I took a hike this weekend up one of the local Arizona mountains. Even with the juniper pollen bugging my allergies, I enjoyed it. I think the renewal of time spent outdoors is something we lack in our modern society. As a species, we originated with an intimate connection with nature that we have distanced ourselves from with each succeeding generation. I grew up in a city. One of the biggest ones in the world, but at the time it had a few wild places. Mine was nothing more than a drainage wash that was part of the L.A. River system. I spent most of my life there it seemed. I am often reminded of the quote from Aldo Leopold “I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness.” That inconsequential drainage wash wilderness led me to explore deeper and surprisingly led to a career as a ranger. At least it was a surprise to me, since I was an English teacher at the time.
These days, my renewal comes from finding what wilderness I can, and immersing myself in it. It refreshes me, but also it reminds me of things that I can use in my writing. The world around us is part of the imagery we have to include in writing, and I find writing about nature is easier done when you spend some time in it. Go experience nature, and stand behind reasoned causes to protect it, for as Aldo Leopold also said: “We shall never achieve harmony with the land, anymore than we shall achieve absolute justice or liberty for people. In these higher aspirations the important thing is not to achieve but to strive.”
1 Comment
Mary Ray
5/31/2017 07:06:35 am
Thank you for putting into words my feelings about getting out in nature. Being out in nature is always enjoyable, uplifting and refreshing. And when I go hiking by myself it's most generally a spiritual experience. I'm depending on Him to keep me safe and big brown critters away.
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Greg
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