Musings on On a May Morning
The Beauty of May
In this wonderful month of May, I walk a few times a week. Through the Ornamental Gardens at the Experimental Farms, the Dominion Arboretum and along the paths by Dow’s lake and the canal. All of this exists in the same area spread over multiple acres of sublime beauty. It is a feast for the senses.
Now I go early morning before the sun heats up the air, even though work projects call out my name. Furthurmore, they call in a demanding voice, to “do this now;” I hesitate. But I have learned to override that voice. Now, I take advantage of the season, the temperature and the shortness of this sensational spring.
My adventure begins with the aroma from the lilacs. Dozens and dozens of varieties arranged on both sides of walking paths. Their fragrance and beauty in many shades of purples, pinks and white are a feast for my eyes. And if there is truth to aroma therapy, than I am bathed in their healing scent.
As I make my way through the garden I am surprised at the blossoms, which have opened in the one day since I last visited. Today it is the peonies. Their buds are fat and bursting at the seams. Some already made their brief appearance, and they blush with the rave reviews from passerby’s who enthusiastically praise their beauty.
The Arboretum
Crossing over Prince of Wales Drive, to the Arboretum, I make my way across the green dewy grass in this urban grove of trees. So many shades of green and so much variety. The coolness, as compared to the open garden soothes my spirits and the fragrance here is more earthy and fresh, punctuated with bird songs and trills.
I have a friend with me this morning and we gravitate towards a natural canopy providing shade and light. At that moment, I long to put a blanket on the ground, open a picnic basket for lunch and enjoy what feels like a summer day. Not only is it too early for a picnic lunch but I have none of the fixings so we enjoy it as it is before moving along.
I love hearing the birds even though I rarely catch a glimpse of the particular bird that is singing. This morning, however, I caught a brief peak at a luminous orange wing in flight. A magical moment.
Just sitting and observing is a balm to my spirit, yet the restless mind wants more and soon the water beckons. As we make our way down the hill and across two picturesque bridges to wend our way back alongside the lake, I am smitten, once again.
How Brief
Tonight I look through the photos and see the impermanence, resilience, and surprise of nature. But most of all the fleeting nature of everything alive. How brief is the tender blossom, yet the bud looks so robust.
People too. Everyone told me how quickly childhood flies by, but I didn’t fully understand until my grandchildren came along. How lucky I was and am to have a second chance at living fully in the moment and to appreciate each wondrous stage of their unfolding.
Nature is a good teacher and a good healer. It is possible to stop and to look! to listen! to smell! to touch! The velvet of a petal, the rough or smooth bark of trees, the coolness of a running stream, the warmth of the sun on your face and the rush of a gentle breeze against the back of your neck.
Just What We Need
It’s all there. At our doorsteps. Cure is not always possible whether it is illness, loss, or one of our 83 other problems. But for those moments, in the beauty of nature, our hearts can soften, our creativity can get a boost and we can be grateful to be alive to witness these wonders.
Beyond your brisk cardio walk, I recommend a daily stroll through the trees and the flowers, across a field of dandelions, over bridges and see what happens. Take it slow and easy. Daydream. Listen. And if there is a full moon and the sky is clear it might just be worth staying up late to see it. Enjoy your precious life.
Notes
PS I forgot to tell you where that graphic came from last week, with the fox. It is a lovely small book that took the world by storm. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charley MacKesy
Note 1:) I wonder if you have a favourite walk where you live. You are welcome to tell us about it.
Note 2:) My big hope is that you are all well and managing the ups and downs of your lives. My other hope is that you don’t miss your unique and precious life. Carpe Diem!
Note 3:) Please accept my appreciation for visiting with me here every Wednesday. I thank you for your company. Warmest wishes always, Trudy
Trudy, such a beautiful refreshing piece. Thank you so much. The pictures are lovely also. I sent the link of it to my niece, Betsy Burns Johnson. She lives in Ottawa, just turned 60, and is divorcing after many years of marriage. I would so love to see if you two could connect. I sent her your address. I hope Spirit leads you into being together–two wonderful women I love. Carol
Thanks for your kind words Carol. I would be delighted to meet your niece.
Thank you. A beautiful piece. I love this time of year in Ottawa with all the blossoming tulip.
Thanks Teresia. I currently feel like I live in the middle of a garden with the forest within sight.
Following lines of T, wonderous nature reveals its beauty, my heart rejoices. I am so refreshed and will find joy here and now. Thank you. Yoshie
Ah Yoshie. You live in the midst of nature’s beauty, so treasured, in Japan. Thank you.
You are almost describing “Shinrin Yoshu”:-) Here, in the National Park Forest in Bavaria, I can dive into the forest, watch the small leaves of beech trees and many others, smell the powdry fragrance of the forest’s ground, hear the concert of uncountable birds, touch the soft moss on barks and stones. The many different green colors – dark green of old spruce, blue green of lichen who conquered some of the very old trees, light yellow green of young leaves – refresh both eyes and spirit…
Even when it is raining as it is today, it is a joyfull walk:-)
Thank you so much, Trudy, for mentioning the wonder of May!
Love
Sabine
Thank you Sabine. You have beautiful forests in Germany and for those who don’t know the term Shinrin Yoshu, it means Forest Bathing.
It was lovely to ‘walk’ with you this morning. I heard your voice and got your delight in our beautiful world
It is early here and I am just seeing the light filtering through the tallest trees in the forest that surrounds me, my favorite part of the day. It is a gift.
Good morning dear Karen. You do live in nature’s paradise.May all that beauty continue to nourish your beautiful spirit.
I can imagine you walking in the arboretum Trudy, such a peaceful place and a lovely reminder that this beauty is so close by. Spring is so brief and precious, we mustn’t miss a moment of it. Thank you for your encouragement and enticing photos. love Janice
Thank you dear Janice. I look forward to doing that stroll with you.