Making Time For A Walk

It was a gorgeous day.  The rain had stopped, the sun was out and a cool breeze blew.

It felt criminal to be indoors despite the call of never-ending chores and housework (there’s always so much that needs to be done)! So the children and I spontaneously decided to take a walk to the nearest paddy field, a little less than a mile away.

Ria, discovered that a little stream flowed through the field.  (Ria is drawn to water like a magnet!)  Being quiet and listening  helped us pick up the sounds of nature that we forfeit when we are talking or preoccupied.  It was magical.  The stirring of the grass, the rippling of the water, the call of frogs, the twitter of the birds were suddenly distinct and audible.

We were awed by the meticulous detail of flowers that appear only as splashes of color when we hurriedly drive by them.  We watched in wonder as a spider fell and rose in an invisible elevator spinning a web so intricate, it would shame the world’s greatest designer.  Brandon was filled with affection for his baby frog… (a sentiment that was not as warmly reciprocated in return)! Ria was sure that could she shrink herself into a Thumbelina, the Oriental Sesame flower would be the softest fabric for a gown.  We felt the sand-papery texture of huge teak leaves, the Velcro of giant pagodas, the velvet of musandas.  We were fascinated by a baby taro leaf scrolled perfectly into the stalk waiting to poke out and unfurl when mature.

At first I was reluctant to let them venture in the field, contemplating muck, wetness, the possibility of snakes…Almost in the same instance, I could hear a “shame on me” for my thoughts.  Nature must be experienced as is.  Of course, a measure of caution and wisdom is absolutely essential but as much as we may want, risk simply cannot be omitted!   Fear only paralyzes wonder and denies us the thrill of discovery.  And all that beauty and amazement is so worth it!