I was lucky enough to spend a fair bit of time in the woods this weekend. I had a great time in the high sierras. I went hiking in the forest, and spent time just sitting by two rivers, soaking in the sound of the water, the cool breeze, and warm sunshine.
Something in particular struck me on this trip. I've known for a while that getting outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, rejuvenates me. But I haven't been able to put my finger on why. As I sat by one of the rivers, it occurred to me. (Well, one of the reasons. I'm sure there are many.) This may seem overly simplistic, or obvious to some folks. But it really struck a cord with me.
I was watching the trees, the way the branches swayed in the breeze, the currents in the water, the grasses as they shook in the waves. And I realized this is all that they have to do. The trees are doing what it is they are supposed to be doing. The river is doing what it does. These things just have to BE. The river just has to flow; the trees just have to stand. It really is this simple.
There's no stress here. No busyness for busyness sake. It doesn't matter here if there are traffic jams or saving money at the grocery store or if the website is up or down. How much of my life is artificial constructs by humans? My life seems like a tempest in a teapot in comparison. Life seems so complex and overwhelming and upsetting and stressful because I buy into the notion that all the elements of "modern life" are absolutes and requirements. How much of that whirlwind do I make myself? I CHOOSE to let these things bother me, upset me, shape my mood, and my outlook.
But what if I chose differently? What if I really, honestly, let go of the shit that is whirling around me and just stayed in the moment? Kept it back at basics. Can I live my life as a tree? Just being who I am. Rooted to the earth, yet able to bend with storms that come my way. Not apologizing for who and what I am. Just be.
What a wonderful thought and a beautiful way to live one's life.
