Away from it all in Daydreaming on the Porch

But indeed, it is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of the air, that emanation from the old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Today, and during this coming week, I’m planning to visit some of my favorite forested areas and spend time amid Nature as a way to keep myself grounded and sane during this pandemic and chaotic time in the life of the country. Walking along these treasured woodland paths I’ve known and cherished for more than 20 years, is the only way I can remove myself from the news and my obsession with my phone. Whoever thought a technological device, giving access to the entire universe of the a Internet, would have so much power to compel my attention with its myriad diversions and attractions. Whoever thought first computers, and then smart phones would change everything. And now in times of national crisis, they and cable news bring it all terrifyingly close. I could not bear to look at clips and images of that mob of goons and cultists desecrating the nation’s Capitol. I was thankful I don’t have Cable.

Walking underneath a canopy of trees in a quiet park or forest enables me to get away from a world that seems to be imploding, and not so quietly now. In the woods, gazing up at ancient trees makes me realize there is life outside the Internet. There is Nature. There is a way to get away from a world that seems to be imploding, and not so quietly now. Escape! escape! I tell myself, and soon I will.

Trees and woodland scenes near me that I cherish:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/camas/ji6sj3

Last updated January 10, 2021