Wilderness
When the morning birds sing, they're inviting us to join in the celebration of life.
In Michigan, we’ve had the opportunity to stay at the lake house of our friends Kathy and Paul Van Every. The rule of the lake includes a “No Wake” policy which means we need to wait until noon before the motor boats come out.
The morning time is so very peaceful.
There may or may not be conversation.
There may or may not be the need.
We awaken to the sounds of the loons and paddle out to find them.
Sometimes we do.
Sometimes we don’t.
There may or may not be the need.
The soft lapping of the water.
The sounds of our paddle pushing forward.
We traverse the lake to, perhaps an island, or a house across the way.
We explore the morning’s offerings.
When the morning birds sing, they're inviting us to join in the celebration of life.
“I have found that people go to the wilderness for many things but, the most important of these is perspective. They may think they go for the fishing or the scenery or for companionship but, in reality it is something far deeper. They go to the wilderness for the good of their souls.”
Recently, I took a group of students on a Canoe Mobile with Wilderness Inquiry. (Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile is a nationally touring fleet of vans, with each vehicle transporting six, handmade, 10-person North canoes, safety and paddle equipment, and a crew of trained outdoor educators)
We explored the land and the water surrounding a river that traveled 42 miles in length. Although we could not travel the entirety of the river, there was an offering it provided in the 3 hours that we were in its presence.
The variety of natural sounds in parks contribute to the richness of its soundscape. Scientific research finds that hearing these sounds brings health benefits for humans, too, such as lowered stress, improved mood, cognition and social well-being.
What I noticed is that my students brought laughter and joy with them. They ran with a giddy step and explored without rules. They were drawn to this water wilderness only 15 minutes from their school.
They were happy.
How can you incorporate a “No Wake” policy into your mornings? You don’t have to be on a river or lake to hear birdsong or notice the light on the mountain. Celebrate life as you enter into your day by including nature alongside your cup of coffee.
