05.28.07
Posted in Nature at 12:06 pm by Ric
Last week I visited the Audubon Rowe Sanctuary in central Nebraska. Walking some of the trails along the Platte River I saw a number of sign posts with qoutes about enjoying nature. I took a picture of one as a quick way to record the qoute for later use then decided that presenting them as picture here might make sense.
Some are on sign posts and some were posted inside an observation blind. The photo quality isn’t the greatest but you can get the ideas.
I hope you enjoy these!
Permalink
05.24.07
Posted in Nature at 5:15 am by Ric
As I write this I am sitting under one of my favorite trees. Part of the reason it is a favorite could have to do with the fact that it is located in a place I don’t get to visit very often, making it more special.
I am sitting at Fort Kearney State Rec Area. The tree is a Cottonwood, probably well over fifty years old. I’ve known this tree for 21 years. It once had four main trunks. One apparently fell in a storm. Another was cut, probably at the same time.
The two remaining trunks curve right and left, offering shade to anyone that cares to spend some time under it’s canopy.
The two lost trunks were the larger and taller by far. The remaining leaves seem meager by the usual standards of a Cottonwood this age. Yet they still provide shade, at this time of day, over an area about 50 by 75 feet plus another about 20 x 40.
This tree is clearly in it’s declining years yet it still offers sanctuary to the Oriole chattering and singing as I write and the Robin sitting on an end of a branch. The leaves still rustle in the wind providing one of the most delightful sounds of late spring, summer, and early fall.
Why is this tree one of my favorites? Because it offers me sanctuary. It’s canopy shields me from the most intense rays of the sun, allowing just enough to filter through it’s leaves, waving gently in the breeze, providing an ever changing light show. It allows me to witness the birds taking refuge there.
But wouldn’t most trees do that as well? Yes they would. This tree is special because it stands alone. The nearest tree is 100 feet away and it is quite small in comparison. I’ve always had a soft spot for trees that seem to be an oasis in the middle open area, even if that area is relatively small.
In this case the tree sits on the boundary of the park, right next to a corn field. Being close to field there is nothing to block the wind making the tree rustle all the more. Yet today there are occasional periods of complete stillness proving contrast.
Another reason I like this tree is history. Because it stands out I have always remembered this tree since the first year. I have watched it change and evolve. From something bigger and fuller to the declining tree it is now. This tree and I have history. I have evolved along with it. This tree reminds me of the old Chinese dictum, “Everything changes except the fact that everything changes”.
Today, as I write this, I find comfort under it’s branches.
Permalink
05.16.07
Posted in Nature, TCM, Seasons at 9:55 am by Ric
After several days of weather that at least made us think of summer, the temperatures have backed off a bit.
Most of last week and weekend I had a lot of yard work to do. I was wearing shorts all day. I wore sandals and no socks because my feet were hot. All my windows were open (my neighbors on both sides were running their air conditioners all day and night). At first it felt odd to be sweating while working but it quickly became a familiar condition. After a slow start due to the cold spell in April, trees have leafed out now. Mosquitos and other insects even made their appearance. Shades of summer!
When I woke yesterday morning, Tuesday 15th, it was overcast and felt downright cold in comparison.
When weather is consistent for awhile my body gets used to it. I tend to think it’s going to stay that way.
In this case it took me a few hours to except that it was too cold to have all the windows open. I put up with cold feet until I realized I need to wear socks again.
Even though I know better, I am surprised when shifts like this occur
I have to remind myself that spring is a transitional season, taking us from the dry, bitter cold of winter to the hot humid days of summer, the extremes of yin and yang. While winter and summer offer relatively consistent weather, spring and fall are highly variable. Spring weather can be winter or summer like and everything in between, often covering great territory in the course of a few minutes.
Yesterday was a good example. It was heavily overcast, breezy, and quite cool. Then for awhile the sun came out and the wind eased and it started feeling a little summer like for awhile. As the earth is moving closer towards the sun, the sun plays an even bigger role in our comfort.
When I get busy working, as I was last week, it is easy to slip out of the “being” mode and get in the “doing” mode. When I stay tuned into my surroundings I’m more in sync with the changes, living in harmony.
Actually the variations and subtilties of spring are something I treasure.
Enjoy spring while it’s here!
Permalink
05.02.07
Posted in Nature, Wellness at 9:03 am by Ric
Of all the posts I’ve added since I began this weblog, more than half have been primarily about nature observation or season change. I knew it would take this slant be maybe not that much. Since my practice deals with wellness and helping others restore comfort and balance to their lives why all the emphasis on nature?
When we notice our surroundings we are more connected with them and we see ourselves as part of a bigger picture. In the process our wellness is improved and our life is more in balance.
For most people that come to my office, stress is a large issue. I know from my years of working in a stressful corporate job that if I put all my energy into the task in front of me and tune out my surroundings I also lose touch with myself and my body. I’m operating mostly out of my head. It is when we lose this awareness of self that we fall into patterns of discomfort. When we break the connection with our tasks, even briefly, and return to ourselves it allows our body to do it’s job of keeping us in balance and comfort.
When we cast our gaze outward at our environment it helps get us out of our heads. By honing our skills at observation it allows us to make a healthy habit of being a part of our surroundings rather than separate from them. When we take the larger view we use more of ourselves. This balance of self benefits our physical, emotional, and even spiritual life.
We spend much time each day outside even if just it’s walking to our car or driving to work. Even if we work in a sea of concrete and buildings there is still natural light (and dark). There is wind, blue sky and clouds. Even the unnatural sounds become a part of the environment. Cars passing by echo against the buildings. Horns honking, people walking, construction sounds. They all remind us that we are a part of something bigger.
Observation is a skill we have all possessed. Young children are naturally inquisitive. No one looks with more awe at their surroundings than a child. As adults this awe is not lost, just forgotten. With practice we can get it back. It only takes a few seconds to do so.
What are you noticing?
Permalink
