This morning, I set out to sit in the Woods, a “SitSpot”, as it were. Today felt somehow different, right from the start. My vision was not focusing on the individual leaves, or Trees, or anything in particular. Rather, it was more like “Owl vision”, in that there was not independent focus. The colors of the new growth on the Hemlock, Tree bark, ground and light were all as some sort of mosaic.
The lushness of this late spring Forest was inviting, yet requesting entry off of the trail only where absolutely invited. It was as if a “do not disturb” order was in place. Enter this hallowed Forest for observation and invitation only.
Last night’s rain had obliterated any previous tracks in the trail. The only sign of previous entry was the occasional track of what appeared to be Fox, though the exact print was obscure. The only way to determine what animal had left this track was in the pattern of the prints, rather than themselves. As well, due to the present mottled texture of the trail, it was necessary to have a keen eye on the ground for slow moving traffic such are the deliberate footing of the Snail and more lumbering way of the Banana Slug.
The air was, at times, well endowed with the communications of Robin and Finch, with an occasional cooing style bark from Douglas Squirrel. Even Crow seemed respective of what seemed like a special magic in the air, by confining his caw to more of a cluck. Though there were other Birds I cannot identify chiming in, here and there, I was blessed to witness the call of Pygmy Owl.
Though my intention had been to head into the Woods and have me a “SitSpot”. It seemed that this morning the calling was to have a Sit Stop and Walk. No matter. I’ve long since learned to follow the invitation and guidance received, when entering the Woods, never knowing just what might present itself in knowledge and revelation. Though I know better than to expect something profound to manifest, it is really not that uncommon for a profundity to be shared with me, if I’m open in awareness. And sometimes, even when I’m not.
This morning was to be no exception. At first, the breezes passing through the Forest canopy seemed to be excitedly greeting me. Yet, there seemed to be some sort of different effect going on here. I was invited to stop, on numerous occasions, to simply stand quietly and observe. Doing so allowed me to notice the different directions these gusts of breath, as they seemed, were coming from. As well, I watched as the sound of the next breath entered the area, traveled through the Trees, and on away down the hill, or up the hill. I was given the opportunity to quietly step away from the thoughts in my head and into the feeling in my person. As I did, I became aware of these pulses of air traveling through to be not unlike a breath.
Indeed, I felt the Forest breathing!!! If I traveled into thought, I’d lose the sensation to some extent. Yet, if I stayed in my body, in the Feeling of what was occurring, I could feel the Forest breathing. It came in what felt like a long inhale, which invited me to inhale along with it. Then came what felt like a long, long exhale. I quickly realized that the common thing that people want to do, in this situation, is to breath with the Forest. In fact, that is not possible due to the length of the inhales and exhales. This phenomenon was initially for observation only.
Then, the lesson that was all about me in this setting came to light. In it’s own way, the Forest was reminding me that through whatever is going on in our life at any given time, the best thing we can do to relieve stress, gain clarity and step out of the noise in our heads, is to breathe. It is so easy for us to take abbreviated and short breaths, when we get captured in drama and dilemma. As part of the Mindfulness training I recently received, there they also they spoke of breathing for the purpose of centering and grounding. Yet, even in that training, the breath work was not made anywhere as profoundly important as it was this morning. In this morning’s lesson, I received the opportunity to take the breath work and liken it to the Forest breathing. The benefits of my own attention to the intention of and attentiveness to this breathing are extended to all that I touch, as is the exchange of breath of the Forest to us all.
The awareness of how this Forest Breathing feels in my body is really quite a blessing. While I’ve learned how to feel the healing nature of deep centering and grounding breathing, both on my own and in trainings attended, I have never experienced it in the way that I did this morning. This awareness seems to be one more thing that I’ll be able share more readily in person, when taking someone on an MOE (mindful outdoor experience). In the immediate, it seems to be something especially important in my own life, just now. I’m grateful for this experience.
Peter J Quandt
Walk with me.