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Your "Element"
Zayl
Veteran
We all have a place where we feel like we belong. And deep in our bones, we feel a natural peace. So I was just wondering what yours is?
Mine is of course, the forest. When I am inside of towns, and especially cities I feel nothing but unease, and usually a sense of fear and dread. But I grew up way, way out in the sticks. My childhood was spent searching every inch of the old-growth forests that still cover some parts of Michigan. The color green and the overwhelming pulse of life, whether the quick pulse in the animals that dart about, or the slow-steady beat of the plants and trees that envelop me put me at such ease that no noise or darkness can sway my heart, so long as I am in the forest. The fresh scent of life is almost like a drug to me as well. Not to mention the lack of disturbing, man-made noises that often accost my ears in any other environment. I find myself climbing trees to get above the canopy, to appreciate the brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine. Above all of this though, I feel within me there is a slow, deep intelligence, possibly even a sentience that the forest has. I have believed, ever since I was old enough to comprehend such concepts, in things such as fairies, dryads, and ents. Now of course my more mature and skeptical mind throws question and disbelief on these,well, beliefs... But not entirely. As such, when I am within the bounds of a forest, especially the very, very old ones, I feel at home. More than that, I feel accepted and welcome. And yes before you ask, I follow the old "only leave footprints behind" conduct, I never, ever litter or damage the life within a forest, save for the few occasions in which I must hunt for meat. Which I consider to be no different than any other forest-dwelling predator that must eat to survive. Of course I also forage for berries, herbs, and other wild edibles. Because I mean come on, they're free, and much more delicious and nutritious than anything you could find in a store. As such, I firmly feel that the Forest is my element, and my home.
So what is yours?
Mine is of course, the forest. When I am inside of towns, and especially cities I feel nothing but unease, and usually a sense of fear and dread. But I grew up way, way out in the sticks. My childhood was spent searching every inch of the old-growth forests that still cover some parts of Michigan. The color green and the overwhelming pulse of life, whether the quick pulse in the animals that dart about, or the slow-steady beat of the plants and trees that envelop me put me at such ease that no noise or darkness can sway my heart, so long as I am in the forest. The fresh scent of life is almost like a drug to me as well. Not to mention the lack of disturbing, man-made noises that often accost my ears in any other environment. I find myself climbing trees to get above the canopy, to appreciate the brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine. Above all of this though, I feel within me there is a slow, deep intelligence, possibly even a sentience that the forest has. I have believed, ever since I was old enough to comprehend such concepts, in things such as fairies, dryads, and ents. Now of course my more mature and skeptical mind throws question and disbelief on these,well, beliefs... But not entirely. As such, when I am within the bounds of a forest, especially the very, very old ones, I feel at home. More than that, I feel accepted and welcome. And yes before you ask, I follow the old "only leave footprints behind" conduct, I never, ever litter or damage the life within a forest, save for the few occasions in which I must hunt for meat. Which I consider to be no different than any other forest-dwelling predator that must eat to survive. Of course I also forage for berries, herbs, and other wild edibles. Because I mean come on, they're free, and much more delicious and nutritious than anything you could find in a store. As such, I firmly feel that the Forest is my element, and my home.
So what is yours?
1
Comments
Water.
of Lake Lebarge.
With a nice toasty fire.
http://dananourie.com/2009/01/meditation-and-buddhist-practice-in-second-life/
We have nearby parks and commons - nice. I really enjoy this forum . . . the bustle of town life is great too . . . everywhere has some great element. Travelling, arriving. Time to head for the kitchen . . . that should be fun . . .
" For me the most beautiful sight in nature is the rear lights of one's taxi glimpsed through the rain as one leaves a Soho restaurant "
Restaurant critic AA Gill.
I haven't been there for far too long, and feel a re-charge is way, way WAY overdue.....
But if you told me I could not live within 100 miles of an ocean, or monster sized lake, I think I'd prefer a forest setting. Tall, thick pine forest or a mix of maples, birch, and other leafy trees with the pines....
But other than that, anywhere that's relatively calm and quiet. It could even be in the middle of a city, provided that it's not inundated with people and there isn't the constant din of cars going by.
I've heard it's where the heart is though I've found it more where the mind is.
I lived like that for three years back home, I miss it.
I rode a motorbike from Vientiane to Luang Prabang with a side trip to the Plane of Jars near Phonsavan earlier this year.
The jars were interesting, but the mood of the area is rather dark in a way, due to the results of the bombing there.
The landscape is covered in bomb craters. And the ground is still filled with cluster bombs, other bombs of all types, mines and mortar rounds. Much of the land is unusable.
Many of the businesses in the town of Phonsavan are decorated with bomb casings and other weapons.
Beautiful country anyhow but not really my element.