OT: Feeling Alive In The Dark And Forbidding Woods

Feeling Alive in the Dark and Forbidding Woods

 

I found comfort this morning in the dark and forbidding woods that surround my house.  I was up early, but decided to forego my morning walk.  I have been walking 2 or 3 miles a day with my oldest daughter who attends law school near where I work because she wanted me, of all people, to help her get back in shape.  In the 7 weeks we have been walking together she has lost 8 or 10 pounds, she seems happier, and I have enjoyed our spirited discussions about anything and everything.  Yesterday we walked in the rain and my wet shoes got a blister started on my left foot, which I didn’t want to exacerbate.  I still wanted to spend some time outdoors as dawn approached, though, so I walked a short distance down a path into the thickest part of the woods.  There I breathed in deeply, enveloped by the smell of damp, fallen leaves.  I could hear cars on the highway nearby, but I tuned that noise out as I listened for the birds and creatures in whose territory I was standing.  I could hear the flit of small wings here and there and that was all. 

 

I soon found myself in a meditative state, eyes closed, breathing deeply, hearing only what mattered to me.  Perhaps 5 or 10 minutes passed.  I opened my eyes slowly and could now see 20 or 30 yards into the woods.  No creatures were stirring.  I felt so alive at that moment.  Not giddy or thrumming with nervous energy, but relaxed and at peace.  4 hours have now passed and I am still in that relaxed state, finding it hard to concentrate at work, but feeling like my mind is where it needs to be right now, at least for a little while. 

 

RP   

RP - that was poetic!  I loved reading about you finding peace.  You are becoming, dare I say, a person who seems to truly have a rich, full life!

Mary:

You were one of the people that encouraged me to take a step back from trying so hard to sort out things in my life, so I have you to thank for finding some peace.

RP

Thanks for posting; it is wonderful to read your posts. 

I too get that peaceful feeling after my Yoga sessions.  There comes a calm when you only focus on your breathing and block out the outside world!  Not easy to do; but well worth it if you can master it.

Thanks.
Ranae

Ranae:

I have thought about trying yoga, too, but have thus far not mustered the courage to demonstrate for one and all that I am balance-challenged.

RP

That is exactly why you should try ~ Yoga is very subjective you focus on you and what you can do and what you need to work on. 

I go to a real small class with a very passionate instructor that has practiced for 17 years. Has a small studio in her home.( Eagan)  I love it and wish I could afford to go more often then weekly.  I am getting more disciplined to practice at home, but it never the same as the class itself.  

I wish you lived closer you could come with me one time for free to give it a try.

Ranae

I will have to give trying yoga some more thought.  I try to make meditation at least a small part of my life now and yoga would add a physical aspect to that.

RP

RP....I think I need to follow your lead...I am so looking for peace.I am on a major overload and my feelings are all over the place. I just can't find my niche.

Hugs....connie d

Connie:

In addition to all the support I have received here and at support group meetings, I have found the use of mindfulness and basic meditation to be helpful in calming me down when life seems overwhelming.  Jon Kabat-Zinn's book Full Catastrophe Living provides some easy-to -learn techniques for relaxation and basic meditation.  There are alot of other books out there, too.  Good luck and I hope you find some peace.  Given all the support and kind words you have for people here on this forum, you certainly deserve it.

RP

Thanks RP....I do have books and tapes on that subject. I guess it is time to bring them back out once again!!

I appreciate your reply.

Hugs....connie d