"Go out into nature. Nature is not our enemy, it is our home; in fact, it sustains us and is in every one of us. Out of doors we learn very quickly that there is another rhythm and a different agenda from the frenetic pace and program. Feel the rain and wind on your face, smell the fragrance of soil and ocean, gaze at the spectacle of the myriad stars in clear air or countless animals making their annual migration. Doing so will rekindle that sense of wonder and excitement we all had as children discovering the world and will engender a feeling of peace and harmony at being in balance with the natural world that is our home." (Suzuki, 2002)
I read this quote earlier in the week and decided I need to follow instructions: Go out into nature. This is a wild and stressful week where time is not on my side as I prepare for and participate in a number of things. I needed this. I needed to experience my place. My trip outside today I made sure to give it the time and space it deserved. It took as long as it needed to and I went where I was meant to go.
I am the steward of my place. I try to take only what I need and give back when I can. Today I walked and watched. It was windy. It was hot to the point of sweating even in the evening. There are no mosquitoes this year and this worries me. This is my fourth summer living in this place and I am slowly becoming aware of the natural cycles of the place. Some cycles I've noticed:
Suzuki, D. (2002). The sacred balance: Rediscovering our place in nature. Toronto: Greystone Books.
I read this quote earlier in the week and decided I need to follow instructions: Go out into nature. This is a wild and stressful week where time is not on my side as I prepare for and participate in a number of things. I needed this. I needed to experience my place. My trip outside today I made sure to give it the time and space it deserved. It took as long as it needed to and I went where I was meant to go.
I am the steward of my place. I try to take only what I need and give back when I can. Today I walked and watched. It was windy. It was hot to the point of sweating even in the evening. There are no mosquitoes this year and this worries me. This is my fourth summer living in this place and I am slowly becoming aware of the natural cycles of the place. Some cycles I've noticed:
- The depth and speed of the river during different seasons
- What birds I can expect to see during each month
- The wildflowers; dandelions start in May, roses bloom in mid-June, and Black-eyed Susans come after that. The milkweed will be in full bloom in July, bringing the monarch catepillars.
- The wildlife; I will see robins first in April, Kingbirds come after in May and June, I might see a turtle or two cross the lawn on their way between the river and swamp in June but I will definitely see them on the sunny logs in the river all summer long. This is the first year the fox with the broken front leg hasn't come to the back yard.
Suzuki, D. (2002). The sacred balance: Rediscovering our place in nature. Toronto: Greystone Books.