One component of self-compassion can be savoring. Savoring is the sensual sister of gratitude. Today after creativity group, we took a Sense and Savor Walk. Lakeview is the perfect spot for such a walk, 10 or 15 minutes to walk around and be drawn into whatever ignites your senses.
I began by ambling towards a decaying stump, a visually interesting starting point. Inside I found a whole world living and growing. Ruffled layers of off-white fungi curled inside the log, reminding me of rich layers of frosting. Spiderwebs were evident in spots, and then a daddy long legs crawled up from beneath the rotting fronds. Ants were busy making whatever it is ants make.
I moved along towards a rather new bridge I had noticed on previous visits. Never once had I thought, what is underneath, that this bridge is bridging (3 billygoats gruff?)? Well, what do you know? an adorable bubbling creek. There was a gorgeous dragonfly and a sparkling insect shimmering like gold. Some seeded scat on the planks kept me from lying down and hanging my head close to the water.
On I trailed along the creek noting an old honey locust tree, with dried pods hanging from it. That struck me as unusual. My back was warmed by the sun and it felt like a gentle massage. Up ahead I spotted the bee keeping area, fenced off complete with warning sign. Leave those bees alone! As I got closer one bee buzzed loudly around my head and I heeded its warning, veering up the green, lush hill towards a stand of bushes and trees. Delicate white flowers were teaming with flying insects. One honey bee was frantically skittering around, while the smaller bugs were daintily dipping. Another honey locust tree was devoid of pods.
Back to our starting point, we shared our experiences, and I took a few notes. Selectively attending to positive experiences did indeed feel good, relaxing. I don't normally linger in nature, soaking in the small details of the natural world. As A. said, there's a lot going on out here!
I will enthusiastically agree with Emily Dickinson who wrote, "To live is so startling, it leaves little room for other occupations." I will try to carry this into a new week with me.
