“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” ~ John Muir
I went into the woods to forget the worries of this world and to find myself again.
The path was well traveled and each step required strength. The trail was covered in a layer of snow that at the base was wet and slushy. Each step took strategic focus on placement and traction. My eyes intermittently scanned up through the trees and admired the clear blue sky. As I warmed up from the physical movement I tied my coat around my waist and embraced the feeling of crisp yet warm air on my skin. This trail is familiar to me, so I let my mind wander as my feet led the way.
There were several trees along the way that told a story of the day before and what had happened to them. Many had bowed down, and others had completely broke and were laying in various spots along the trail… About a third of the way in there was an old old tree bridged across the trail. It stood out and spoke so loudly of the strength the storm had carried with it. I imagined this tree was like the great-grandmother of the forest and her time had come. As I stood closely and gazed in awe I could read her story of a long life. Her outer rings were fresh and brightly colored with new growth that gave the appearance of strength and vitality, but her core was dark, soft, crumbling and showed of the many years she stood. Oh I wonder how many souls had she felt pass by her over the hundreds of years she stood?? 🤔
I walked gently around her, I observed the twists and knots of her trunk and how they had changed shaped when they gave way and cracked from the forces of weather. It’s was as though I could hear her telling me a story, and I was a captive listener. After a period of great admiration I offered a blessing and continued on my journey.
As I came upon the trailhead I chose for this trip there was an obvious decrease in the number of footsteps along this path. “Sweet” I will take the path less traveled and that will make all the difference. 💚
When you’re in the woods finding yourself, sometimes…..you talk out loud to yourself. 😆😂 and this is when some of the real shift (sh@t) begins and the personal journey inward goes deeper.
This is where I found myself!!!
This is where I found determination!!
This is where I found peace to my core.
This is where I found hope.
This is THE WORK!!!
No medication or anti-depressant will ever come close to what THIS does for the soul.
We ALL have the ability to get outside and embrace the natural wonders of this world. You can Chose to make it happen. Give it a try and then repeat again and again. Some of the BEST things in life happen outdoors.
Sending Loving Energy,
Empowered Elizabeth
Empowered Passionate Life 