MY RAPTUROUS EXPERIENCE IN THE WOODS

Today, while alone, I wandered into the forest. When I came upon a slated-bottom stream, not unlike a water brook, that had several waterfall-like fountains that made gentle and beautiful sounds, at first I was somewhat aghasted. I wanted to  know if my experience was surreal or real.

Suddenly, these words of Henry David Thoreau flashed into my mind, "What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of the woods."

Observing the flowing stream and listening to the sounds of its fountain-like flow I heeded Throeau's admonishment and with focus and expanded awareness I observed more fully the forest, singing birds and butterflies. I felt the gentle breeze and heard  the sound of rustling leaves that harmonized with the sound of the fountain-like flows.

Enshrouded with my immediate oasis-like environment I had an oceanic experiene. For  a long while I stayed near the water brook that nurtured me and, in a certain way, gave me momentary fulfillment.

Rejuvenated and spiritually attuned with the Great Spirit, before leaving the water brook, I offered a prayer of thanksgiving. This heightening encounter made me realize more deeply than before that nature is my Source.

It is small wonder that Joye Kilmer would say, "I think that I shall never see a poem, as lovely as a tree. ...Poems are made by fools like me but only God can make a tree."

This exprience with nature continues to nurture me. For me, in a certain way, it connects the present with eternity in oneness.

Copyright 2010 by Uriah J. Fields