Oneness with Nature

"When you know nature as part of yourself,
You will act in harmony.
When you feel yourself a part of nature,
You will live in harmony."
Tao Te Ching (Tao 13)

My trail runs have always been my source of inspiration. I have found after I run in the wods, the boundary between myself and the world around me evaporates. My body and mind become one with nature.

During those moments of bliss,  I open my eyes for the beauty and magic hidden in nature. I carefully observe everything with all my senses. I see the tress, the plants, the flowers acknowledging it's growth as planned by a great power than me. I smell the creeks, rivers, and lakes then intuitively connect with it's energy. I hear the scratching, walking and dragging of the crickets,  raccoons, and squeals alerting me to listen to the wisdom of my inner teacher. And if I slow down long enough, I might be able to hear the rattling sound of the dragonfly and lucky enough to be kissed by a butterfly.  

Today, was no exception. During my Oleta River State Park trail run I decided to stop near the river's edge and absorb the beauty of the moment. 
 
I stepped under some low lying branches, brushed away the pine needles and picked up some sand. I looked at it's individual grains; some brown, some white, some yellow, some orange, some black. And thought, how similar we are to these grains. 

All of a sudden, I heard a hoarse, screaming kee-eeeee-arr. I quickly looked up and saw a red-tailed hawk soar above, slowly turning circles on his broad, rounded wings. I could feel his visionary power and clear sight. He is a sign showing me to ride the winds of change, to be patient, creative and surrender to the power of now. 

Then I saw something move quickly beneath my feet. I looked back down and saw a blue crab pushing and pulling itself across the land. The message; choose the action best for the moment. Sometimes moving laterally is better than no movement. Trust the direction. 

I was about to head back when I heard a spectacular splash. I could feel the water rush over me, cleaning my soul - renewing the power within. 

Oneness with Nature

The point is clear; spending time in nature, especially when exercising, makes me feel awake and alive. But most importantly, the actual moment, the present, re-establishes itself. The future and the past stop crowding.