My biggest stress reliever is relishing moments in the forest observing Mother Nature in its natural setting. A sensation of independence and allure captivates my soul to return to my second home. Spending a day walking through the woods with a watchful eye and curious mind puts me at ease.
Last Saturday, I decided to spend an entire day lost in the beauty of my Wisconsin woodland. A place I grew to understand the foreign messages behind chattering squirrels, honking geese, and chirping songbirds. I opted to leave behind my cellular telephone, wristwatch and any other piece of distraction. As I stripped away my wristwatch, I noticed a red indentation of time engraved into my skin. My phone signaled an alert with a jumble of unread text messages and unnoticed voice mails. But that was okay, for now.
My intent was to escape the world we're all too used to. Every now and then, our soul begs for mercy, cries for rest and asks to return to a place of tranquility. Sometimes it’s important for us to forget the time of day or who to call. It gives us a sense of intimacy with the ice-crusted leaves frozen atop the snow and music orchestra from the tree canopy. Taking a nature walk is all about immersing your heart and soul in the wonders of wildlife.
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The very first thing I noticed was an abundance of deer tracks as I entered the snowy depths of the forest edge. The snow was so deep that every deer in the area specifically used the same trail. It reminded me of a congested highway that had only a single pathway to travel. I followed the trail into a dense pine plantation. The trees were so thick that the limbs tangled and weaved through one another, which created a snow barricade. There were several deer beds in the area. It was as if deer used the pine branches as some sort of a blanket or shelter.
My eyes scanned through rows of trees looking for shed antlers. I hiked my way through the pines into an opening in the forest. As I approached the sparse wooded area, my eyes became mesmerized. Sunbeams pierced through the naked branches and lit the snow with a sparkling glitter. It was one of the prettiest scenes I’ve ever fixed my eyes on. I dug into my backpack sifting through bottles of water and extra layers of clothing searching for my camera. The enlightening moment was frozen in time within seconds and became not only a memory, but also a piece of artwork.
I finished my journey with a memorable ending of the Wisconsin River. A winding river has a mystical sense of magic attached to it. It’s an air of mystery that rivers resonate that intrigues me. Being near such a long stretch of chilly waters that sweep through forest, field, and across the entire state makes for a marvelous sight. The sun began fading beneath the horizon and the sky lit with an assortment of color. It was a perfect ending to a breathtaking mini-adventure.
I wish everyone could spend an early morning, afternoon, or entire weekend in the field. I cannot find any better way to ease the nerves and enjoy the simple things in life. Some of the most magnificent spectacles in life are overlooked due to being overtaken by the daily routine of madness. It’s important to make time for yourself. Nature has some interesting way of slowing time. Being a part of it makes us all realize how lucky we are. |