Quote of the day: “To be human is to be lost in the woods. None of us arrives here with clear directions on how to get from point A to point B without stumbling into the forest of confusion or catastrophe or wrongdoing. Although they are dark and dangerous, it is in the woods that we discover our strengths.” – Elizabeth Lesser from Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow.
In the Woods
About three and a half months ago I was laid off from my job of 16 years as a software engineer. After the layoff, I decide to live differently, focusing on living simply and sustainably, doing what I love (photography and gardening), and making a positive difference in the world. Yesterday I realized that even though I had made a decision to embrace a different kind of life, I was lost in the woods of self-delusion – again. While I haven’t been punching a time-clock or heading out to the office every day, I have been driving myself to do more, learn faster, and to succeed, whatever that means.
It drives me crazy that my ego carries on the games of trying, doing, measuring up, when I know that happiness does not lie in external achievements or things. OK – we all get lost in the woods sometimes or maybe we’re lost in the woods most of the time. But occasionally we wake up and find our true path. When I’m awake I choose with presence. Yesterday I took a real walk in the woods (as opposed to a metaphorical walk in the woods) and took no photos – just walked and talked with a friend. I checked nothing off my lengthy to-do list. It was a great walk. It was a great day. This morning I got up and did what I love – went out into the woods with my camera and took photos. It was a good morning. Here a few of the photos I took today.
A View Through the Reeds - Wood Lake
Hanging Out on the Boardwalk
Great Day for a Swim
Boardwalk Across the Marsh
My Heart is in the Woods
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