We took a family trip to the Redwood Forest of northern California last week with our daughter and two of her friends. Beautiful campsite in the Six Rivers National Forest by Smith River. Tall trees surrounding us. Mild temperatures. The river was refreshing but not icy, perfect for cliff jumping and swimming. The stars like bright polka dots above us.
I loved it.
I love sleeping in a tent with fresh air, the sound of crickets and birds and the flowing river. It helps if my mattress is comfortable! I loved walking through Stout Grove in the Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park, dwarfed by the magnificent redwoods all around. There was a reverent feel there. Quiet. No sound of birds and bugs for some reason. As if all creatures showed reverence for the ancient redwoods.
I loved hiking 1 1/2 hours to the Boy Scout Tree, my feet on soft ground, my head under a canopy of giant redwoods, my breath steady. I love the rhythm of hiking and breathing. I loved hiking .5 mile to the Klamath River Overlook to see Eden - enormous roaring ocean, primitive cliffs, jarring boulders, fog-encased land.
The Chinese talk about five elements, or five states of change, which describe the interaction and relation between yin and yang: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. I just know that I find myself wanting these elements around me in my life. I want less concrete and more earth. Less enclosed walls and more air. How do I find that balance in a modern life? I'm not ready to leave my comfy home and live in a yurt. But I do open my window at night. I do dig in my garden and plant beautiful things. I do want to display a picture of the ocean my husband took. And I do kiss my speckled beach stone morning and night, to remind me of the magnificence I saw and felt.
I think Mother Nature has quiety set up camp inside me.
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