We took our first real vacation in over 18 months. We played it safe for the first time. We drove. We were dropping off our son at a sleep away camp and I had all sorts of anxiety. It was a process of learning how to trust and how to practice being safe. The rational side knew that as long as he is vaccinated and wearing a mask in an indoor setting he should be okay - and he was. But that is the nature of the human mind - it can't help but worry. Where I live, people are still wearing masks indoors - driving through different states that was not the case. Signs for shops and restaurants - wear a mask if ur are not vaccinated. The honor system -that understanding that we are all in this together so lets practice social responsibility. I respected that but have to admit was a little perturbed in the beginning.
This is a vacation - i said to myself - i am going to enjoy it - I will not allow fear to control me. You see i have been confined to my home for the most part so this was a big adventure for all of us. Once we got over these issues we finally allowed ourselves to enjoy - to relax - and do what vacation is supposed to do for all of us - escape from reality.
Our escape were the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenondah Valley. We were at a elevation of 3000 feet and it was absolutely breathtaking. It was the first time we were so close to nature - and we couldn't take our eyes off the view and soaked in all that energy. I am often reminded of John Muir who writes about the mountains.and spending time in nature. I chose one of his quotes and decided to do a writing prompt with it. The quote reads: "And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul." My prompt is
I find my soul....
I find my soul as we gaze up high into the mountain peaks
it soars high just like the red tailed hawk gliding in circles
a reminder of the ever circle of life
it expands just like the never ending trails of wooded forests
taking me on paths unknown
catching my breathe, watching my step carefully as I
climb high to a peak
I don't know how much I can go up further
I push and I push with my might like the little engine that could because I want to see the end
the end that is a beautiful gift from the universe
Majestic, Grand, Green Mountain - I come to gather the gifts you hold for us
at 3000 feet, I have found escape from the hot sun
A nice cool breeze to wake me up
Feeling so close to heaven
all i have to do is extend my hand and grab the clouds who will take me up high
I find my soul up in the mountains
I find my self up in the mountains
Silence solitude and reverence for this magical gift to us humans
and immense humility as my small self stands before thy presence.
Think a place that you recently visited and begin writing about it for 20 minutes non stop. You can even begin with the prompt: I Found my soul in...
Happy Journaling1
