My mother has always said that I’m a runner. When the going gets tough, I get going. She says I’ve done it ever since I was a little girl. And I have to say, I do remember a smaller version of myself, backpack fully loaded, heading out the door. Proclaiming to any who was listening that I was leaving, and never coming back.
I think it’s because people exhaust me. And not in a bad way, just in the way that all of your heavy hearts are loud in my ears. Your sadness and your anger and your sorrows and your indignations are like symbols clashing in the confines of my head. It’s a lot to bear. Because I love the world, very much. I love people, because I know what they are capable of. The vast capacity we have to love is so beautiful it brings me to tears. The essence of our spirits, of our humanities, is the stuff that great symphonies are made of. And yet, we are such a disappointment. Capable of such greatness, but rarely living up to it. And I don’t exclude myself here—I carry my own weight in this. I play my own part. I am no better.
But, I am tired. I do grow weary of watching us ignite ourselves. The fumes of our beings are toxic, and they cloud up in the lining of my vision. I choke upon the burning of our spirits. My body craves fresh air. All of this negativity is dangerous to fragile souls, which all of us are. So delicate. And I find myself growing angry. Angry at injustice, at cruelty, at the dichotomous natures of everything we are. And so I run away.
I am not abandoning the world. I am just giving myself a break from it. Allowing the wells of my love to refill themselves in the quietude of nature. In the way the sun warms the stones that line the banks of rivers. In the way the river baptizes me with the coolness of her depths. Her roaring crashes send a fine sheen that mists upon my skin, invigorating me. Bringing me back.
I need to take moments, here and there, to lie amidst the innocence of natural things. To peer into the faces of the flowers that grow wild along the lining of the trail. To let the butterflies fan the beading sweat that blossoms on my upper brow. Gossamer wings brushing up against the flesh.
It’s because I love you that I have to do this. It’s because I know we’re better than we are. We just lose sight of that. Things like love don’t come and go. They are always there, but they are buried beneath the mountains of distraction that we build throughout our days. To rediscover them is our duty. And how we do it is the path we choose.
And so, I choose this one. A path long overgrown by a nature that has sought to reclaim all that it has lost. Beside a river, where I can dip my feet into the healing waters that restore the broken soul. Come meditate with me. Let the river take your burdens and carry them away downstream. Let her fill you up with all things new and all things love. Because, in the end, that is all we ever have.
Nature is such a necessary ingredient to healthy living. That’s why I have to live in rural places where I can get my daily fix just walking out the door. Sounds like you need the same, Shayleene. 🙂
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The very same indeed. It has all the medicine we need.
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Funny that you’re talking about taking a break. I’ve lately been thinking about sleep and silence as ways to rejuvenate. Must be the summer doldrums.
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It’s the restlessness in our bones. It’s nature tickling the soles of our feet. And yes, the summer doldrums.
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Beautiful. I feel every word. I appreciate the beauty with which you both remind and call us back to our essence. Nature…our home. Blessings to you. 💕
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And to you. Be well. Travel safely. All my love. ❤️
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I feel that the older I get – the less people I want or need in my life. Have no idea if it’s a good or bad thing – just that it’s more peaceful when I’m on my own. 😊
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It’s a good thing. I think. I’ve found the same. Cutting back on that negativity. We can love people, sometimes better from a distance.
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Maybe u need to take off and recharge, like to Baja or the BVI-
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I think you’re right about that. BVI here I come.
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Getting in touch with nature sustains me. Retreating from everyday life brings me home to myself. Do what you need to do 💕
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Brings me home to myself. I like that. An eloquent way of putting it. Thank you. ❤️
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I’m with you, Shatleene. There’s a time for flight. I’ve heard that some persons can do that everyday, inside, just long enough to survive in the city until they can get back to the river or the forest. I haven’t learned that yet, so it helps to read things like this. Very beautiful writing. And true to life.
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Shayleene. (Sorry)
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😂😂 you are the hundredth person to do this lol. No worries at all. ❤️
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I haven’t learned it either, but what a skill that would be. Thank you for your words. Travel safely.
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Beautifully written piece that speaks to my condition and to many others, I’m sure. It emphasizes the need to occasionally escape the daily toxins by communing with nature. Marvelous on so many levels!
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Thank you. ❤️ have a beautiful week and go spend some time outdoors.
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Thanks Shayleene. Will do. Off to walk the beach with the dogs!
Peace!
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Totally agree 100% with your words and yes who wouldn’t like to just run away for a few days and be one with Nature. Beautifully written and an apt picture too.
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Thank you. 💕 travel safely.
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Welcome desr
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Negativity sure is a drainer! Take care, and find those moments of solitude to refresh!
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You as well. All the best. 💕
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Thanks! We did have a relaxing time for ten days in the Rocky Mountains, in Canada and the U.S. returning last Monday!
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Glad you made it home safely. Sounds beautiful!
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Thanks! It was beautiful. Day by day photos will make their way on to my blog!
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Can’t wait!
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As I read this, I was reminded of a favorite poet, Gary Snyder:
Late October Camping in the Sawtooths
Sunlight climbs the snowpeak
glowing pale red
Cold sinks into the gorge
shadows merge.
Building a fire of pine twigs
at the foot of a cliff,
Drinking hot tea from a tin cup
in the chill air—
Pull on sweater and roll a smoke.
a leaf
beyond fire
Sparkles with nightfall frost.
And a song:
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Thanks for sharing the poem and the song, friend, both beautiful and aposite.
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Welcome.
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❤️❤️
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