Tranquility, Peace, Hope
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts….There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, spring after winter. Rachel Carson Silent Spring
The October Tranquility Walk at Klehm Arboretum featured the “Hunter Moon” in all its glory. As evening clouds moved across the sky, she played hide-and-seek. An hour into the walk, the moon rose above the clouds and cast our shadows as we walked on the carpet of leaves on our path—like the sun does in the daytime. It was glorious!
A piece on NPR today was about the 250 pounds of rocks brought back from the Apollo 17 Mission. Scientific studies revealed the moon is 40 million years older than we thought. We are still learning about outer space.
I loved watching the moon, and Jupiter was shining not far away.
Our leader uses a different path each time we walk. Tonight’s path was narrow. We could touch trees and undergrowth on either side. Our eyes adjusted to the darkness as we walked deep into the woods. The walk is slow and silent, listening, touching, and smelling everything around us. A sweet smell of the forest surrounded us. The Japanese call this experience Shinrin – Yoku –Japanese forest bathing. As I looked up at the moon and felt the wind on my cheeks, I was grateful for this experience, this time with the trees, to be renewed and relaxed. This silent walk brings peace and makes us one with nature.
I felt Rachel Carson’s words: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Tonight, I ponder this enduring strength for as long as life lasts. I need that strength. We all do. Our world and our country are in turmoil. We need to find hope.
Rachel Carson was an American biologist well known for her writings on environmental pollution and the natural history of the sea. Silent Spring (1962) was an international bestseller. Her work led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the first Earth Day celebration in 1970.
As I walked, I thought of my son Daniel, whose death date is November 3. His love of nature drew him to the last trip of his life: camping and hiking on the California coast. I hope he felt the strength of the trees, the mountains, the trails along the ocean. I can only imagine, but I want to think his experience fed and strengthened him.
As I breathe in the air this night, I share with him this strength until we meet again. Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart 10/23