Thursday, October 16, 2008

Trees...



I was in New England this last weekend. It was absolutely gorgeous! The skies were crisp and the leaves were at peak-color. I love the architecture, the historicity in the air, and the trees. I love the trees!




I know I have mountains literally in my backyard, and I love them as well, but there is something about real woods and real groves and real forests that you find in the east. They bring me peace and solace. I can see how Joseph Smith had an affinity for the Sacred Grove.




One feels God so near. Just a reminder to myself that I need to take more time and find a good woods to hike in and get away from the economic recession, the neverending election, and the angstiness of life - and stop and breathe and meditate and think more clearly.




8 comments:

Sarah said...

Thanks for the reminder.

We were thinking of escaping to a family condo for the weekend. I have been resisting because there is so much to catch up on at home, but maybe we should. We need to.

Bror said...

Fall is my favorite season. I took the family on a two hour drive to the mountains to experience the fall colors. At 10,000 feet we took pictures, had lunch and bonded. It was great.

Anonymous said...

"Men are that they might have joy."

I think of that often. There are so many things that pull us away from life and cause us to forget that we are to have joy.

I hike as much as I can get in. More in the summer because I can go every day after work. I love to be outside, to see nature to feel the peace and serenity. I find that the more I go out seeking that serenity the easier it is for me to pull it into my every day life.

It's important to pull away from those things which weigh us down and take some time to be at peace.

Next weekend I am going up to Breckenridge. It will be a great time to escape.

Beck said...

DIP: Escaping for some down-time is always a good thing in my book. Taking inventory of oneself and of those around you and doing so away from routine has always been of great reward and value.

I just went for a hike with my wife up the canyon. It was beautiful and it increased our bond to each other!

Go grab DICHO and go for a hike!

Beck said...

BROR: I love fall. I love the leaves changing color! I love the crisp air! I take my camera with me everywhere I go and love to catch the light radiating through those fall colors.

Beck said...

DAMON: Enjoy your escape! It's great to get away. It's great to find JOY in our surroundings.

I enjoy hiking as well, but typically don't have time to do so daily as I'd like... There is peace and clearness of mind that I've found like no other kind of meditation when I can be alone in the trees and mountains... That is where my testimony came. That is where I find the Lord's voice again...

Anonymous said...

i'm a little behind here, and I know that new england is big, and this late entry might not get to you, but... if you were in boston and dropped by or know of the cambridge ward, you might be amused by the description found in a guide to cambridge architecture. the mormon church it said, in a disapproving tone, has "gross fenestration and an attenuated spire." now many decades after being a frequent visitor to that building, my wife and I will see a new building anywhere and wonder about its fenestration and attenuation.

Beck said...

SANTORIO: Yes, I've been to the Cambridge Ward and am familiar with that building and I laugh at that review of the architecture.

I remember my wife and I attended a singles ward there and they had a "linger longer" right after Sacrament Meeting and food poured out and a party insued. It was funny to see such a party-atmosphere right after saying "Amen".