The Nature of What We Are

Life bores deep holes in us
in hopes the nature of what we are
might sink into us….
—Jim Harrison

There is a truth found in running long miles each morning. There is a realization that comes at the end of the first-half of the run that however tired, however hard the wind blows, however hot or cold I may be, the only way home is to keep running…or to walk.

 

Pelicans in Flight: Mississippi River, La Crosse, WI

 

There is an acceptance that occurs in the last mile-and-a-half when the run itself is forgotten and the mind, freed of the struggle of commitment, is washed clean of worry or care. Time is eclipsed in the rhythm of steps laid upon gravel or pavement — in the intake and exhale of breath — in the repetition of doing. I understand in that moment that I am able. I understand no more or no less. I understand only that I am able, and I could go on running forever.

In the rhythm of life, in the rhythm of my breath, I could continue forever. I am able.

 

Cedar Waxwing

Bobolink: Rydell NWR

Bluebird: Rydell NWR

American Redstart: Rydell NWR

Trumpeter Swan: Rydell NWR

Sand Hill Crane Along Gravel Road

Yellowheaded Blackbird: Agassiz NWR

Wild Turkeys Crossing into Field

Wood Duck

Turtles Sunning: Rydell NWR

Cedar Waxwing: Fertile Sand Hills

Red-breasted Grosbeak: Rydell NWR

 

It is man’s folly, as it is perhaps a sign of his spiritual aspirations, that he is forever scrutinizing and redefining himself.
—Loren Eiseley

There is truth found in long hikes in the early evening. There is a realization that comes at the end of the day that however stressed, however little I have achieved by my efforts, however tired or discouraged I am, my only choice is to continue.

 

Hiking in Early June

 

There is an acceptance that occurs in the last stretch of the hike — as I head down the hill, or cross the river, or trek across the field – and in that moment, the hike is forgotten and my mind, freed of expectation, notices not my inner thoughts but the columbine flowering in the underbrush, sweet peas blossoming at the trail’s edge, dragonflies resting in the grass. Time is eclipsed by the life occurring around me, and I understand that just as winter gives itself to spring and spring to summer, I will continue. I, too, am able.

 

Spring Woods

Columbine: South Woodlot

Dame’s Rockets: South Woodlot

Highbush Cranberry Blossoms

Red Squirrel: Rydell NWR

Pasque Flowers: Fertile Sand Hills

Dragonfly Along Sand Hill River

Apple Blossoms: South Woodlot

Sundew Bog, Rydell NWR

Columbine in Fertile Sand Hills

Puccoon: Fertile Sand Hills

Butterfly on Plum Blossoms

 

Harrison, Jim. “Church.” ­Songs of Unreason, 133. Port Townsend: Copper Canyon Press, 2011.

Eiseley, Loren. “Inner Galaxy.” Collected Essays on Evolution, Nature, and the Cosmos, Vol. 1. Ed. William Cronon, 367. New York: Literary Classics of the United States, 2016.