Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Alone in the Woods


On Friday morning as Reece disappeared into the woods with his Forest Friday program, I took some time to get lost in the woods, camera in hand.

I walked fast at first, maybe the need to be alone was stronger than I thought, but then, once wrapped in the welcoming arms of the woods, I slowed down. I stopped. I closed my eyes. I reached my arms out and up and I took a deep breath. And then I let it go, and with that release peace and calm washed over me, and as a smile appeared across my face I heard my soul say, "I am home."


I moved forward again, but this time much slower and with intention. An intention to take it all in, to experience autumn and the glory of this wonderful season.I walked for quite some time, but then I felt it, a pull. A pull to stop, to sit, to be. I let myself be pulled and I sat on the forest floor.

Silence.

A few minutes passed and then the world around me came alive. A chickadee sang, a chipmunk chattered and blue jay said hello. A squirrel came bouncing down from a tree . He stopped in front of me and we looked at each other.

Stillness.

Then he moved, scratching the leaves, searching. He continued this in my presence, I watched, thankful for this opportunity, for this experience of being up close and personal with this creature. I watched, taking slow, shallow breaths, until he scampered off, then a deep breath filled my body. I slowly stood up, moving back to the trail, to my hike, the falling leaves, the glorious colour and this time, alone.


Alone in the woods I find connection to a deeper part of myself. I can hear the voice of my heart with clarity. I feel peace, and I am happy. In the woods, I am at home, free to be exactly who I am and very clear about where I want to go in this life. It is in the woods I find myself, and each time I leave I bring a little more of myself out with me.

18 comments:

  1. Kim, this is beautiful. I felt transported with you, and peaceful, just reading it. And your photos are gorgeous!

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  2. I slowed down and breathed a little more deeply just reading your description. Hiking here will not be the same as when we were in the northeast and Ontario. Boy will that take some getting used to! Thank you for sharing your beautiful hike.

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    1. That is wonderful to hear, so happy it made you take a moment to slow down and breathe.

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  3. You have written what I've felt while in the midst of nature. My dad loves being in nature and each of his children have a relationship with it. Lovely post, Kim.

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  4. So very sweet.
    I wouldn't mind more of that in my life....
    thanks for sharing the beauty.
    XO

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  5. Wow! I really want to take a walk in the woods with you. :) Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Oh so wonderful, Kim! The beauty and silence and fullness that comes with solitude and connecting with nature. So good for the soul. I think I need both solitude and nature time a lot more than I realize these days...I think my soul is searching for it...I need to make time! xo

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    1. It is so good for the soul, and always much needed in my life. I hope you can find some time to connect with nature yourself my friend.
      xo

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  7. What a good reminder to get out in to nature. I know for me, it has been far too long. Gorgeous writing and pictures- thank you for sharing with us!

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    1. I hope you find time to connect soon with nature. Thank you :)

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  8. Your photos are beautiful here, Kim. Recently, I had a rare moment of being alone, and I spent it sitting by the Connecticut River in Brattleboro, Vermont. I am not likely to soon forget the peace it brought. Thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Thank you Kristen. There really is nothing like some time alone in nature to bring peace to your soul. Hope you get to do it again soon.

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  9. I'm glad you were able to stop and listen to yourself and what you truly needed. Nature is such a wonderful friend.

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    1. Thanks Sara, and I couldn't agree more, a very wonderful friend.
      xo

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