Friday, May 8, 2015

Pathways in the Mind

I always try to keep up on events without allowing bad news to saturate my life.  I am very susceptible to bad news overload.  But lately the state of the world has really gotten to me.  ISIS, hunger, racism, riots, rape, cancer.  Lots and lots of cancer.   I know this is all part of the world as it is, but I also know a different world of nature and beauty and serenity.

And so, knowing that I needed to balance what is feeding my soul lately, I ventured off into the wilderness for a few days.  Not backpacking.  Yet.  I’m pretty sure I would collapse under the weight of a pack right now, especially in the high temperatures we have been experiencing.

No, just a few days of solitary hikes in to the woods and gorges and places untouched by man made upheaval.










Cool and refreshing.

I am home again, reading distressing headlines and trying to support those who are dealing with way too much crap.  

War, violence, sickness.  Nature, beauty, serenity.

It is all the same world.  I must be careful how I choose to react to it.




12 comments:

  1. Think good thoughts. Definitely. Breathe clean air. Walk in nature. Be still. Be quiet. Be at peace. We all need that.
    Xoxox

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    1. And I hope that you will take your own advice. You will be needing a LOT of self care in the months to come. I hope you can find the time and place to do just that.

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  2. Yes, balance. Having some difficulty. But, yes . . oohhhmm ah.

    Glad you had a chance to recalibrate. So to speak.

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    1. Recalibrate is exactly the word. And now ready to take on whatever with a much clearer mind and joyful heart.

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  3. I do my best not to follow the news right now. I still see and know about the major stuff through trending on Twitter and NPR news. I'll save that energy for things closer to home: friends who are dealing with stuff. And my own stuff. Tomorrow I am sitting outside and sketching a tree that has decided to burst in to flower. Lots of pink flowers. And the clump of daffodils not far from it. And whatever else catches my eye.

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  4. Someone once accused me of putting my head in the sand. But I do keep up with events, I just don't immerse myself in bad/sad news. Like you, I'd rather spend my time and energy on doing what doing what I can, where I can. And I am a big believer in taking care of myself so that I am better able to care for others.

    Many trees bursting here too. It never fails to amaze me. Enjoy your bursting and colors and sketching. Sounds absolutely blissful.

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  5. Like you I have to manage my bad news overload: it is not putting one's head in the sand, merely keeping sane so that I can deal with what I am able to deal with and help where I am needed. I'm not sure that we evolved to know about all the ills of the world: but only the ones in our own neighbourhood.
    In the local hospital recently I found The Positive News Newspaper. I was very suspicious but it is actually just plain ordinary journalism but letting one know where things are improving and where people are making things better. I was surprised by some of the things that are actually getting better:)

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    1. I subscribe to a good news site. Unfortunately the spin of American media loves to focus on the negative and violent. even when things are positive, they find a way to give it a negative spin. So yes, I also need a more balanced view.

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  6. AnonymousMay 11, 2015

    Awesome photos - good idea to ground yourself. I have been exercising in the morning and instead of dreading it until it is over - I am trying to enjoy my time in the fresh air. Trying to take a lesson from the dogs - who get so excited to go on a walk.

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  7. You know, I love hiking in the wilderness and love solo walks, but I always worry a little when I'm out on my own about who I might encounter.

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    1. I will not go hiking solo. If I don't have a hiking partner, I have my dog who loves it as much as me. And a big walking stick.

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