Back Into Place

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind

and find my soul."

John Muir

Walking into the forest, I realize, for me, it is not about the physical movement. Entering offers a clean canvas where I can paint the colors of my soul. I can scream or sing, and the trees continue to sway with their own rhythm. Even though I am craving alone time, the songs of birds and the scampering of creatures are most definitely welcomed.

My strong connection with this wooded haven allows my clenched heart to open. It is in the comfort of nature that I feel safe enough to return back into who I truly am. There is no judgment as I set my own pace, navigating steadily into this peaceful magical place. Once again I feel capable of moving forward with grace.

Life will take its course, just as nature does. There will be strong winds with elements of harm, but when the sun returns, less will be hidden offering healing space. All things in the woods portray the progression of strength encouraging me to begin again. It is healthy to wander, gaining a secure footing to carry me back into place.

 

Between Me and My Tree

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir 

Walking in the midst of trees, I slow down. My mind untangles and in the quietude, I begin to hear songs from birds, water rippling in a far away stream, and leaves dancing in the breeze. This somehow makes my heart swell, as I am transported back in time when energy flowed between me and my tree.

Early in childhood, living in a busy city, I found a singular tree that awaited me, standing tall and welcoming. Squeezing between buildings, I would promptly sit in front of my tree with my back feeling the bark digging into me. No language was spoken, but I certainly understood the communication between me and my tree.

 

Leaning in, I connected with the layers of the tree offering freedom to me.  The calm this union formed allowed my imagination to catapult into other realms. Perhaps these childhood experiences were introductions to the awareness of energy and vibrations I have grown to love. Yes, this was my safe space between me and my tree.

Whisper of Time

 

"The clearest way into the Universe is through

a forest wilderness."

John Muir

While I watched a tiny yellow finch at the bird feeder, I wondered if it yearned to be a rich red cardinal singing boldly or a handsome hawk floating across the blue cloudless sky.  Observing all of the lovely flowers in the yard, I wondered if the purple Iris with its tall stem notices the Lily of the Valley below with tiny delicate bell flowers offering a light fragrance?

As the porch swing gently swayed, my eyes closed and I envisioned myself walking through a forest filled with a multitude of living things.  Every plant and animal offered purpose to the landscape without distracting from the uniqueness of each other.

I opened my eyes realizing this is exactly how I want to live my life.  I want to be present and purposeful without harm nor threat to any one or thing.  I craved the sense of freedom and independence envisioned in my day dream forest with the sense of belonging to the whole.  Blocking out the busy world, I felt peace within my soul.

Allow The Inner Muse To Play

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,

places to play in and pray in,

where nature may heal 

and give strength to body and soul."

John Muir

The Yosemite

Whether our playground is a library, art gallery or movie theater, the result of the visit needs to nurture our soul.   We need to feel an excitement from the moment our toes cross the threshold continuing until the dread of leaving becomes reality.  Within our play, time is suspended and we become lost into other realms.  Our inner muse awakens us deeper into the creative crevices of the imagination.

Our playground might change from season to season.  We may wander inside or outside, focusing on the beauty surrounding us.  If the view from an apartment is stunted, open a window and let the wind carry messages into the heart.  If we travel by airplanes, buses, or trains, we can allow our eyes to gently blur the outside scenery to distract our overly active brains, while allowing  our subconscious dreams and fears to rise to the surface.

The concept of a personal playground trumps the actual physical space.  Do not wait for a trip to Maui or a get away weekend for a play date.  All one needs is the ability to gently close both eyes while allowing distractions to fall away.  There is no need to force an inner landscape or a particular mindset.  Just be still and allow the inner muse to play which will revive the body, mind, and soul.