In the Woods
January 3, 2013 § 29 Comments
Today in the woods- deep snow, air so cold and sharp it tingled. Finding a sliver of bright sun, beneath the sky of infinite blue, I felt the sun’s warmth on my face. Standing there, I allowed the spirit of the trees and the sun and that sky that went on forever to come upon me.
How is it that I could be given such a moment? A moment of peace beyond peace.
And then I know. That moment belonged to me because I belonged to it. In that moment, no sense of time, no duality, no thinking. Just being.
The simple magic of pure existence.
only here only now 
nature really does provide sustenance. i was grumpily (it was 6am) paddling out the other day in muizenburg, cape town. i looked to my right and saw a brilliant rainbow. a wave came and when i looked again the rainbow was gone. but it’s still in my mind. great post tom.
If you are not a teacher by trade, you are certainly a teacher by how you live your life. I am always touched by your writings. Very sensitive and beautifully expressive. Thank you for capturing that moment. I could feel it as I read it. Namaste.
How beautiful. We belong to the moments. Thank you.
Peace in that perfect moment. From one end of the globe to another you have transported me to the beautiful scene you have described with your writing. Thank you for that ‘moment’…..Magical……
Namaste
Anne
Beautiful words, Thomas – I could almost transport myself to your magical moment. I had a similar moment today when I chose love over fear and became my environment. Very empowering.
Sarah,
I love the phrase, “when I chose love over fear.” Strength and love are connected.
Thanks for your kind words- a generous gift.
Tom
“That moment belonged to me because I belonged to it. ”
A perfect balance of wisdom and words. I wonder if I can go out into a cold and grey day and find something similar? You have given me hope to try. Or maybe it’s to be found in this moment with my cat sitting on my lap, purring, refusing to move, only here, only now…every morning 🙂
I keep forgetting…let go of “trying” and go for being…
Sharon,
I’m just imagining that moment with your cat on your lap. I smile at the thought. Peace.
Thanks so much for the constant and loving support.
Tom
Outside. In the woods. Away. The magic always seems so much easier to find there. So close! Great post Tom.
Chris
Chris,
Outside. The natural world enchants us each I know.
How lucky we are.
Thanks for the kind words.
Tom
Love this, Tom: “That moment belonged to me because I belonged to it.”
Clear perception!
Thank you, my friend.
G
Thanks, G.
Getting this compliment from you is especially meaningful. I know you care so much about the words, the writing.
So happy that 2013 finds us still enjoying what we do and who we are.
Am trying to “fly right” as much as I can. Partly because I know you’ll be watching, ready to call me on it if I get too whiney.
Blessings.
Tom
WOW! You just took us “only there, only now.”
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Francine,
What a lovely compliment. It’s what the writer dreams of doing, putting the reader right there.
You are so kind and thoughtful. I do feel encouraged and blessed by your presence.
Tom
Thank you Tom. Just being is just the best. Hugs.
Jude,
It is the best. I find myself able to have more and more of those moments. Wishing same for you.
Thank you.
Tom
Oh wow …. Just came from a meditative walk in the woods Tom, and had a moment just like this one you describe. So happy you expressed it so beautifully here ~ very special! Love, Robyn
Robyn,
I believe we each share a special affinity with the natural world. I have always wanted to be “outside” wherever I am, whatever the weather.
So happy to have this New Year beginning with your gracious presence.
Love and blessings,
Tom
beautiful…
Thank you so much.
Tom
I couldn’t have said it better. I remember moments like this with pure clarity and it still brings me great pleasure.
Susan,
Yes, isn’t it true? Recalling those moments brings back the wonder of it all. To know that we each can live and be in that way. What a gift.
Tom
oh yes! and awareness to see it 🙂
Christine,
The self-awareness is the beginning, I believe. I am able to stand in the woods, or sit at the kitchen table, in this peaceful, centered way because I became aware of the other way. Aware of that busy mind of mine. Aware of who I could be.
Blessings.
Tom
Allowing the goodness, the purity of the moment to hold you in its palm and experience the grace…lovely.l,
Lori,
It’s such an amazing thing. All the effort and striving and then when we stop grasping, we receive what is most precious.
Thank you for the constant support.
Tom
one of my favorites of yours, Tom–thank you for the gift
Cameron,
My gift goes out and your gift comes back. Another magical thing.
Thank you.
Tom