Making Friends with Place
When I enter into a wild place of any size, whether it’s a storm-drenched mountainside, or just the cool shade of a spreading tree, or when an evening walk takes me by a corner lot sprung with new wild flowers, for a time I enter the presence of that place — if I stop long enough to drop in, to sense it. There is a presence there. If I am still and curious, I feel it.
I feel it better if I pass that place a second time and tarry a bit longer now. Soon, the spot becomes familiar; later it becomes a friend. There is a mutual greeting. An affection grows. Who knows who recognizes who? Clearly there are living things here, living presences. Might they be aware of me, aware of them?
Any relationship grows with attention, with interest and listening. If my mind jumps and turns with my own concerns and worries, my eyes see the land without truly seeing it. I miss the gift. I hear without hearing. My “static” keeps the gentle beauty of things from flowing into me.
Things are often simple. We don’t often encounter grand sunsets, eagles, immense trees and dramatic mountains. Usually we encounter simple trees, little tufts of grass and bushes, songbirds. These things have wonderful beauty, too, if I look at them, see them with attention and respect. Simple places and simple things can whisper to me, if I’m willing to hear. I arrive home enriched.
Read more about Words of the Land: A Philosophy of Connection
Read the Poem of the Week
Thanks Garth!! I love that you sharing your wisdom developed from a life of rich nature experiences with us! I look forward to more!!
Hi Garth
Thank You for your share of Making Friends with Place – simple, beautiful, moving – well said. I walk often in ordinary places. Even after many
crossings, new wonders still appear when I stop and allow myself to become aware of place – thank you Garth, you said it so clearly and so well –
don’t stop. Albert
Who thought a website could connect you with Nature, it’s just beautiful.
I am especially drawn to the photography, which has such a presense.
Suggestion:
Why don’t you consider doing a Wall Calendar and a Desk Calendar with YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY,
using quotations from the various spiritual traditions you mentioned in your
biography:
You’ll find influences of numerous wisdom traditions in these offerings: Native American, Vedic, Buddhist, Taoist, Sufi, and Christian mysticism, as well as perspectives drawn from more recent luminaries like John Muir, Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Thomas Berry and an array of poets who feel the land deeply. All have been great gifts to me and informed my way. Each opens a window into a life of joyous connection available to us all. It’s all about learning to see, to feel deeply, to honor, wake up and claim our place in the chorus of life.
*********
anthony plumer
Garth,
With palms together, a deep bow, a steady gaze, that says it all…….
I look forward to sharing sacred space with you again on the April NWTA.
For now know, as you well know, that meditation is a tool, only a tool, to EXPAND my consciousness and awareness. Un-focus and ignore the thoughts of my frontal cortex, which have a mind of their own anyway and be open to experience the un-knowing awareness of my limbic brain, insight, inspiration, intuition, intention AND love, joy peace. I am spirit, having a human experience.
Agustin
Nature reminds us to listen. Listen and Silent have the same letters. Thank you for your words and images to encourage us to take time to be silent and listen.
Beautiful!
The rain that has recently blessed California is now here giving us life and refreshment…..along with your deep words of hearing and feeling. I love your blog Garth, you are a blessing to us on the earth who stop long enough to accept the gift. Thank you.