Outdoor Time

Yesterday I was able to get in some outdoor time at Big Soddy Creek Gulf. It's a "go-to" place for me. It isn't too far away and it has all the required parts: water, woods, rocks, waterfall. It was a gorgeous afternoon and I was able to enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise. It was fun to see the wildflowers popping up in their colors. The creek was full and flowing, as was the waterfall. It is always good for my body, soul, and mind to get outdoor time. Yesterday was no exception. The nature therapy was perfect. Being outdoors in creation is a spiritual practice for me. Within that one spiritual practice, I get to practice several others: silence, solitude, contemplative photography. I am able to breathe in and out deeply, allowing the fresh air to fill my lungs. The beauty of creation was a gift. I am grateful to have experienced it.

As I walked back, I jotted down the things I had seen. Here is the list:

• Shade
• Sun
• Rocks
• Woods
• Water
• Roar
• Trickle
• Buds
• Blooms
• Silence
• Solitude
• Peace for the soul
• Blue skies
• Warmth
• Yellow
• White
• Purple
• Butterfly
• 74 degrees Fahrenheit
• Trout lily
• Phlox
• Toothwort
• Trillium
• Redbud
• Waterfall
• People
• Dogs
• Kids
• Bikes
• Breeze
• Fishermen
• Trout
• Hammocks
• Bridge
• Brick

The water I heard and saw was both loud and soft. There was the roaring of the creek and waterfall and the trickle of water coming down over some rocks. 

It was the first time I ever saw fishermen with fish-- a string of trout, up to the limit, I'm sure. 

The path was active, yet still quiet. It was definitely a great time of silence and solitude, peace for the soul. 

Here are pics from the hike. Enjoy the scenery:

Prior to going into the woods, I had seen a "meme" on Facebook. It read: 

"Nature doesn't care about your pace; it just cares that you're there. The squirrels won't judge your outfit and the trees are always happy to see you."  I am glad that my tie-dye shirt wasn't judged by the squirrels. 

It was definitely good to get some fresh air on a beautiful day before the rain rolls in.

Peace, 

Deb

Labyrinth in Otto, NC

My Lenten practice this year is to walk/pray a labyrinth weekly during Lent.

Last weekend we adventured out for our anniversary to Rabun Gap, GA where Riley's Dad was born and grew up. I typically search for labyrinths near me when on adventures. I found one nearby in Otto, NC. We were able to go last Saturday.

We found The Otto Labyrinth Park. The sign at the street was plain to see, but things seemed to be in slight disrepair.  There was another sign on two buildings that let us know we were in the right place. 

I couldn't see the labyrinth at first, but then found it beyond two small ponds. The labyrinth was lined in rocks with a grassy and mossy path. There was a forest path beyond the labyrinth that went by a creek. There were some picnic tables and a fire pit. It was a neat little spot. 

While walking/praying, the sound of the creek was the background, along with some birds. It was peaceful. I watched for roots along the path so I wouldn't stumble or fall.

After the labyrinth, I wandered around and found a path that went by the creek. The forest path included structures made from laurel wood and a bench. 

One pond fed into another one and there were lily pads in the ponds.

Other things that caught my attention were the wind chimes and the lantern.

I wish the shop had still been open. Even though it isn't in perfect shape, the labyrinth and area are still open, to my knowledge. It's worth a look and walk, if you are in the area. The address is 43 Shambala Way, Otto, NC.

As with most labyrinth prayer walks for me, peace was the result of my time in the labyrinth. Getting to roam inside the laurel forest was an extra benefit for my soul. 

Rev. Deb

(Looking at information online, it seems the welcome center and bookstore area is still open. There weren't any cars there that I could see, but I didn't go up and knock on the door.)

OTHER LINKS WITH INFORMATION ON THE LABYRINTH PARK:

Facebook page

YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

Labyrinth in Lent

This morning before Sunday School, I  went to the labyrinth in the bqck of the property at Burks UMC.  I took a few deep breaths at the entrance and began my journey. I found myself in the center, more quickly than I had expected. Thoughts of letting things go and different scenarios had made the path go quickly.  Surgeries for friends, grief over issues, and ongoing healing were some of the things that accompanied me on the path. Gratitude.  Another companion this morning.  As I stand in the center I hear birds chirping and singing.  I hear a woodpecker. It’s cold again here, after some days of 70s weather. 34 degrees Fahrenheit this morning as I type. I have my coffee and a coat for warmth. Gloves keep the hands warm, but not while typing. As I prepare to leave the center, I breathe in this new day.  It's the first Sunday in Lent, a season for reflection. I noticed the flowers as I walked out, a sign of hope. Peace and calm filled me as I finished my prayer walk. I am thankful for time with the One who created me and knows me best.

Rev. Deb