From Hunting to Shinrin-Yoku 

     The crisp April morning greets me as I head off to my spot in the woods. Carefully I step so as not to intrude upon the day as the sky begins to lighten. In the distance, a gobbler makes himself known. My steps quicken for I want to be settled before the birds come down from their roosts. In anticipation I wait, but soon become distracted as always by the absolute wonder all around me. The sights and sounds envelope me on another glorious day.

     On this spring day, the color is such a welcome sight from the long, dreary winter. The purple red bud blossoms and white flowers of the dogwoods stand out against the myriad of greening trees and bushes. The yellow wild mustard grow steadfast along the edges of the field. Even the damp, brown leaves underfoot catch my eye. As the sun overtakes the shadows of the dawn, the dewdrops on the tall grasses glisten. The ground shimmers as if covered in diamonds.

     The cool breeze rustles through the branches and new leaves. The creek rushes as it carries away the recent rain. A bumblebee buzzes as it flits from one blossom to the next taking in nourishment and pollinating as it goes. Numerous birds welcome the day with their calls - the rat-a-tat-tat of the woodpecker, the melodious song of the sparrow, the trill of the warbler, and the caws of the crows are just a few. These sounds blend to create a joyous symphony in the morning air.

     Each and every day this untouched splendor awaits, beckoning to be noticed. The calm and beauty work their magic as every fiber of my mind, body, and soul relax. This is as it should be. Our senses heightened not from our busy schedules, pressures of life, or the intrusion of technology, but by the awe and glory of nature.

     The minutes and hours fly by. I’m lost in thought as I marvel at everything around me. The intricate shape of each branch and tree. The miraculous way that the buds burst forth into leaves and flowers. Even the weeds and tall grasses have their own beauty and place, beckoning insects and critters to enjoy the habitat. The fallen trees and broken branches are not obtrusive, but create a balance for decomposers to replenish the soil. The carpet of leaves, needles, and twigs help warm the earth.

     Would our world be different if everyone had time to appreciate the mysteries of nature? How wonderful would it be for future generations to make nature a true priority? How did I become the lucky one to be able to revel in this experience?

     I’m startled out of my reflection by the chittering of a squirrel. He admonishes me for being in his space, but quickly realizes I mean no harm. He scampers from branch to branch. A group of birds flutter down in search of worms and remaining seeds. One flies off with a twig to add to its growing nest.

     My attempts to call in a turkey have gone unanswered, and my tag will remain unfilled. The remaining minutes dwindle away, but I have been fully rejuvenated, bathed in nature’s elements. Although the hunt on this day may not have been successful, I know I have been rewarded with so much more than the prize of a turkey.