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<\/a><\/p>\nHowever, this is not the exact place I chose to be my reflection spot.\u00a0 While I know our reflection spots are supposed to be quiet and tranquil places, something I have learned about myself over time is that I do my best thinking while alone in the presence of others.\u00a0 Because of this, I chose the more populated area on Belle Isle.\u00a0\u00a0 I walked over the bridge, veered right along with the path once on the island, and followed the path past an inland body of water and to a smaller area on the rocks that is a little more isolated.\u00a0 It\u2019s not part of the long stretch of rocks that people frequent most often, but down the path a little further so not as many people head there, but it\u2019s still populated enough for the likes of my reflective intentions.<\/p>\n
I plopped myself down on a rock and took in my surroundings.\u00a0 I sat on a large rock at the waters edge, my toes in the cool water, and all around me children were swimming in the water, a black lab puppy struggled through some grass only slightly taller than it was as its owner snapped priceless pictures, and kayakers headed through the rapids in small white-water kayaks, pure enjoyment on their faces mixing with the bright sunlight.\u00a0 I love Belle Isle for the fact that every time you go, you see different types of people all headed into the \u201cwilderness\u201d for the same reason: to escape for a bit.<\/p>\n
The one most significant image that stands out in my mind the most, though, is not actually from my reflection spot, but from the journey back over the bridge and to my car.\u00a0 The image is that of crossing back into \u201ccivilization,\u201d and perhaps one of the best depictions of just how Richmond is built on the James River.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve now seen Belle Isle in the early fall, before the leaves change, and during the summertime.\u00a0 The prospect of visiting again multiple times throughout the year excites me because I will get to see the island go full circle through all of the seasons.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I knew at the very first mention of a \u201creflection spot\u201d exactly where my spot would be: Belle Isle.\u00a0 Former Earth Lodger Anne Coglianese and her co-leader, Emma Thomson, first introduced the place to me last fall through a trip … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n