I woke up Monday to the sound of the rain. It figures, I thought to myself, It would be raining the first day of my new plan to go hiking regularly. But this is Oregon, and if you didn’t ever go out in the rain you would be stuck indoors for months, so I got out the rain gear and headed to the woods.
It was everything I had hoped for: peaceful, beautiful, solitary. Oh yes, and wet. But the sun came out several times, and I experienced a true joy to see the light dancing among the trees. Had I stayed at home, I wouldn’t have noticed the sun.
By the end, I was breathing deeply. My shoulders had relaxed, coming down from my ears to a more natural location. My body was tired but refreshed.
This is what I’ve been craving. It was hard to break the habit and walk away from the computer and the To Do list. But Day One of Project Forest Walks was a success. Today will be Day Two.
Good for you Kat. Sounds like this is the peace and quiet that you need. It is always good to take a break and get outside, no matter rain nor snow 🙂
Perfect. Yes. Just perfect.
Wonderful. Who was it that said every journey begins with the first step, or words to that effect? It is good for mind and soul to turn ones back on the computer and step into the great outdoors. It is therapy at its best.
Vi
Good for you for taking that first step out the door! and into your forest The world is different in the rain…we often miss too much when we don’t go out in it. Last night I walked through Old San Juan in a soft misty rain and felt exhilarated.
That sounds lovely Cheryl! I can feel the misty rain myself from your comment.
This sounds so peaceful. I missed that opportunity this week. I stayed in because it was raining. Now I’m regretting that. Glad you decided to brave the rain and walk!
No worries, Cathy. There is always today. Or tomorrow. Or the day after – whether it’s raining or not. Don’t worry about the missed opportunities – take the next one!
Love this intent. I love nature! Looking at your pics makes me take a deep breath. Thanks for bringing me back to the present moment with this post.
Toan, I think that’s the best compliment anyone has given me. There is nothing better than something that makes you stop, take a deep breath and be in the present moment!
Sounds like a wonderful day. I must follow your example and get outside more, with or without my camera.
I agree – with or without the camera – being in the outdoors is rejuvenating.
Ah yes, habits are always hard to break…much easier if you have the beauty of Oregon before you. I love that place! 🙂
I commend you on your decision to make changes in how you run your online business. (I’m catching up on reading your posts!) Walking in the woods always brings me peace, and I hope this walk did the same for you.
There’s a reason Oregon is so green and beautiful, as I learned when I lived there briefly in what seems like another life. I’m glad you got out in spite of the rain. Thanks for bringing a piece of your woods back to share with us.
Good for you, Kat! You did what your heart was telling you was right for you. I know how hard it is to walk away from the PC and the to-do list.
I can feel and smell the wetness of the surrounding forest in this image. The green is a welcome sight.
Oh what a fun project! Lovely image too! Good luck on day two.
When we were first married and living in Juneau, a woman came to the door early on. We asked her how she would spend this Saturday. She said hiking (it was pouring rain; Juneau gets 120 in. per year). To our shock, she replied, “If you don’t go in the rain, you will never go.” That was the last Saturday that we spent indoors. As you know, the hardest part is starting out. Once you are in it, it just becomes a part of the Oregon experience.
So very true! Aren’t you glad you took her advice? It makes the rainy winters so much more palatable, and even enjoyable, when you get outside!