Many feet have found their way, through those woods, along those trails … and stopped right here, as watchful eyes first see those wooden slats, that still quiet pond, and nature's splendor all around, lit up by morning sun.
Grateful ears hear small birds singing. Soothed bare skin feels warmth from the sun and a kiss from the lightest breeze. A contented nose smells that woodsy scent, that backwater aroma, that purified air pouring from those green, green leaves as they dangle from branches on trees surrounding the pond. With the beauty of her generous gifts on display, nature smiles upon you.
If you’re standing there and not smiling back, you’re not paying attention.
Trail dirt crunches underfoot, then becomes a muted clop, as feet move to the middle of the old wooden footbridge and pause for a while … so that grateful eyes and ears and skin and nose can better take in this special little world.
Hiking hat pushed back, hands grasping that cool wood railing, the body leans forward, head out over that railing, eyes looking down at greenery and still dark waters, then up and around at surrounding trees, straining to see the farthest edge of the water, out there straight ahead.
Lungs pull in a deep breath of freshness, while the mind slowly travels back through time, sensing seasonal changes, flying waterfowl, dainty deer, and other cautious creatures passing by. Moments of memory and fantasy give even more to the senses, as wandering mind and wandering eyes meld into perfect complements for one another. With senses full to overflowing, the grandeur of raw nature and the miracle of an imaginative mind smile upon you.
If you’re in that moment and not smiling back, you’re not alive.
And then, as it always must be, hands release the cool railing and adjust the hiking hat; feet step back and turn left, while eyes take one more look around and lungs one more deep breath, before it’s time to go.