why we wander and where we go

Rocky Mountain National Park

June 2023

~Andrea Gashinski~

There is no question that writing, or storytelling in any of its iterations for that matter, has the power to heal. Hence, my interest in narrative medicine. Most of us would also agree that music has the ability to affect our mood. That art can bring us to awe.

But what about time spent in nature? In the wilderness? In solitude?

"Morning has broken like the first morning."

~Cat Stevens~

\

"I am at home among the trees."

~JRR Tolkien~

"Still waters run deep."

~various attributions~

"Nature is my religion. The earth is my temple."

~Nidhi Bhatt~

"Of all the paths you take in life,

make sure a few of them are dirt."

~John Muir~

As Tolkien put it:

"Not all who wander are lost."

Some of us wander because we are suffering. Some are healing. Others are grieving. Some of us are in search of peace. Others, courage. Still others, wisdom. Even joy. 

If you sometimes feel lost...and don't we all at times?...remember to:

"Keep close to nature's heart...

break clear away once in a while and

 climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean."

~John Muir~

You'll feel better.

jan