I find myself walking softly on the rich undergrowth beneath the trees, not wanting to crack a twig, to crush or disturb anything in the least — for there is such a sense of stillness and peace that the wrong sort of movement, even one’s very presence, might be felt as an intrusion… The beauty of the forest is extraordinary — but “beauty” is too simple a word, for being here is not just an esthetic experience, but one steeped with mystery, and awe… Standing here…I feel part of a larger, calmer identity; I feel a profound sense of being at home, a sort of companionship with the earth.
~ Oliver Sacks, The Island of the Colorblind
Notes:
- Quote Source: Brainpickings
- Photo: Pine trees stand forming a forest near Briesen, Germany, on Thursday. Brandenburg’s forests produce sustainable wood resources of roughly a million cubic meters. (Patrick Pleul, wsj.com, January 11, 2018)

It’s so special when one finds oneself in a wooded copse where it seems no human has ever stood. The magic literally takes your breath away….
Yes. Right there…
We all travel the Milky Way together, trees and men… . In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.
~ Richard Powers, The Overstory: A Novel (W. W. Norton & Company, April 3, 2018)
He has captured it perfectly.
He did…
“Steeped with mystery and awe” describes it, David. I experience this most often in the wilderness and woods. Wonderful photo and reflection. Thank you.
Me too Gordon. Thank you. Dave
Reblogged this on Views from the Edge.
and we are so lucky to be visitors
“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for one hundred years at the very most. During that period we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. if you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
I had to have a good look to determine if these were trees or a curtain. Beautiful!
Yes, it was a stunning shot….
This is indeed, a stunning shot.
I have found myself standing still in the midst of a forest and feeling one with the earth… Such a fabulous feeling.
Me too Dale, me too. Magic.