9.14.22 Flagstaff, Arizona
In Solitude I Find My Answers
~Kristen Butler
I decided to take a walk today in the woods. Over two years I’ve of traveling in my RV staying in beautiful places, free campsites, I’ve never just taken a walk in the woods. Off trail.
I’ve parked in the forest surrounded by pine trees. As I leave my RV the pine needles smash underneath my crocs. The nutrient-rich soil beneath my feet gives way due to the recent heavy rains.
A few more paces and I arrive at red dirt. Then a grassy area. I don’t want to walk through it so I go around. The grass is about 2 feet tall and gently waves in the breeze. It’s beginning to feel like fall, there’s a slight chill to the air. I ease past grasses, mushrooms, as well as yellow, purple and white flowers.
I’ve arrived at a small meadow. There’s white puffy clouds moving very swiftly in the sky, intermittently covering the sun as it plays peekaboo, warming my body. Then the sun disappears again behind the clouds, I feel the chill.
My mind clears as I begin to live in the moment. Everything feels “right” now. I’m at home. Grounded with the earth.
I feel I need to greet the tree in front of me, so I do, and I touch it for just a moment.
As I was about to leave I felt the sudden urge sit. The pine needles poke at first yet as I settle in they act as a cushion protecting from the damp soil.
I lean into the tree thanking it mentally for being so strong to hold me. I realize I’m not alone. These are living things growing around me. They may be stationary but alive. The trees, grass, flowers and mushrooms all have the same organic matter streaming through them as I do. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to wanting to touch them.
My mind in clear now, savoring every scent and vision before me. I close my eyes and feel the breeze. It’s cool, autumn is certainly coming and I feel at peace.
This is where I’m supposed to be.
There’s something to be said about solitude with nature. I have the pleasure of feeling where I belong. At an equilibrium with nature.
It seems humans long to be in equilibrium with nature yet why is that so hard for most to do? To simply sit still for a few moments, clear their minds and not think anything but what nature offers.
I take a deep, long breath.
My body relaxes. I could almost nap.
The sun warming my skin makes me drowsy, dare say meditative.
I don’t want to leave my spot next to the tree but my mind starts to wander again thinking of the things that I need to do.
I break from my eased mental state, thank the tree and give it a big hug.
As I slowly make my way back to my RV, my little rolling home in the woods, I’m thinking I need to do this every day, more and more, longer and longer.
To bring me back to where I belong.
Thank You for Stopping By!
I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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