A Walk in the Woods

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.” —Anne Frank

- Mary Boutieller

Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in the woods, bathed in a multitude of colors and smells and lighting, finding such peace and quiet surrounding me as I let my mind tinker with thoughts that flow in and back out again. There is something magical about letting our thoughts slipstream without censorship, like our breath or love.

Earlier this week, I walked along a mountain trail and paused to reflect on the enormity of 2020, the upside-down, inside out-ness of it all and the challenges and gifts it has brought. In some ways, I am grateful for this year as it has unfolded; it has interrupted a way-too-comfortable routine and has shed light on things I’d often taken for granted. It has allowed me to say “no” and “yes” more freely, and it has pushed the pause button on automatic responses to just about everything. Yet, it is a bit harder to feel gratitude for the abrupt end to all that was known to be true and steady— the upheavals and suffering that so many have experienced and continue to experience. Those who have lost work, been sick or lost a loved one have paid such a price for our slow learning.