~Walking in nature

At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled after a night of rain. I dip my cupped hands. I drink a long time. It tastes like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold into my body, waking the bones. I hear them deep inside me, whispering oh what is that beautiful thing that just happened?                                                                 Mary Oliver

The Buddha taught that simply being in nature--along with meditation, discussion, study and other well-known methods--was one of the great supports for the Path of Awakening. Silent walks through surrounding areas allow us to refresh the spirit of natural calmness, interest and awareness that brought us to retreat. With the evidence of interconnectedness gently present around us, we can begin to experience our own participation in the web of life.