On the Solstice

I took a long walk on the Winter Solstice again this year. Most years I have, it definitely counts as a ‘ritual’. This year I took a camera – and I think it is the first year I have taken pictures along my Solstice journey.

Last year’s Solstice walk was spent fretting aimless and sorrowfully, mostly about my brain injury – an event something like 30 years in the past, but last year it was new information for me. I was also deeply, and profoundly struck by the heinous gang rape in Delhi just days before – an event so powerfully traumatizing that the whole world paused to take notice, and rape became an everyday topic of conversation for a lot of people. My post-traumatic stress symptoms had flared up, and my sense of self, and all the bits and pieces that are ‘who I am’ started to unravel. It was a painful and very lonely time in my life; even surrounded by people who love me, I felt isolated and alone.   For me, on that Solstice, it was simply an uncomfortable walk ruminating fretfully and unproductively. I did not write in my journal. I hadn’t started my blog. I was silent; words had failed me. 

This year’s Solstice walk was very different. I eagerly ventured forth, feeling hopeful, content, and satisfied to take my time with my journey. I brought my camera, a smile, and a serene heart.  I went to a favorite small forest near where I live. I grinned happily at a little girl in the parking lot who noticed me removing my shoes.  I take my walk bare footed (or for as much of the journey as I can, weather and fitness permitting), it’s been my practice as long as I can recall, and has a certain sacred feeling to it, for me. 

I walked about 5 miles. 5 miles of soft winter sunlight. 5 miles of sodden mossy paths dripping small sparkling gems of recent rainfall from leaf tips and branches. 5 miles of birdsong and frogs peeping. 5 miles of oak, maple, and pine. 5 miles of fern and lichen. 5 miles of squirrels playfully managing their affairs. 5 miles of sweet-scented breezes, and the regular beat of my own footsteps.  I walked 5 miles and managed a handful of pictures, a couple of hours of quiet observation, and a few minutes of meditation wrapped in forest.  I’d share all of it, if I could. As it is, I can really only share the pictures, and some handful of words that don’t really do the experience justice. 

I enter the forest, shortly before noon.

The path as metaphor was a common theme.

Beautiful details, up close.

So much dripping moss.

Ferns nestled between tree trunks.

Gazing skyward.

A miniature world.

‘The distance’ is trees. I consider the living depth of field.

A lot of lichen, visible in all directions.

Several sorts of lichen in this forest.

A soggy path lit by soft winter light.

Sun filtering through the trees.

Near to noon, and at the edge of the forest.

The noon solstice sun.

5 miles is a lot of path…

…more to see around every bend…

There are ferns.

So many ferns.

A mossy tree hung with pine needles.

A little festive…

More paths to walk.

Some paths are darker.

Small wonders.

…And more ferns.

More paths, and I keep walking.

The hustle and noise of humans being is silent here.

Crossing a creek.

There are, of course, more ferns.

The sun breaks through the trees, reminding me time is passing.

A spider’s hammock.

Up close, sparkling rain drops like jewels.

Reflected sky, and a metaphor for reflection.

My companion while I meditate.

The end of the journey.

By 2 pm the sun was already beginning to drop lower in the sky.  I finished my walk with a smile, and a few deep breaths, and returned home to love and holiday spirit, home and hearth, and mindful service. 😀