The busiest day I have had this year…
It is good this blog is about us returning to our reflection spot because today has been the most stressful day I have had in a while. Once again, I started my day with a Chinese exam but this time it was a midterm. I stated in my last refection blog how stressed and nervous I was because of a Chinese test I had that morning and how nice it was to get away and relax once it was over. This time was no different.
From the little time I was able to spare on this packed full day, I made my way off campus and up this magnificent tree. It had been raining all day so I knew I had to dress in clothes I would not mind getting dirty. The walk down to the tree was extremely muddy. I decided to take my tennis shoes and socks off and stomp around in the mushy ground while walking down to the tree. The ground felt cold but it was liberating to feel the cold mud with my feet. I would stand for a couple seconds and move my toes around in the mud. Once I got to the tree I just looked up and smiled. We meet again! I had told myself each time I visited my reflection spot, I would try to climb up in the tree a little hire. I was aware this probably was not the greatest idea today due to the weather conditions so I decided to just climb where I felt comfortable.
Once up in the tree, luck seemed to be on my side because the rain decided to stop and the sky started to clear up just enough for me to see the sun start to poke through the clouds. I looked around and could feel a light breeze across my face and see the water moving swiftly in the river. For a couple minutes today I was at ease and could breathe slowly and rhythmically. In that moment, I was not concerned about exams that happened that morning or homework I will have to do later in the day. I was focusing on the here and now, basking in the stress-free reflection spot outdoors.
This may have been the busiest day I have had all year but it also reminded me that it is possible to find a ray of sunshine even on a rainy, cloudy day if you just take a moment and breath.
I really like the comment that you made about how liberating it is to put your bare feet on the ground! It’s quite a marvelous feeling. Somehow you feel connected to everything around you, like you can almost feel the natural energy beneath your feet. This is the same kind of feeling that a lot of barefoot runners champion. Feeling connected and in control of your body and nature. Quite liberating!
I suppose, if this is the case (it is), then why do we insist on putting up these little barriers between us and nature all the time? Obviously for protection, but like all things maybe a compromise can be reached. Vibram Five Fingers anyone?! Not all of us are willing to take the route that Shannon has in removing these boundaries… lol.