Really enjoyed reading this. The walks sound like so much fun, and I love how you tied it all in with the idea of paying attention. Felt almost therapeutic to read.
I couldn't tell you what I've been focussing on lately, as it feels like it has been a million things at once, but I've also gotten into a bit of gardening and must admit that the process of doing things step by step and taking care in my actions feels quite nice. It's good to hear that you have the same/similar things keeping you on track
Thanks for your comments, Daniel. I certainly feel the pull in a million directions on my attention, as you say. I think those little daily efforts we make (like gardening) are a way to combat the relentless demands on our attention and keep us in the present in the midst of all that distraction.
-- Nature’s abundance often provides a haven for me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with my inner self, offering solace amidst life’s chaos. In my view, each landscape whispers stories of resilience and timelessness, serving as a gentle reminder of the enduring tranquility that brings balance to the soul. Xo.
Hi! I'm so glad I found you. Paying attention and tuning into the quiet miracles around me has become a way of life... I think climate change has forced it upon me. I've got kids and I watch the world change and I feel an urgency to appreciate what's here while we have it. I went to a lecture on trees last week... I love the underground master naturalist community. I feel they are literally the roots holding our world together!
Climate change and the current state of the world certainly do make paying attention feel more urgent than ever. Then the noticing itself somehow helps lessen the stress of that urgency and offers a grounding in the act of being present in our environment. I love your characterization of master naturalists as "roots holding our world together" -- yes! Welcome, I'm so glad to meet you!
This was lovely, Stephanie. The 1st Day Hike is a great notion. I hope a lot of the country got out there and did it.
(I'm totally with you on the "organised fun" thing like work treasure hunts. I'd be there with a beer on the couch, too, hehe.)
Being away along the coast last week got me paying a bit more attention to nature. Standing on the rocks and sand and watching the tireless waves, looking at the leaves in the wind. Although the conference had a mental toll, the time away from the city was therapeutic.
Thank you, Nathan! The trip to the coast, aside from the toll of the conference, sounds like it was a meaningful time away - your piece on it was moving. And yes - highly recommend the noticing notebook - going to try to hold onto that practice in some form. Less so the "fun" work events.
Thank you for the feedback on the Substack name change! It felt appropriate. :)
Really enjoyed reading this. The walks sound like so much fun, and I love how you tied it all in with the idea of paying attention. Felt almost therapeutic to read.
I couldn't tell you what I've been focussing on lately, as it feels like it has been a million things at once, but I've also gotten into a bit of gardening and must admit that the process of doing things step by step and taking care in my actions feels quite nice. It's good to hear that you have the same/similar things keeping you on track
Thanks for your comments, Daniel. I certainly feel the pull in a million directions on my attention, as you say. I think those little daily efforts we make (like gardening) are a way to combat the relentless demands on our attention and keep us in the present in the midst of all that distraction.
I think you're right. It's definitely good to have something that grounds us amongst all the chaos
I used to live in VA and remember the pawpaws!
How cool! Did you ever eat one? I still haven't done that but I hear they taste good.
-- Nature’s abundance often provides a haven for me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with my inner self, offering solace amidst life’s chaos. In my view, each landscape whispers stories of resilience and timelessness, serving as a gentle reminder of the enduring tranquility that brings balance to the soul. Xo.
Wholeheartedly agree, Thaissa. Thanks for reading 🌿
Hi! I'm so glad I found you. Paying attention and tuning into the quiet miracles around me has become a way of life... I think climate change has forced it upon me. I've got kids and I watch the world change and I feel an urgency to appreciate what's here while we have it. I went to a lecture on trees last week... I love the underground master naturalist community. I feel they are literally the roots holding our world together!
Climate change and the current state of the world certainly do make paying attention feel more urgent than ever. Then the noticing itself somehow helps lessen the stress of that urgency and offers a grounding in the act of being present in our environment. I love your characterization of master naturalists as "roots holding our world together" -- yes! Welcome, I'm so glad to meet you!
This was lovely, Stephanie. The 1st Day Hike is a great notion. I hope a lot of the country got out there and did it.
(I'm totally with you on the "organised fun" thing like work treasure hunts. I'd be there with a beer on the couch, too, hehe.)
Being away along the coast last week got me paying a bit more attention to nature. Standing on the rocks and sand and watching the tireless waves, looking at the leaves in the wind. Although the conference had a mental toll, the time away from the city was therapeutic.
I love the idea of the 'noticing' notebook.
oh and PS: "in little spaces and cracks of time." in your email header made me smile. Great choice of Substack name.
Thank you, Nathan! The trip to the coast, aside from the toll of the conference, sounds like it was a meaningful time away - your piece on it was moving. And yes - highly recommend the noticing notebook - going to try to hold onto that practice in some form. Less so the "fun" work events.
Thank you for the feedback on the Substack name change! It felt appropriate. :)