nothing erases worry/anxiety, like a walk in the woods
I found out when I stopped at a pharmacy before arriving at Dewberry that i did not have my wallet.! Worry or walk in the woods, I walked!
At every turn, every bridge, or detour over a swampy patch, there was something new, some wonder to exclaim at, to stop and capture to revisit later on my screen.
today would have been my husband’s 73rd birthday, I was a tad sad when I realized this, then I thought of how much he and I loved to walk and loose ourselves in the woods and back roads. He would have enjoyed today’s walk and the dogs would have had a fun outing, as it was, I was on my own dogs are not allowed in this part of the woodlands. They were with me in spirit. I found it fitting that I came across two young men and the youngsters they had with them.. they were teaching the children about the new growth and the excitement of discovery in the woods. I couldn’t help but hear as I passed them, that they were talking of their church and how the teachings they were learning there, harmonized with their visit today in the woods. Amen!
“I’ll do it later. No, I’ll do it now.” To make progress do anything while it is still fresh.
a lone loon drifts aimlessly along, enjoying the morning quiet.
I went in search of wood that I can try carving. I first went back to Petrie Island to see if I could find a small block of bass wood on the ground in the mulch, under the dead vegetation. I was on a mission. Found lots of water logged, wet, or burnt pieces of wood, a lot of it was decaying, some in worst stages than others. Wanted something the size of a brick. Found lots of twigs, dead branches, often with huge splits or splinters. As a form of exercise I did pick up a log about 3, 5 pounds, that I carried while I walked. Kept changing from my right to the left arm. Had to find something that wasn’t too round, my hands are on the small side.
Again the bird that I kept coming across was the robin. I did have two chickadees that came around looking for food, but I had none with me. Saw several little chippies too, they are small, takes awhile to recognize them as they silently slip in and around the underbrush going about their business. I saw some kind of water “rat” it was plumb maybe the size of a football, not pretty or cute at all. It dove into the water when I approached and didn’t resurface. (that I saw)
I also found a new trail to explore, Flood Line Kiln Trail in the west end. Not far from Jack Pine Trail. I walked to the end to see the ruins of the old buildings. (the trails did continue, leading out to another part of the west end) I returned the way I came, back to my car.
It is amazing that I have driven by this location many many times, just never knew it was a green space open for the public to enjoy, The parking sign is there and once you know where to look, it is obvious, but it has gone unnoticed by me for years, I knew of the other three sites further down the road, but not the Flood Line Kiln. The ground was still wet and muddy in places, there were even patches of snow on the ground, will go back in a month or so.. should be very interesting.
The pathways are there, it is up to us to be present and aware, when the time is right, the opportunity will present itself. Only in extending ourselves, do we grow.
Multitasking reduces your joy by half. When doing something, give it your all. There is joy in everything.
Perfect Liberty 2021.23
Don’t rush or allow yourself to get flustered. When you rush, it limits your ability to pay attention to detail, and often leads to careless mistakes. With a prayerful mind, take a deep breath and act calmly.
with no sun just the cold gray skies, the world took on a very different look.
The walk wasn’t that long to reach the water’s edge, but it was cold, and my fingers were not happy. The old arthritis just broke out in song, loud and clear … it wasn’t pretty. Still I soldiered on, I could hear the geese honking I knew there would be activity on the water.
They heard me coming and loudly protested the intrusion, flying up to where they could see who was coming, the actually up and flew away.
The graffiti artist(s) had been, the signage looked freshly done
Here we are, mid week, it was cold, but I was not to be deterred, I still am getting used to walking the landscapes, it will take me more walks to build my stamina. I walked beyond where I usually walk today, really worth the effort to see what I will have to explore at another visit. Coming back though, I hoofed it right proper, my hands were so cold by now, the arthritis was not being kind … and I had not one pair of gloves with me. The good weather the last couple of weeks, lulled me into a false sense of security.
PL Precept #18 Each moment is a turning point. Postamo-nos sempre na bifurcacao entre o bem e o mal.
the fella has seen a lot and shows his history proud
there is something about a bird in flight – that sense of freedom it represents.
there are black birds everywhere these days. ( 2 bird photos Num Ottawa)
Today in PL we celebrate (21st of each month) A day of Appreciation – It is an important service, we give thanks and express our appreciation for the many blessings in our lives. We members humbly express our appreciation to God for all the blessings of the past month and sincerely ask to be guided and protected in the coming months, We renew our determination to follow and practice the PL teachings.
Due to Covid restrictions, tonight’s ceremony will be performed by Rev. Eugene at 7 pm. but the church itself will not be open. Instead we ask you to pray with us from home. If you wish to visit the church personally during the day, you may do so, please call ahead first.
Sunday service will take place like it did last week, please check in with us, we will have limited capacity. Sunday service will be at 10 a.m.
A thankful heart leads to happiness. When we really pay attention, we are surrounded by many things we can be thankful for; society we live in, the kindness shown to us by others. You will be able to find true happiness when you can see and appreciate these things.
Perfect Liberty 2015.21
Express your appreciation with enthusiasm. Appreciation is the driving force for progress and development/
I want to be outside, I want to be outdoors, wandering through the woodlands, I want to be alone on a lost pathway, alone with my thoughts, the birds, and the wildlife that abounds around me, my only company. Wanting is not doing. Sometimes we just have to wait to do what we want to do. Sometimes we need to practice patience.
