Back to the Prairie: Seeking the Lost
Nature has always been my source of strength and peace, and a road trip, always my passion but happens when a ride seems like a chore and nature fails to soothe?
I went back to Park Hill Prairie in Blue Ridge. The whole drive, I was talking myself out of going, much like the ride to Hagerman, the Previous weekends-the heat seemed like a good excuse to skip exploring.
Upon arriving, the silence is what starts the process of separating from the daily stresses. Crows gather in the distance, red winged blackbirds and cicadas buzz as wind rustles through the tall grass: everything I need is here.
First I notice, there is a time and place for all purposes. Weeds rise and seeds are dispersed from shriveled pods — the fluffy white thistle and milkweed rise in clouds across the prairie. The caterpillars that once devoured the milkweed are now either in chrysalis or on the wing.
I hear the constant buzz of bees, a comforting sound, and I find a hummingbird moth visiting lemon mint. When I start noticing the simple things, every sound and movement gets my attention, that's when I recognize being present.
A state where the mind is clear of all stress and turmoil. It is not a dramatic change, it is a simple, often fleeting feeling of peace. There are so many things biding for our attention, from advertising, provocative videos and offers from strangers to change ones' life, we are inundated with stimuli.
Nature should be overwhelming with its diverse shapes, smells and colors but it's not. Everything has a place and we are able to transcend our human maelstrom. Every time I go, even when I'm doubting the process, it is always the same: a welcome exit and a feeling of being present.
A child's mind notices everything: details, colors and movement. The older we get, we notice the larger picture and much of the detail is lost. It is getting back to that childlike mentality that stirs creativity and allows our center to find its purpose.
Often the answer to calm is the sound of a bird that you listen to, the rush of wind through the weeds that you notice and the smell of wildflowers you stop and decide, with intention, to enjoy.
How do you find peace? What are the obstacles you fight and how do you approach them?