Wonderful essay and photos, Erik. You are a good son.
I don't think we humans are built for stillness. We're for planning and striving and struggling. BUT ... the world we have made gives us few moments to pause and rest and recover from all that busy pursuit. We now experience those moments as "boring" and something to escape.
Very true Baird. But there is a world of difference between the planning and striving of the hunter/gatherers we evolved to be vs that of the complex modern world. Now we have to worry decades into the future over abstract things like financial stability and politics. I realize now that I greatly prefer the “boring.”
Ohhhh, I so enjoyed reading this, Erik. Felt my heart slowing down as I did. You evoke the spirit of stillness and quiet so well. Thank you for sharing your time there, and how it affected you. I have felt many of these same things on long meditation retreats. It's such a beautiful state to abide in.
Your writing and photography brings me stillness brother. Excellent piece.
Contentment is a word and mindset I try to find as often as possible. I think it aligns well with what you were describing with comfort in the moment. I just hate the word comfort… haha
Awesome Kyle, thanks! I think you're right about the word 'comfort.' It doesn't quite capture what I intended there, but I'm struggling to find another word that does. Contentment does, in a way. I'm thinking more of a quiet confidence that comes with acceptance of the present moment.
I love all of this - the photos, the trip with your mom, the introspection on a VERY relevant topic...and also Mary Oliver. I'm such a sucker for her poetry, especially the lines about being alive in a broken world.
Anyway.
I think the Art of Being, as you put it, is a lot tricker to practice than it seems...we all long for free time but once we have it, we use it to "check random errands off our lists" or sit on our phones...*ahem* me, for both of those.
I think choosing to Be is just that - a choice. A conscious one that involves willpower! Sometimes I can say to myself, hey, I'm just gonna sit outside and NOT do anything. Not read. Not scroll. Just be present.
I also love how you acknowledge that even on a hike, the act of "being" is sort of tainted by the act of logging miles...I think in those situations, I try to find moments of Being EVEN WHILE I put away the miles. But I get your point.
Thanks for a thought provoking piece. I hope you can find quiet moments of Being this week.
Exactly right! Checking things off, checking phones, and for me the big one is constantly working on some project or plan for the future. It's rare that I ever have the time to just be somewhere without an agenda. It seems really close to a meditation practice, and I may start to incorporate that again.
Thanks Niki! Oh, btw, I just started listening to your interview on Backpacker Radio! Only a few minutes in, though. I'll listen to more tomorrow!
Very nice post Erik. My challenge is getting out of my own head - I'll be sitting still observing the world when, bam, along comes a thought or idea and I'm off in another place. On the other hand, that's where most of my Substack ideas come from!
It’s the same with me! I seem to be always thinking or planning what I have to do next, and if something like an idea for a post comes to mind then I start actively working towards it. I need to learn to just be in the moment, at least from time to time. Thanks James!
Oh Erik, I can feel your contentment and serenity in this series. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to return with your mom and have a less hurried experience. The memories will hold more meaning in the long term ❤️
A beautiful piece. Exactly what I wanted to read on my Sunday morning.
That means a lot Andrew! Thanks!
I feel calmer and inspired after reading this.
Thank you so much Holly!
Me too!
Beautiful Erik - and I love Mary Oliver's writing and way of thinking.
She's a favorite! Thanks!
Wonderful essay and photos, Erik. You are a good son.
I don't think we humans are built for stillness. We're for planning and striving and struggling. BUT ... the world we have made gives us few moments to pause and rest and recover from all that busy pursuit. We now experience those moments as "boring" and something to escape.
Very true Baird. But there is a world of difference between the planning and striving of the hunter/gatherers we evolved to be vs that of the complex modern world. Now we have to worry decades into the future over abstract things like financial stability and politics. I realize now that I greatly prefer the “boring.”
Yes, we haven't changed much, but our environment sure has. And not all change is "progress".
Ohhhh, I so enjoyed reading this, Erik. Felt my heart slowing down as I did. You evoke the spirit of stillness and quiet so well. Thank you for sharing your time there, and how it affected you. I have felt many of these same things on long meditation retreats. It's such a beautiful state to abide in.
I'm glad it resonated Jeanne! I've never done a long meditation retreat other than backpacking. Very curious now!
Your writing and photography brings me stillness brother. Excellent piece.
Contentment is a word and mindset I try to find as often as possible. I think it aligns well with what you were describing with comfort in the moment. I just hate the word comfort… haha
Awesome Kyle, thanks! I think you're right about the word 'comfort.' It doesn't quite capture what I intended there, but I'm struggling to find another word that does. Contentment does, in a way. I'm thinking more of a quiet confidence that comes with acceptance of the present moment.
Love it
I love all of this - the photos, the trip with your mom, the introspection on a VERY relevant topic...and also Mary Oliver. I'm such a sucker for her poetry, especially the lines about being alive in a broken world.
Anyway.
I think the Art of Being, as you put it, is a lot tricker to practice than it seems...we all long for free time but once we have it, we use it to "check random errands off our lists" or sit on our phones...*ahem* me, for both of those.
I think choosing to Be is just that - a choice. A conscious one that involves willpower! Sometimes I can say to myself, hey, I'm just gonna sit outside and NOT do anything. Not read. Not scroll. Just be present.
I also love how you acknowledge that even on a hike, the act of "being" is sort of tainted by the act of logging miles...I think in those situations, I try to find moments of Being EVEN WHILE I put away the miles. But I get your point.
Thanks for a thought provoking piece. I hope you can find quiet moments of Being this week.
Exactly right! Checking things off, checking phones, and for me the big one is constantly working on some project or plan for the future. It's rare that I ever have the time to just be somewhere without an agenda. It seems really close to a meditation practice, and I may start to incorporate that again.
Thanks Niki! Oh, btw, I just started listening to your interview on Backpacker Radio! Only a few minutes in, though. I'll listen to more tomorrow!
Oof. A big plan for the future. Yes, same same same!! I like your point about it being a meditation practice.
Ha! Thanks!! I hope you enjoy. I sound like I'm talking on double speed....happens when I'm nervous!😅
Very nice post Erik. My challenge is getting out of my own head - I'll be sitting still observing the world when, bam, along comes a thought or idea and I'm off in another place. On the other hand, that's where most of my Substack ideas come from!
It’s the same with me! I seem to be always thinking or planning what I have to do next, and if something like an idea for a post comes to mind then I start actively working towards it. I need to learn to just be in the moment, at least from time to time. Thanks James!
Ahh this was simply beautiful, both visually and mindfully. I could live there with nobody but dog and be happy. Gorgeous pics and sentiments.
The only downside is no mountains 😂 Thanks Kristi, it was a much needed change of pace!
Well sometimes, flowers and cottages are just as pleasant 😊
True!!
Thank you for bringing me along on your walks.
Of course! Thanks for reading!
Oh Erik, I can feel your contentment and serenity in this series. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to return with your mom and have a less hurried experience. The memories will hold more meaning in the long term ❤️
Hey, thanks Jennifer! Your right. It was a wonderful experience and one I’ll remember fondly!