Yesterday I went walking. All layered up and checking for the arrival of the impending Sierra storm I set off. The incoming storm and the current temperature seem to be keeping most indoors which I think I prefer but not really. I like seeing others outside. I like seeing giggling kids and friendly dogs. Seeing, not conversating…
In sunny spots I took a layer off, in shady spots I put it back on. This is the time for the pines to stand out and awe. And they do.
The ice around the edges of the river, around the edges of the rocks, and under bridges is as creative and awe inspiring as any art museum. And it all makes different sounds when you break it.
Yesterday in Anna Brones advent email she linked to this piece on the BBC about how awe can help your brain, and it is so easy to find awe in nature. Really it is my preferred mode of awe. Apparently awe can, “ remove our mental filters to encourage more flexible thinking”. Is that part of why toddlers can learn so quickly? They are awed by so many things we don’t even stop to see anymore.
Later after the storm had arrived I stuck my head out and was awed again at the smell of snow and cold, pine and mountain.
Pines, people, and ice…a daydream with movement.