January 26, 2015 - 21:46
Taking another stroll through Morris Woods, I led a group of three friends who wanted to join. I recall saying somewhat jokingly to the others, “Let the earth guide you.” This is what I said, but of course, what I did was follow what I made out to be the path on which we were least likely to fall due to snow and ice. Even when we had walked for a bit, it was apparent that we were still fairly close to the edge of the woods. Somehow, even though we were amongst friends, there was a sort of serene silence that fell upon us as we took in the beauty, the stillness, and the seeming endlessness. Although the trees were bare and dry looking, and the only animal we encountered was a chirping bird way off in the distance, I would never doubt these would are full of life and full of stories.
In “Morris Woods: Living History,” Rachel Ohrenschall expresses the notion that the subtlety of the Quaker gravestones in the woods creates a sort of balance between humanity and nature. With this in mind, I suppose maintained this subtlety, or as much as I could hope too. My friends did as well, however, which I find especially interesting because their intention was not preempted by any readings or discussions.