the place my mind hikes

[gurdonark]

I thought to myself as I began my hike today on the Trinity Trail how I always hope that something remarkable will happen during my brief walks there. I frequently hope to see some interesting form of wildlife--a hawk, say, or a jaunty bobcat or coyote (I frequently settle for a hoppy bunny). I look forward to seeing abundant flowers in bloom, or a giant swallowtail butterfly hovering, or a great blue heron fishing in the lake. But then I thought about how an hour on a rural trail, thinking about my week, where I've been and where I hope to go, is a kind of miracle in itself--a real respite, a moment of life which seems somehow eternal. Everything becomes a need for an "experience"--a sight, a sound, a milestone. I think about walking longer hikes, or taking higher quality pictures, or otherwise experiencing something new and different. I don't criticize that need for the new and different--it's very human and perhaps the closest thing to adventurous that I cautiously approach. But sometimes it's nice to just "be" in a quiet moment. In law school, I discovered that although I like classical music, I truly love the way that a symphony sends me to places in deep thought. I use ambient much the same way today. Some horse riders rode by me today, and said what a nice day it was, and I said "it's a perfect day--for this". It was, indeed, a perfect day for this.

Comments

[skygoodwill.livejournal.com]

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

I think there's a lot to be said for just being in the moment--it's so easy not to be. and yet, ,part of this particular serenity is the power to daydream about the future and the past.

Long comments are a good thing

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

I don't go to symphony often enough, and there's no real reason why I don't. Also, they have a lot of Indian classical music here, which is so cool and daydreamy, but I never go to that, either. I tend to get too much into wanting to understand the paintings at art museums--I think your way is the best way.

It's not stroller-friendly, but I know that whenever I am in your neck of the woods, I go to Vasquez Rocks.
Such a daydreamscape.

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

I do a similar thing on my walks. I call it looking for the magic. And it does seem like each time there is something new, something I call the magic -- once it was a dead salmon, mostly just bones laying on the beach, once it was getting up from a marble bench to see I'd left a warm butt print; once it was a house down the street with an unusual garden. It's one way I remember the days.

[gurdonark.livejournal.com]

Looking for the magic--that's a good image!