Lately, a creeping anxiety and fluctuating state of feeling overwhelmed has been clouding my head. I’d like to chalk it up to two things that have taken place recently: adjusting from our first overseas trip and preparing/studying for a licensing exam. I know I’m not the only one who feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day to take care of every little detail. And within those details, still find time to have moments of solace and get enough sleep and everything else..
To my advantage, the anxiety and overwhelmingness subside enough for me to not lose my mind. And I am thankful for that.
Over these past few weeks, I began to notice that I was missing a very vital part of my usual routine. That missing piece was the American River. A river I’ve mentioned countless times in the past. An easy escape from the noise of daily living that is a mere two blocks away. But for some reason, I just haven’t been making the time to take the short walk over.
A few Saturdays ago before the day began to fill my head, I decided to take Olive and I to our nearby local access point off of Watt Avenue. As we climbed up our side of the levee and stood at the top, all I could see and hear were the wind-shaken oak trees and the rapids below. I closed my eyes and took in a long, refreshing breath.
The lingering clouds inside of my head cleared out in that very moment and all I was left with was this healing world below..
I still get amazed at what stops me in my tracks when I roam the river trails. The trees, groves, paths, etc. that I’ve walked past so many times can still show new sides that I had failed to notice in previous walks.
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A few days later, I made it a point to go back after I had finished the exam. This riparian world showed its hidden corners of magic once again as I wandered aimlessly with Olive.
what/where is your usual escape?
I relate so much to this. Nature is always healing! Thank you for sharing these beautiful images!
Yes! 100%