Thursday, October 11, 2012

Clarity


For me, and I think a lot of people, being in nature brings clarity. I can head out for a hike with a blog post idea in my head, not sure how to get it started and where I want to go with it, within minutes of starting my hike it all begins to fall into place. If there are things on my mind a walk with Mother Nature can usually help me find the answer. In fact, Justin and I often have our deepest and most reflective conversations when we are in nature together. Case in point, it was on a nature walk when we made the decision to try and start a family.


My time in nature is reflective and healing, most times bringing me peace and clarity when I need it. This is but one of the many reasons I work to foster a deep connection with nature not only for myself, but for Reece. I have mentioned in previous posts how we both take a deep breath and release all worries the moment we take our first step onto the trail or into the woods. It is not something we think about, it just happens.


Lately, our nature walks have lead to some very interesting conversations which makes me so very happy. The questions he asks when we are in the company of Mother Nature astound me. Last week we stopped on the side of  the trail for a little snack. We were eating away, watching the leaves, listening to the birds when this conversation began:

Reece: "Does everyone have a daddy?"

Me: At first wondering where this question came from, then quickly gathering my thoughts to give him an answer he deserved. I said, "No, everyone does not have a daddy."

He looked at me like he wanted more.

Me: "Some kids only have a mommy and no daddy. And some kids only have a daddy and no mommy."

He looked at me with big eyes and said: "Really?"

Me: "Yes, really."

I then went on to say: "And some kids have two mommies."

His eyes lite up: "Really, two mommies?"

Me: "Yes, pretty cool, eh? And some kids have two daddies."

This time a little smile: "What about boobies?"

Now I was smiling. Reece is still nursing, so this is a big concern for him.

Me: "Well there wouldn't be any boobies."

Reece: "Oh."

I then explained that there are some kids who don't have a mommy or a daddy. He asked who they live with, and I said they might live with their nana and papa, or their cousins, or another family who would love them as much as their mommy and daddy would.

After that, just as frankly as the conversation started, Reece decided snack time was done and it was time to hit the trail again.


I honestly have no idea where this question came from, but he obviously felt safe enough in that moment to bring it up and that makes me feel really great. I can see his relationship with this earth beginning to grow and deepen and it fills me with so much happiness because I know how much this relationship with the earth means to me and what it gives me. I can only hope he too finds clarity, peace, time to reflect and healing when he spends time in nature, today and tomorrow.

21 comments:

  1. That's so lovely he feels so safe and comfortable talking to you. The way it should be <3

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  2. What a great conversation you were able to share, and I love how open and accepting children are to the idea of difference. On my work days I find I am so much more centered if I can spend time in our garden with the kids before settling in for the night, there is something amazing about fresh air and appreciating nature that helps.

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    1. It was wonderful, and I love how accepting and open he was to the differences in what a family is. With no preconceived notions they can accept what they want without judgement, such a wonderful blessing.

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  3. How great! That must have felt so filling. I'm sure it did as I can feel it from the words in this most. We too have the biggest conversations when we're out hiking. We figured so many things on really long back packing trips. I can't wait to live closer to the forest. Have a great day!

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    1. Thanks KC! It is always amazing to me how many things get sorted out in the presence of Mother Nature.

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  4. so sweet. i love how their minds work. just yesterday Z asked me "mama, what you thinking 'bout?"

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  5. Through that conversation his world got just a little big bigger. I love walking on our wooded road for clarity :)

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    1. It did, I think that is what I loved about it.

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  6. I feel the same about being out in nature. I try to get outside with my girls everyday. Today it is very cold and windy, though we braved it and just got in from our morning walk. Have a wonderful day! :)

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    1. We just got back from an afternoon walk in the wind and rain, it was awesome! And the best part my cup of tea tastes so much better :)

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  7. He really is becoming a big 'little man'!
    Being outside, feeling the sun on my face, or rain drops, having the wind blow in my face, dirt and grass under my feet, all of it renews my soul every single day! I shutter to think what I would become if I had to be stuck in an office all day, the horror!
    Enjoy your walks, your area looks so beautiful.

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    1. Hi is Tracey. And me too, I just cannot imagine it.

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  8. It just shows what a wonderful relationship you have with him that he can ask you anything.

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  9. Those questions are so unexpected at times - but I find I get more caught up with them then the kids. You have a wonderful relationship with your son. Nature really is the best to have those kinds of talks.

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    1. They are. Thank you, the relationship we have is very special to me. And I totally agree nature is amazing for connecting and communicating.

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  10. You have such a beautiful relationship with Reece, Kim! You are both so blessed and lucky. I hope mine with Bea will be the same too. Thanks once again for sharing. In fact, after reading your post, took Bea out for a walk in her sling and we saw some horses, which she loved :)

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    1. I feel so blessed every day to experience this world with Reece, it is amazing! So happy to hear you headed out for a walk after reading this post, that makes my heart so happy. Have a lovely weekend.

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  11. i couldn't agree more with you kim, about how nature provides clarity! and oh the beautiful moments we share with our little ones surrounded by mother nature.

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