Giving Voice to My Astonishment

I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.~John Muir

Winter Trees at Dusk, 2017.

I am at home in the woods. I have a strong affinity for the natural world that also includes great respect and awe. I do not take lightly what is happening more and more to our forests, oceans, and wilderness areas. I read a lot about nature, ecology, and the environment. I compost, recycle, try not to take bags or containers from stores and restaurants, use as little energy as possible in my house, and walk instead of drive to run errands whenever I can. Small steps are better than no steps on the road to counteract climate change. Although, I am aware that my efforts are a drop in the ocean, I’ll continue doing what I can. Recently, I’ve been inspired by others to up my game, so this year I’ll work on putting my beliefs into action on a larger scale. I think more than ever, this is necessary crucial. I’ll be posting about this occasionally, as I learn more about what I can do. I appreciate any suggestions or thoughts about what you do in your own lives to be part of the solution. That’s where the big changes happen; when we all meet together, share our ideas and small steps, and do our parts while holding government responsible to take the larger steps. I am an optimist. Although, I am not naive; I remain hopeful.

Below is a small selection of my favorite quotes from a few of my favorite naturalists.

Going to the woods and the wild places has little to do with recreation, and much to do with creation. For the wilderness is the creation in its pure state, its processes unqualified by the doings of people. A man in the woods comes face to face with the creation, of which he must begin to see himself a part—a much less imposing part than he thought. ~Wendell Berry

To stand beneath such majesty!

To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.
~Terry Tempest Williams

Sun glistening on ice-glazed tree branches, Winter 2017.

Wilderness is not only a haven for native plants and animals but it is also a refuge from society. Its a place to go to hear the wind and little else, see the stars and the galaxies, smell the pine trees, feel the cold water, touch the sky and the ground at the same time, listen to coyotes, eat the fresh snow, walk across the desert sands, and realize why its good to go outside of the city and the suburbs.
~John Muir

Without enough wilderness America will change. Democracy, with its myriad personalities and increasing sophistication, must be fibred and vitalized by regular contact with outdoor growths — animals, trees, sun warmth and free skies — or it will dwindle and pale.
~Walt Whitman

Winter tree, 2017.

It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility.
~Rachel Carson

Through the thicket, Winter 2017.

I can’t imagine anything more important than air, water, soil, energy and biodiversity. These are the things that keep us alive.
~David Suzuki

Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher ‘standard of living’ is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television.
~Aldo Leopold

Geese on Farmington Lake, Winter 2017.

Scientist and Environmental Activist, David Suzuki offers a list of actions you might start with, here.
All photos mine, taken at local wild areas where I contemplate the beauty of the earth in wonder and humility. For me, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television.