You won’t know unless you ask…nicely.
Before my departure, I had to find the manager of Miranda Gardens Resort. Miranda is a small town, population less than 500 – a boomtown in these parts. I had only spent one night there in February — had only one walk in the ancient forest. To feel the spirit of the woods, to touch the spirit within you within in those woods, requires Time. I found her. “Is there a cabin I could rent at a discounted rate for a couple weeks before the tourist season begins?” There was. In April. And I’m back.
“I just can’t get enough.” – Depeche Mode (not a band fan but lyrics sing true:)
“I wish to speak a word for Nature – to regard man as an inhabitant, or a part and parcel of Nature, rather than a member of society.” – Henry David Thoreau, “Walking”
“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” – HDT
“I do not know of any poetry to quote which adequately expresses this yearning for the Wild.” – HDT
“I felt in need of a great pilgrimage so i sat still for three days.” – Kabir
If you know me you know I can’t sit still. A spiritual saunterer – word derivation “sans terre” – without land or home…having no particular home but equally at home everywhere – especially right here, right now, among these redwoods on The Avenue of the Giants. They are my church, preaching the gospel according to this moment.
On today’s walk in the forest, I heard an inner voice – speaking the word, “release”. I ruminate…I am a sensitive child. There’s always something going on with family and I take on their emotional concerns. I want to help, to support, to “fix”, and offer suggestions. What am I doing?! I know nothing. Their answers are within themselves. Today’s sermon: Try and… simply listen. At most, offer a compassionate, “You’ll figure it out.”
Now, my little cabin in the woods, let me continue to read. To write. To walk. To listen.
“Yes the answer lies within
So why not take a look now
Kick out the devils sin
Pickup, pickup a good book now”.
– Cat Stevens, “On the Road to Find Out”
Oh, I can finally respond to your blog! Learn from others and enjoy their company, but always be true to yourself Heidi. Author Nancy Levin wrote, “Each time you set a healthy boundary, you say yes to more freedom.” The trees are necessary for positive well-being and grounding yourself with nature. You are very fortunate to live near these big beautiful magnificent trees. They are helping to save the planet. Honor them, Love them, Appreciate them – I sure do…Peace and Love.
Thanks, Jo. It’s good to have support, and permission, to set boundaries. What is healthy for one may not be the same for the other hence, making space for guilt.
And Jo, let’s experience those redwood giants together…and dance in their groves!