Afternoon of Mindfulness

I set out this afternoon to allow myself the guilty pleasure of going for a walk around my little village of West Branch out on the old rail line now a nature trail known as the Herbert Hoover Nature Trail.

With a copy of 'The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain' in hand and my nifty new journal in my pocket, I set forth hoping to find a spot or two to read, and, maybe, even write. No iPod made this journey, believe it or not, but I was resolute to disconnect.

I have been making a more concerted effort to spend time hand writing entries, if even only journal entries. Well, not 'if even only journal' entries; all writing us good. This I would further understand as the day developed.

I walked north on the old rail line and enjoying the shift from all human noise giving way to the rustling trees, the singing frogs, the various bird songs. The breeze became a light wind as I moved our of town; glad it was at my back.

I approached the first bridge and stopped. The gurgling stream was soothing, building upon the relaxed state developing. I looked back towards town and the spot where I watched a ground hog slink back into his burrow. Glad I was being mindful.

I continued north and strolled more than walked. The sun was strong, but I didn't care; it had been some time. The path before me was empty, budding trees and popping undergrowth lined the way. Being so early in spring there were very few tiny flying insects; perfect for reading.

I reached the second bridge and decided to sit and read a little. I only made it through a couple stories before I felt moved to stand at write in my journal at the bridge. As my thoughts focused as I wrote, I became more relaxed and more aware of my surroundings. I stopped writing, put my journal back in my pocket and let myself enjoy the scenery; the babble of the creek, the swooping birds, the swishing of the wind flowing through the brush, the fresh smell of spring.

In the mud some ten yards in front of me I noticed tracks; good sized, probably deer. They came from the wooded area to the west, in front of me and turned back towards the woods. Several trees had fallen over the winter, over the creek. They didn't disrupt the flow of the creek, however. It didn't matter, everything was as it should be: it simply was.

I am not sure how long this lasted, but I felt nothing, or perhaps everything. I had been here before, this state of mind; this existence - serenity, peace, perhaps even nirvana. And then, it began to fade; I began to disconnect from it all, but not completely. I had a warm glow in my head, my heart. I was at peace.

I turned and began to walk back towards town. My fair skin was feeling the afternoon sun and it was probably best I head back. But that was ok, it was as it should be; I was as I should be. Nothing is more amazing than the very present, the very moment.

I wish I could maintain this state of mind, consciousness more often, longer periods of time. However, I understand it is an on going practice, and I am but a novice student.