A Walk in the Woods

The weather in Central New York is constantly changing, especially in the spring. After some snow yesterday - thankfully nothing stuck - the sun came out and it was warm enough this afternoon for a brief hike down by the river near my apartment. It's been so long since I've been able to enjoy a nice walk in the woods.

It's been a tough winter. Living in the Northeast, I get a little cabin fever during the darker days. A lack of sunlight, fresh air, and just being outside other than huddling against the frigid wind can get to me. I've felt tired, uninspired, and just out of it and not like myself for a long time.

Today, I got out of work a few minutes early and headed for the trails. It was still a little cool but the sun shone through the bare branches and the ground was soft beneath my feet. It was just a nice way to spend an afternoon.

There's something about being out there surrounded by trees and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. It makes me feel so refreshed. There's certainly a sense of the Divine that lives out there among the greenery of the forest, though, in my busyness and my lethargy I haven't given myself the chance to connect with that sacredness as much I would prefer. Yes, the cold and snow of winter got in the way, as it does, but I think I've gotten in the way some too.

My extended flights to and from Texas a couple of weeks ago really gave me a chance to let go of the usual distractions that so rule my life and allowed me to turn inward for a time. And, for a few moments this afternoon, I was therre again. And it felt really good.