Today I am practicing “patience” and I’m not all that good at it. One would think after all the years I have had in the world and the chances I’ve had to practice patience, I’d have a better handle on it. Sigh.. I still have to work at it.
Do everything willingly and joyfully. Your upbeat attitude will make things more cheerful and enjoyable.
Make today a different day. Instead of doing the same old thing be creative and do things to improve your day.
Perfect Liberty 2021.17
No effort is ever wasted. Even if no one witnesses your actions, God is watching you. No matte how small your effort, your Makoto (sincerity) will always be rewarded
Was amazed that I noticed it.. I just knew that that limb had not been on the ground yesterday. I actually moved it off the roadway. Did a lot of overland hiking today while exploring, found an opening and went into the fenced area, found where they had put up fences and where the animals would go to cool down on hot days.
needed a walking stick to balance, the ground is actually almost two feet down in places, the vegetation is so thick and layered, you have to make sure that the land underneath is solid and there isn’t a big hole.
I loved the solitude of this morning’s walk, the birds except for a couple of hard working woodpeckers were quiet.
Just since yesterday, the growth on some of the trees was noticeable. What looked like they could eventually be pussy willows.. had doubled in size.
I will miss my walk tomorrow because the surgery will be so early, I was very happy that today was clear and I was able to get out for my walk. Interestingly, while I had the clear blue skies, back in the city, not twenty minutes away, they had rain.
Perceiving equals doing. Each time you notice something, it is a gift from God. don’t miss this opportunity to act.
Perfect Liberty 2021.15
Face challenging situations with a positive determination. when you encounter difficulties, boldly take measures to over come them. By creatively finding solutions, you will feel the joy in tackling any situation.
Nothing wrong with my imagination. Wandering the back roads and nature trails, is fodder for my story telling, my imagination goes into a different gear, all on its own. I see the forest people the community going about its business, and I catch friends having a mid day chat. Come another couple of weeks and they will be harder to spot.
I know they think if they stand really still, no one will see.. But those of us who seek are always rewarded, especially if the sun/shadows work in our favour.
Have a “Let’s do it” attitude. Even if a task is difficult, keep in mind it is given by God and accomplish it.
Perfect Liberty 2021.14
The Universe is continually in motion/movement. So are we, we don’t realize that even standing still, we are, or parts of us are moving. We are beautifully built. =^_^=. The weather forecast says tomorrow should be much like today, and today was basically clear if not always sunny, and it was mild. Means . I might try and do another “walk”. Come the very hot summer weather that Ottawa is famous for.. I will be not wanting to venture out, I will be a gal who keeps her central air company.
I found one of my marketing brochures the other day. On the cover it says “Rediscover the inner peace and quiet, of the mind, body and spirit. Oneness..” it goes on to says my sessions were “a self directed method of getting in touch with your inner calm” It is amazing that now, many years later ( this brochure is at least 20 some years old) I am still very much into believing and living my life, as I describe in in my brochure.
“Life is a dance, every step you take follows the rhythm of your “chi/energy”. It is your link to the Universe.”
Still today, I work at finding my inner calm, and for sure I try to cultivate a way of life that will unclutter my mind.
We are mid week dear friends.. “Let’s do it” One step at a time, let’s work towards “world peace” we begin with our Selves. Peace within, radiates a calm for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve all been on such a road, it goes somewhere, but we don’t know where. It is not open to traffic, you want to see what is at the end, you have to hoof it (walk) or bicycle. Fortunately for me, a young man and his charge came along on bikes, because my feet were draggin.. I flagged him down, did he know this road, and yes he did. “how far do I have to go till I reach the end?” “See up ahead, around the curve?”
he pointed up to where the above road barriers were .. you can just make them out in the first picture.
“When you get to the bend, the road will change from pavement to gravel, you will be about half way” Wow, I was going to be late for my 10:30 – 11 a.m appointment, I would have to turn back. No way could I manage to do the whole walk and get back in time.. besides my legs were telling me I’d already been doing enough walking for the day.
obviously at one time, this was a well travelled road. but no more. It is all part of the NCC green space now.you can see remnants of old fences now.. once all the growth starts to happen, this may not be so visible.
As I walked back to my car, I wondered how it must have been, likely there had been animals out in the pastures that are now slowly being over taken with vegetation again. I saw a lot of creeks and water beds.. it will be fun to explore on another day.
This area, where the blocked off road is, is not the part of Dewberry where most of the hiking, snowshoeing, X-cross country is done. But I’m told the rewards are worth the walk, especially in another few weeks when there will be flowers a lot of interesting vegetation at another observation deck that has been built out over the water.. Trick is you got to get there, and it is a hike. Hiking through the trails is walking on trampled earth, the terrain is very different, this walk along the road, is just that.. you are walking on a paved road. I’ll tell you about the unpaved part when I actually get to do it.
Thanks for sharing this part of the journey with me.
We are all wonderful in our own way… Although results are important, your effort is what is truly precious.
Perfect Liberty 2021.13
he was a long way from me.. but I did manage to get a picture before he took off on me.
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.