Into the Woods

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

From “Walden”, by Henry David Thoreau (condensed)

I spend a lot of time in forests, sometimes taking photos, sometimes just walking and breathing in the energy from all the life around me. Recently, a friend suggested that I try lying on the forest floor, looking up through the trees, for a change of perspective and to allow the energy of the earth to really soak into my bones.

Lying on a cold and damp forest floor didn’t immediately appeal, but I happened to be in the forest on a warm, sunny day, so thought I’d give it a whirl. I think the change in perspective had more impact than the energy from the earth. You really appreciate the height and majesty of the trees, and how much they sway in the wind.

The earth was warm and I could feel that warmth through my coat, so I was happy to rest for a few minutes, listening to the birds and the deep sounds from the trees as they knocked their heads together in the breeze. It was thoroughly relaxing and I did, in that moment, feel I was sucking all the marrow of life.

Like what you see? Then please subscribe for updates on my writing, photography & daily life. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter. You can view more of my wildlife photos here and here.