October 26, 2018

One With The Woods



"I said nothing, and tried to think nothing.”  
- Ishmael, Moby Dick


Is there anything better than feeling one with everything? In those moments one is free, content, void of desires. Nothing is to be done. The struggle ceases, and what is, is. It is the best feeling ever.






"The minute you begin to do what you really want to do, it's really a different kind of life." 
- R. Buckminster Fuller

I feel that way often, but especially when I walk in the woods behind my home. Usually I drop into the valley until I get to the brook at the bottom. It is very peaceful, the only sounds being the wind in the trees and the water running down to the ocean a few kilometres downstream from here.




"Nonresistance, nonjudgement, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living." 
- Eckhart Tolle

There are many old trees here, both hardwoods and softwoods. Several, with massive trunks and soaring canopies, are hundreds of years old. 







"We are far removed from Nature, including our own nature. But we have lived this way for a long time. In fact, acceptance of this reality is an absolutely necessary part of this system we live in." 
 - Jorg Kolberg

Old forests have a special appeal to me as they have a very different feel; it is an ancient organism, with the wisdom and steadiness that comes with age and experience.






“Modern people talk of a battle with nature, forgetting that, if we won the battle, we would find ourselves on the losing side.” 
- E.F. Schumacher
I feel very safe and comfortable here. The drape of civilization sloughs off me, a shedding skin. I am aware of everything, resist nothing, judge nothing, am outside of time.

Stripped to the core, I am one with the woods. 

There is much to be learned here about dissolving the illusion of our separateness, and rediscovering our connection to all of creation. 

When we honour this connection, life unfolds in natural and harmonious ways.





9 comments:

  1. Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your adventures into the heart of Mother Earth.

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    1. I wish we could all adventure together. I guess we kind of are doing that. But I would like it if we could also walk and hike together.

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    2. Can you imagine what an awesome walk that would be with all the members of NBA?! We could ask bring a plate of our favourite home made deliciousness. A picnic in the woods :)

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    3. Mmm, potluck picnic in a wooded clearing. Yes, please. I can't think of anything quite so wonderful at the moment.

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  2. It's so nice to get away from the masses of people and take time to reflect. It was one of my new years resolutions to do this more but of course life gets in the way!

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    1. Even with my slow paced life, I still occasionally have difficulty getting out there. But when I do, I wonder why I waited so long to do something so important. We wish you luck and success with your very worthy resolution. Do It! Your self with thank you.

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  3. Anonymous11/04/2018

    Beautiful post Gregg, with some wonderful quotes. I do feel sad that NBA members don't all live in the same town but heartened all the same to know there are kindred spirits out there.

    Madeleine

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    1. Hey Madeleine. We have been wondering and thinking about how you are doing. It would be great if we were all in close proximity. But what a blessing that even though we are not, we can still meet here together. I am thankful of that. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well.

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  4. Anonymous11/06/2018

    Hi Gregg. All is well here. Spring is well underway and any time not spent working is spent in the garden. Cherries, nectarines and peaches will be ready soon and the garlic is drying on the back verandah. I loved seeing pictures of your garden harvest too :-)

    Madeleine

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