Nature Observations

The quarter is coming to an end, and with it so is my frequencies on the site journal. However, Harvard Gulch has become more than just a park for me, rather an oasis of life. For when I'm on the luscious green grass or stepping on the dried-out leaves I'm reminded of the gift of prescences. My friend Ella who I went with today commented on this saying, "How beautiful it is that the trees around us hold the sound, allowing us to breathe." Yes, Ella and I are nature bums, who are yearning for it the more time we spend in concrete forests. However, she was speaking to truth. The truth that nature is our home. The truth that nature rejuvenates us, heals our souls, and puts a shield of love around our being. The love puts us at ease. This is where we are meant to be. While out on the site, we took the shadow of a pine tree sitting underneath to appreciate the pond that lay in front of us. I pointed out all the beauty I had observed on trips before. The way the trees reflect in the water, the wooden fence, and the diverse colors of leaves. In a moment of gratitude for the park and the beautiful weather we were experiencing we decided to do some yoga and roll around in the leaves. We decided to be like nature, free, moving, and alive!

The duo of Zach, the owner and Shadow the dog have been coming to Harvard Gulch for over two years now. When Shadow was a puppy Zach knew he'd have to find places to get his dogs energy out, so likes to frequent Washington Park aswell. Alongside the walks he comments about how friendly people are at Harvard Gulch, and how a conversation about Shadow will turn into a nice chat.

I awoke to the first snowfall of the season. Eager, to breathe the fresh air and watch the white flakes come down I headed to Harvard Gulch for a morning walk. The crisp cold air heightens my awareness, pulling me back to the moment. The moment of smoke coming from a chimney, a couple on their porch, and the intermixing of fall and winter. In route on the path that leads from DoBeor to Harvard Gulch, I was behind a dog and his owners. The dog, was overjoyed by the snow. He was so curious begging to explore this magical glitter coming from above. Upon arriving at the park, I chose a tree by a wooden fence to sit and journal. While journaling I felt a deep sense of serenity, as my heavy energies (stress, anxiety, etc) got soaked up by the tree, and in response, he (the tree) offered me peace of mind. A space to breathe, to be present, to be here nowhere else. I wondered if more people like John Muir sat within forests during storms perchance they'd see. They'd see these trees as living beings too. A whole life force that deserves to be protected for they protect us. Eventually, I got cold sitting outside, so decided to venture to Lil Coffea Shop for a cup of coffee. Here, I read my book "The Art of Non-Conformity" on a couch feeling beyond grateful for this peaceful morning.