me to end my week. Here’s to the weekend. I’ve read conflicting reports about the weather. It’s fair to say, it will be just as inconsistent as a meteorologist.
It’s so important to get yourself completely out of the mindset of work, thus really taking pleasure in your time away. Be present in the moment, and play hard because Monday morning comes quickly. Enjoy, my friends! – paerki
Heading north, I’ve walked this trail so many times before, but noticed an off-shooting trail new to me disappear in the underbrush, which was scraggly, but I was curious so I braved my way through. I followed the path hoping to discover something new, perhaps a hidden treasure, but was sad to find a dead-end that had the potential of being something special, a place to meditate, but vandals had destroyed it – breaking branches and burning leaves, and leaving behind their empty beer bottles, food wrappers and cigarette butts. What a disgrace!
I made my way back to the main trail, continuing my journey to the end. Occasionally, I noticed trees that had fallen, and there were two more recent victims. Soaring, they are fun to climb – Supine, fun to sit on or walk across, and still impressive, but I would rather see them standing upright because like this they just thin out the forest.
But how I would love to be in the area to see one fall. It would be a scary kind of excitement. Of course, I asked myself the age old question – "If a tree falls in the a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" I know many who are confused by this metaphor.
If something happens, but we don’t know it, can we personally say it happened? And, on the flip-side, if we sense (hear, feel or taste) something, can we be absolutely sure of what we sensed?
By asking these questions, it helps us to establish convincing arguments regarding facts and truth, not observable to people not involved in the actual events, but I digress. (Yes, even I have my philosophical moments, but not too often, mind you.)
On my way back, I traveled the stream (as often as I could) using the stones and rocks, and unfortunately landed in the water too many times. I made it a point to sit periodically by the water’s edge where there was a bend, a shift in the stream, to enjoy the soothing current.
Water has so many wonderful benefits – it quenches our thirst, keeps us clean, can be used for exercise, etc. The physical contributions to the body are great, but the mental advantage is equally fulfilling.
I know many who use water to aid in their meditation, and even I do this on occasion. The sound of water can invoke calm, soothing feelings, which will reduce tension – stress. Give it a try!
As always, I appreciate my me time, and yesterday was the best way for me to end my week. Here’s to the weekend. I’ve read conflicting reports about the weather. It’s fair to say, it will be just as inconsistent as a meteorologist.
It’s so important to get yourself completely out of the mindset of work, thus really taking pleasure in your time away. Be present in the moment, and play hard because Monday morning comes quickly. Enjoy, my friends! – paerki
