Clearly I found myself lost in the shuffle and stopped blogging for a while. Life became more accelerated. Then, there were days I had the time to write but I just found myself temporarily uninspired, unmotivated, and some days disabled. This is something, as I talk to others, is a common thing during a divided country and pandemic. The state of the world is heavy on our shoulders. In a world so uncertain it creates a whole lot of self-doubt in people. Living in a narcissistic world is a challenge. It's important to practice more kindness and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. More importantly building a safe world that people can be vulnerable and fragile without the judgement of others. Practicing self care and being kind to yourself and others is crucial. 2020 is making this much more of a chore lol.
My way to cope in stressful times is to try to get a regular dose of "awe." This is different for each person. This boosts healthy "prosocial" emotions such as gratitude and compassion. Finding the little joys in life, even a 15 minute "awe walk" has an impact on our health. For me, my soul craves access to nature. A little more moments that spark joy and a little more connectedness with the world around us is something we could all use these days.
So, since I took a LONG break from posting. Here is an extended blog to make up for it haha.
Our last camping trip at Mt. Washington a couple months back. One of my favorite places with the most healing energy ~ surrounded by bristlecone pines under the brightest cosmos in the darkest of skies.
Both remind me that we are a very smart part of a vast picture. Nature has a way to give us a reality check, deep prospective, and reminds us what it is to be human and be "home." What we are connected to rather than what we are separate from. We came to re-evaluate, rejuvenate, and recharge at high elevation. Mountain air filling our lungs.
"Look deeper into nature and you'll understand everything better."
~ Albert Einstein
Then, we proceeded to hike down to the grove of all things magical.
I revisit old wisdom. The Bristlecone Pine teaches us many lessons. It's survived the last 2,000 - 3,000 years and counting. Some perished but their skeletons remain erect for centuries after death. Ghosts as sculptures. They were here for the rise and fall of civilizations. Historic revolutions. Pandemics. Evolutions.
It grows so slow through the brutal wear and tear of the elements. Taking continuous beatings from the forces. These elements shape it into dense knots of twisted wood. Dead limbs are huge support systems for the strips of living branches keeping the tree alive. Touching the tree makes you feel spoiled, teensy, and insignificant. You understand how feeble us humans are at persevering. Makes you realize the value of sticking it out when the going gets tough.
The bark is beautiful, swirled with colors of the spirit. The roots make you think of love. It's the foundation of beauty, security, and growth. We need love to feel alive! The reverent (almost like you could palpate it) energy helps me feel my soul inside my body. People who understand Shinrin-yoku (Japanese for forest bathing) know this sensation if they choose to plug into it. At this soul level you feel a connection to all things. You are ONE with all that is. Old wisdom (I think of Native American) but new terms on this subject, like "Eco-therapy."
The purplish cones dance on the ends of limbs. An "Ah Ha!" moment. We should play like a child. Don't take yourself seriously and try not to sweat the small stuff. Let go and let be. Think free. Forgive and dismiss the negative energy, hate, and resentment that is toxic. Being in nature is a vector for that kind of peace. We need this connection to feed our souls and gain perspective. Lastly when I ponder this pine. The biggest thing that comes to mind is adaptability. It's remained grounded through powerful winds of change. 2,000 + years worth. The great outdoors brings us back to something we crave in a swiftly spinning world. Simplicity. Like this ancient, magical grove that carries us back to our roots. Simply amazing. A walk into nature in tune with "our Mother Earth" is going "home." Home is a feeling. The feeling is healing.
I read a quote recently that stated:
"This year I lost, won, failed, cried, laughed, and loved. But above all I learned."
Hopefully we know we have something to learn at any given time. I know I’m not enthusiastic about hanging out with people who think they know it all lol.
In strange times, may we all have continuous moments of awe. Whatever they may be.
I know there are days you have to search hard. Or a couple of months or more haha. Or maybe the whole year of 2020. It's all part of the journey.
In this day and age ~ if all you did today was hold yourself together, I'm proud of you.
