When all else fails and the weather permits, I grab a tool, such as loppers, a hoe or pruning saw and go into the woods. There is always invasive plants to cut, trails to clear or trees to prune. There is only the sound of the wind and birds rustling in the brush. My thoughts are about the here and now, and time seems to stop. It is good treatment for depression, anxiety and loneliness during this time of transition. If there is a need to talk to my neighbors all I have to do is walk down the road with a shovel to clean culverts and debris from the drainage ditches, and soon somebody will drive by, stop and talk. When the sun starts setting or the rain drops start falling, I make my way back to the house, throw a log in the stove, feed the cats, heat up some swill for dinner and call it a day. It sure beats going to town, getting exposed to the Covid or flu virus, or spending money on something I can live without.
A collection of stories from the life of Michael Burke. He worked for the Forest Service in Alaska, California, and Oregon. He lives in Oakland, OR. His wonderful wife, Celia, passed in May of 2021
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Nature is always calling on us. We are the keepers of the land, and in turn the land blesses us back with food and healing. What a wonderful gift! Thank you Mike for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThey say that family, friends, faith and sense of purpose bring us happiness. I'd certainly add nature, music, pets, exercise, hot stove, healthy diet and a plate of "swill" to the list also.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, ditto for us too. We love going out, into the woods, with loppers and more. We are endless entertained by the wild critters. We agree with "thoughts are about the here and now, and time seems to stop. It is good treatment for depression, anxiety, and loneliness during this time of transition." I often walk our hill, to the mailbox, stopping to pick up litter and pretty pinecones. It is a good time to at least wave, and/or chat with neighbors. "It sure beats going to town, getting exposed to the Covid or flu virus, or spending money on something I can live without." I've shared your story with several others; we all agree with you.
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