Today we managed to get out of the house by 10:00 a.m.! That might not sound like a big deal to some, but this is not easy for me yet. It took about an hour and a half of running around the house at a frenzied pace trying to get the three of us fed, dressed, and bags packed to go on a nature walk with some friends from our Attachment Parenting group. Really, some days getting out of the house with both kids by myself seems like mission impossible.
Once we are in the car though, we have to endure Ember screaming the entire way to our destination. She hates, hates, hates the car seat. When does this get better? It is really wearing on me. She is fed, taken to the potty (we practice elimination communication) and has a clean diaper on when we leave. But she always cries. Always. She finally fell asleep about 20 minutes in to the 25 minute ride. She has a toy to play with and I try singing to her, talking to her and even reaching around my seat to touch her so she knows I am there. Nothing works and it makes me sad (not to mention the headache it gives me).
Anyway, we were really glad to get out of the car once we were at the wildlife sanctuary. I am so glad we went.

This was the first real walk in the woods we have taken since Ember was born. We go walking often in our neighborhood which has some nice paths, but it just isn’t the same as being in the woods.

As we headed down the short walk to the pond, all my stressed melted away. The busy chatter in my mind that never wants to turn off was silenced. Walking in the woods is the best meditation there is. When I have meditated at home, it is always a struggle. I have to fight my mind to get it to be quiet. I know that is what the practice of meditation is all about, but when we were on our walk, I found my mind was calm and quiet without me having to do anything. I just had to be there. Be present. Enjoy the smell of woods and hear the birds. Watch the leaves falling. Not hard at all.
Giant sized leaves were discovered.

Beautiful textures on trees were noticed.

Mossy covered fallen trees were touched.

And we just sat. Enjoying the view (even though the pond was nearly empty of water). The silence was wonderful.

I loved being outside today and look forward to more outdoor meditation soon. I think it is what cures me.










An action shot …





































