Looking outside, seeing in.
Feeling a little weary and worn out I knew I needed to spend some time outside. Made my way to Brundage Preserve, sat by the pond staring at the reflection on the water, wandered along the town trails and although I usually take one trail and stick with it today I took several, some for just a little bit before turning back, some a little longer. I felt myself drawn to the same things I so often am, the sound of my footsteps crunching on the gravel and then softer on the grass, the dandelions, buttercups and honeysuckle that I loved when I was little, a stream babbling softly against the rocks, the footbridges, benches, and trails themselves designed and maintained for people to enjoy, the way the sunlight peeks through the forest making its way past branches and leaves to the floor creating unexpected areas lush with ferns and other plants despite the darkness around them. I realized how restorative these walks are. My footsteps remind me with each step that I’m here, moving forward on a trail I’m forced to leave other distractions behind and focus on the ground in front of me and figure out which way to go. The things that inspire me outside are a part of me- reflections, growth, persistence, seeking and sharing the light. It’s sometimes hard to see the wonders inside of ourselves but nature can remind us of how wonder-filled we are.
