Friday, February 16, 2007

"Simple Hiking....."




It seems that today has a bit of serendipity in it, as just after posting yesterday on 'Hiking' musings - I find myself today wandering through my early morning reading and meditations and the first is called "Simple Hiking"...
These musings are by Deng Ming-Dao, whom I have often read, quoted in the 'Adventure Muse', and consider posting on here. He writes: "There are times when simple hiking is literally the best activity. When one walks in the woods or climbs mountains, there is a wonderful unity of body, mind, and spirit. Hiking strengthens the legs, increases stamina, invigorates the blood, and soothes the mind... One is freed to observe nature's lessons... Erosion. Gnarled roots...The high spiral of hawks. Just budding bare branches. Gray rock, cracked, shattered, and worn. A fallen tree. A lone cloud. The laughter of plum branches. Even a little circle of rocks beside the trail - who put them there, or did any hand arrange them, and no matter which, what are the secrets of that circle? There are a thousand meanings in every view...".
Such words resonate with me...
I especially like the reference to rocks, placing, and secrets...
I have been reading and musing over these words for years. Maybe someday I will grasp more of the depth of meaning and experience they seem to reflect...
For today, I think the path to follow is to keep it simple and simply enjoy...
DSD


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