Walking. Finding Sacrosanct.

Posted on by Live & Learn

Canada Geese are said to mate for life. Of course, I didn’t know this but I googled it 2 years ago when I tripped into a need to know. Sawsan, of course, would have known this, and all things about why the earth turns this way and that, and would have told me so, as the knower of all things that I, DK, don’t know. Irritating? Mildly. But like that growth on the instep of your foot — think “One of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn’t belong here” (Sesame Street) — its become part of you, and you get used to it in time by walking on it.

So here we are, on my 1,195th consecutive (almost) daybreak walk at Cove Island Park — like in a row . Minutes after my weather app said the rain would stop, it stopped. “Precipitation will end at 5:04 a.m.” And damn if it didn’t end at 5:04 a.m. I’m clearly not paying enough for this app, for the 1 in 10x it gets it right.

The heavy rains overnight have made the track muddy, and i’m stepping around the puddles I can see, and splashing through those that I don’t, some ankle deep, with the excess being sopped up by my socks.

I round the bend and there she is, standing on the beach in the shadows. Female, Canada Goose. I’ve seen others, in this sheltered part of The Cove, alone, mate-less. She stands on the sand, motionless. I approach, she takes a few labored steps towards the water and stops, waiting for the threat to pass. I snap a few shots of her, and let her be.

I walk.

But I can’t walk far, or take too many steps, without thinking of her on the beach, and the others that I’ve seen that preceded her. Like a sacred ceremony of sorts, some form of Last Rites. I walk out on low tide, look back and there she stands. In place. Waiting.

And I see.

The thunderheads along the horizon release the last of their lightening strikes.

The cloud formations over Long Island Sound move into position along the horizon, worthy of Monet.

A gentle breeze off the ocean licking the hairs on my forearms, and rustling the sea grass, oh grass that’s ever so green.

And before I turn to head back, I look at her one last time across the Cove. There’s Something here, what, I don’t know, but it’s Holy, this moment.

Let Sawsan explain that…

I don’t have any idea of who or what God is. But I do believe in some great spiritual power. I don’t know what to call it. I feel it particularly when I’m out in nature. It’s just something that’s bigger and stronger than what I am or what anybody is. I feel it. And it’s enough for me…

Jane Goodall, Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

Notes:

  • More Photos from this morning’s walk here.
  • Post inspired by Ray in TBT-On Memories and Nick Offerman, from “Working with Wood, and the Meaning of Life”: “The people telling me what should be, I should find sacrosanct — I was like, “You’re putting me to sleep. I would like to be out in the woods, please.” And years later, the penny dropped and I said, “Oh, that’s because that’s what I find holy.”
  • Thank you Beth @ Wait – what ? for Jane Goodall quote.

48 thoughts on “Walking. Finding Sacrosanct.”

  2. lovely and yes, as close as I can get to a spiritual experience as well, when out in nature, bearing witness to miracles large and small

  3. There is something scared in these mornings where you enter the Cove with all of your senses alert to the beauty of it all – even the squishy sounds from sodden shoes and socks. Perhaps the goose was encouraging you to stop – as s/he did – and you did, to take it in. A moment’s peace repeated for 1,100+ days…in a row, almost.

  4. From the ocean breeze tickling the hair on your arm to the silent communion with this proud water fowl, every moment of this post moved me. And stop busting on Sawsan…she keeps you on your toes, and Lord knows that’s a full time job…. 😉

  6. There is SO much to say about this post. Firstly, it’s utterly beautiful. I felt the mood. Your poetic writing is palpable. For me there’s no question: There is a God and amongst everything else, nature was also created by Him/Her/Whatever one calls it.
    And I knew about geese since I lived in Toronto…. see, I was interested then as I’m now and asked questions…. so stop pestering our Sawsan. This mutual love and banter !

  10. I would insert great praise for this wonderful post here (it is outstanding :-)), but I have been blacklisted (for reasons that I do not fully understand). I can’t help but wonder: is this a life sentence?

    PS: Hi Wally! Thanks for staying in touch, even though I am currently not allowed to be on your team (and Dad is no longer speaking to me).
    (Puff of white smoke…)

    1. Laughing! Dad says saying nice things like this cuts probation down to 48 hours and with your served time, your sentence has been met! How great is that?!?! Welcome back!

  11. “Irritating? Mildly. But like that growth on the instep of your foot — think “One of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn’t belong here” (Sesame Street) — its become part of you, and you get used to it in time by walking on it.”

    Hmmm, I love you too.

    I can not explain that!
    Holy, all of it, you, the goose, Monet, the breeze, the lightning, this photo…
    Thank you

  12. There are several people (DK, of course, but several others too) who write beautifully in this blog. All of you could write books which I would read with Joy in my heart.

    (If any of you have already published, please DO let me know!)

  14. That Goose! I’m there and that was enough. So many geese around here (Central New Jersey) since so many corporations built headquarters and put in lakes. Love that they mate for life (have known that for decades and know also that they all gather when one is seriously injured–like at a nearby golf course when one was hit by a flying ball, they all gathered around him or her). Love you sharing how you kept looking back at her ever-presence!

  16. …as you both wait, taking in the beauty, appreciating the draw of natures call…and soon each of you, separately, drift into your day… you turn toward home and she stands proud on her homeland relying on her instinct to guide, pulling her in the direction of need…

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