Retreat to the Rainforest
Sometimes it feels good to be surrounded by people. Sometimes we need to be alone in nature. This week I definitely needed to be away from the world. Away from job, money, family, bills... the usual stressors. It was all gettin' to me.
The Olympic Peninsula is where I wound up. I skipped town for a few days, staying at the lovely Lake Quinault Lodge. And although I was in the midst of a rainforest, I didn't get wet once- it was sunny and mild the whole time. I spent my time walking around the lake, hiking along lush trails, eating, napping, and swimming in a super warm indoor pool. Ahhhhh...
It felt wonderful to reconnect with the softer side of life. The hikes were the best. Being among trees that are ages old is a humbling thing. Imagine the strength and flexibility one would need to live for that long. We could stand to learn a thing or two from the ancient forest.
The first morning I woke up and walked out to the gazebo on the lawn. I was inspired to write this poem:
Spring in the rainforest. Such a serene place to be alive.
Listening to the warbles, chirps, and lusty calls of many birds.
Lake is soft, a peaceful breeze keeps it gently moving, gently flowing.
Like the river it once was.
The fragrant air fills my lungs, as if I hadn't breathed in full 'til now.
Its scent a compromise of new and old.
The prior sharp, but subtle.
The latter gentle, but pungent.
Old and new rise up to meet in a swift handshake that, at the next instant,
appears never to have happened.
All is as it was.