Slowing Down Time

The whoosh and whish sounds of mighty rushing winds juxtaposed the sweet morning teek tuk-tuk birdsongs that awoke me from my slumber. The bright morning sunlight - hazy and obfuscated by clouds - brought diffused lighting and creative reverie to the momentary calm. Gusty winds topping 25 mph and beyond were forecasted for the rest of the day, but for this momentary bliss, even the birds enjoyed playful banter as they frolicked in the air.

The intense aroma of last night's crackling campfire still lingered in every pore of my body and fabric of clothing as well as the sweet memories of priceless conversation with friends. The random embers jumping out, stinking for a few seconds, then searing another few small holes in my favorite running warmups and down jacket, adding to the camping memories like a patch to a patchwork quilt. I'm still getting used to smelling like the aroma of campfire and moving around the campfire to dodge the shifting winds blowing smoke into my eyes (oh the burning eyes and some coughs), yet these are the moments worth experiencing - the slowing down of timing out in nature and a place with less distractions and more attuned with the rhythms of life.

Alas, I am quite out of shape being out camping in nature - its been many months since being out here, and I even forgot that black ants can bit through my wool socks and leave a small constellation of redness and itchy feet (why didn't I wear the trail running shoes???). And it even took me twice as long to pack everything for this adventure in the woods. But it was well worth it - well worth the time in God's great creation, breathing in the fresh pine needle aromas, hearing the crush of pinecones beneath my sandals, hearing the sizzle of potatoes cooked on the jet boil skillet. These are the moments where creativity takes more flight.

I invite you to have more of those quiet times out in nature - in the backyard, out camping, in a park, out by the river, out where nature's songs are more pronounced than in the untiring engine of the hustle and bustle. Take that time to taste a great cup of coffee/tea and hear the birds sing. Take time to hear the clapping of the tree leaves and the gentle rustle of the pine needles. Take time to hear the babbling brook or the undulating oceans of wind patterns. The slowing down of time in nature is good refreshment for the soul and will help recharge for journey ahead!

A toast to being out in nature again, exploring more, creating more, relaxing more to better take on the week ahead.

Nothing like a hammock to help with relaxing! Those socks have seen a lot of miles exploring!

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