Being in nature has a naturally calming effect, and my most recent river trip helped me see this again. I began my day ahead of time, putting together what I would need: Among my belongings were a solid pair of shoes, a blanket for picnics, and the items I needed to make grilled chicken. I only had to drive a short distance to get to the winding, bright river.
I got into my kayak and started to move away from the riverbank. The world began to look quite different as I made my way downstream. Long rows of tall trees stood on the banks, reflecting themselves on the water’s surface. Every time I used my paddle, I noticed a gradual release from the stress I had carried all week. The calming effect of the environment was increased by both the constant water sounds and the sudden splashes from fish. Following the easy currents, I came across several animals living nearby. A mother duck led her quacking family past me, and a heron didn’t move, maintaining its poise and readiness to catch food.
But after a few hours of paddling; I discovered a serene location along the riverbank that I can stop over for rest. The sun was in the sky; and I felt hunger pangs. I was time to cook my chicken! I pitched a small portable grill I carried with me, to make simple ingredients into a wonderful meal. It was a time of sheer pleasure of cooking in nature’s kitchen.
After grilling the chicken to perfection I served it with some freshly packed vegetables. Sitting on my blanket, next to the river, I took my first bite. The flavors were off the charts, grilled chicken smokiness, along with the zestiness of the veggies- a glorious combo. It was more of a pleasure to eat in a place so great to look at. Every bite was a reminder of joy out of simple low thrills, and glory of nature.
As I ended my meal, I paused a second to consider the day. This was not only a kayaking and grilling river adventure. It was an earth connecting exercise. To be grounded, the earth has a way of doing that for us so we can remember what is actually important. I left the river. Contemplating this world with a full heart, grateful, and with a spirit nourished by the beauty of the great outdoors. In a universe, which often seems mad, these little, friendly services, which nature gives us for nothing, are worth out while. They teach us to slow down, enjoy the little things in life and live the moments that life will offer us. I came home with not only a full belly but a filled with peace again, yearning for my next nature adventure.
Thank you very much for reading this blog and see you on my next blog!