The previous weekend, I went out into the forest. I needed it. I was feeling some cabin fever. We’ve had snow on top of snow on top of snow. Furthermore, I had had a terrible, no good, very bad night the day before. The forest was calling my name.
I was already trudging through the knee-deep snow to the forest when my father suggested I try his snowshoes. I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did – they were such fun! Although I could have made it to and from the woods just fine, it would have been a heck of a lot of work. Putting on snowshoes made the trek more relaxing for me, so I’m glad I took that opportunity.
Once I reached the forest, the stillness was exactly what I needed after a very stressful few days. The forest felt so welcoming. Everything felt restful and my troubles faded. I greeted my tree friends and left offerings for the local spirits. In the distance, some song birds chirped merrily. Copious amounts of snow had settled on the tall evergreens like thick layers of dust. A mighty wind blew and the canopy erupted with shimmering snow! I lifted my arms and actually gave a shout of joy as I let myself be enveloped in the temporary whiteout. The previous day’s anger, frustration, and helplessness dislodged and hurried away with that gush of snow and wind. I let it go when I surrendered to that moment of joy…
In this way, without meditating in the traditional sense, I found my center and was able to relax. What is it about the forest’s magic? As I’ve reflected in the past, I’m very aware of the darker sides of this place, and yet it normally gives me such peace… I’m so grateful for that.
Author M. A. Phillips 
Inspiring. Beautiful. I can relate.
So glad you had the chance to regroup and commune with nature! We should reclaim that 80s slogan to be “Nature Does A Body Good.”
I need to get out into the woods and take some photos, while the snow is still so abundant!
I love that last picture–the one of the Hemlock! Very beautiful. ❤ I'm not sure what it is about the forest either, but just being there is always such a calming and centering experience for me. I don't need to meditate–just being there is enough.