Listening

We think ventures into the woods are on our own accord; but in reality, we are propelled deeper down forest paths moving in sync with the rhythms of the earth urging everyone to listen to the call of the wild. Our awakening senses hear the animals rustling dry leaves and the melodious music of birds. We hear the force of a mountain stream splashing over rocks and tumbling onward into undiscovered places. The wind ripples the small lake and washes it ashore in waves mirroring distant ocean tides.

At first blinded by nature’s splendor, we stumble forward until out of breath, we stop. In that moment, we become connected in this place - connected to who we are, who we long to be and who we always were. And we realize that more than what we see and hear the echoes of what is left behind is no longer with us. We become attuned to what is not heard. The noise of people is vanquished -traffic racing ahead, sirens blasting in the distance. We don’t hear the sounds of stress in rapid heartbeats and panicked breathing.

In the deep stillness of the woods, we feel the harmony of nature carving its existence from the strengths of the past and adapting to each day. We are brought here to listen first to ourselves. Our voices lost among the noise of others and in the obstacles of the day. Our thoughts shattered by remnants of the past. We are brought to this place so our hearts can again beat in time with the ancient patterns of the earth. So we can build upon the past, dream anew and move forward with abandonment to our own undiscovered places.

Rested, with eyes and spirit again open, our lives are illuminated against the dark cover of the green canopy like the last summer flowers radiantly blooming and casting beauty beyond the shadows.