Learning To Slow Down - Living Life Moment by Moment

 This photo was taken in early March of 2025. Notice the ring encircling the sun. This is an indication of wet weather which is yet to come. 

Sure enough, the following day, the forest was covered in a thick layer of new snow. 

There are signs everywhere in the forest which foretell of future and past events. One thing is for certain, time moves forward at a pace which is both steady and concerning to all living creatures. 

The reason I state this is quite simple; our lives are temporary and there is nothing anyone can do to alter the final outcome.  

Mammals and Birds do not count the passage of time as humans do. They carry on with their lives, living each moment as fully as possible. Nature is always on the lookout for more humus, in other words, nature is always trying to convert living matter to soil. The wild ones are fully aware of their vulnerabilities and therefore are living in the present paying full attention to the world around them. 

Our species has removed itself from this natural order and have created a world which corrupts the very fabric of the web which was woven long before humans placed a footprint in the mud of an ancient riverbank.  This attitude precludes us from living life in the moment. 

I have seen people on Portage trails in Algonquin Park attempting to find cell service so that they can check their social media sites. They are so focused on the disconnection from society that they miss the very reason they came to the park to begin with. 

As the shadow of age gets closer, the reality of my mortality is coming into focus. I am not consumed by this reality; however, it does motivate me to invest my remaining time in living life moment by moment. 

When you are out on the trail, or wandering in a park or on a city sidewalk; take the time to take your time. It is in these quiet moments where life truly exists.  

Notes From The Forest

 

Wandering Without Expectations

 Wandering through the woods can be an incredibly relaxing experience if you are in the right mindset.  

Most people seem to be in a rush to get to the next perfect spot to take a selfie; yet, in their wake they leave many wonderous sights behind.  

I have tested this idea many times while out on trails which are frequented by the public. I will silently sit in the woods, just off the path, and watch as people walk by. None of them are aware of my presence; unless they are accompanied by a dog. Dogs are keenly aware of the world through which they walk and will always spot me as I sit amongst the trees. 

The reason most people hike in the woods is to loose the tensions of everyday life, this is not possible if one decides to carry those tensions with them as they embark on their wander.  

I hope this short video will give you some ideas on how to loose yourself so that you can simply wander and wonder. 

Hawks. 

Reflections On Life

As time goes by, I am becoming more aware that life is a finite affair. 

I am approaching the ripe old age of 65 and am very conscious of the fact that there is more time behind me that what is in front of me. 

I know this sounds somewhat depressing, it truly is not; it is simply a  fact of existence and once a person comes to embrace it, the more they will spend time wisely. 

Cutting firewood has been something I have done for over thirty years and I have learned much about the nuances of the work. How much longer I can continue to tackle this demanding work is a mystery but I intend to continue to do so as long as my body permits. So far, I have not heard any complaints from my anatomy. 

I produced this video as a way to show the amount of work that goes into gathering firewood; and the necessary safety protocols a person must use in order to preclude a hospital visit. 

I hope you enjoy this video. 

R.G.W.