Over the years nature has been my sanctuary. Not like the ones I sat in growing up, full of broken people teaching half-lessons. But one that is truly sacred, open, and reflective of the vastness of life, and the opportunities in it. There were times in my life I walked through forests (literal and figurative) as if they’d be there forever. Not noticing the subtle way life creates life. I sat in cold waterfalls with the absence of sun and forgot to thank it for existing still.
My partner took me to see a new waterfall here today. There’s a level of grief that goes along with this on several levels. My sanctuary waterfall in the hills of Georgia had become a fixture in my life, a ritual, a pilgrimage. It fed my soul and taught me how to get calm. I’d dip into the mountain water and feel my body start to tighten, my breath quicken or stop momentarily. I’d focus all my attention on breathing through the nose and then emptying my lungs with the longest exhale I could. This was my meditation on resilience. If I could do this, I can do anything. The hiking path there was short and inclined. As opposed to this new one, longer path, lots of switchbacks.
As we walked I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the new ecosystem around me. The beautiful way I’m seeing much of the same things I love: trees, foliage, waterfalls, a different religion it seems like than what I’m used to back East. I think spirituality has often started with the oddity of nature, and lends itself to those who bend themselves to grow with it.
This hike was so very peaceful. I realized that this path wasn’t just about the waterfall we got to, as much as each step. I could stick out the discomfort of the water, but could i learn to stick around during the climb? When all I wanted to do was focus on the end result and the exhale. Why not make the whole journey a progression of sustainable relaxation? How to stay calm.
Grounding my feet and slowing my body, I felt my legs as I walked with him. His hand in mind, my head in the trees and sky, occasionally distracted by roots. What a lovely way to spend a Wednesday.