Today was one of those magical days when I had enough time to NOT rush up and down the mountain. Yesterday, my husband, son and I all tried to hike up together but the ice was too much so we turned back. But today my super rad hubby gave me this Saturday morning to go back up, on a weekend which is usually family time, and try again. The temps had warmed to the mid-40s, the ice was giving way to puddles, and signs of life in a sleepy but thriving forest were everywhere. I savored the weekendy-ness and lavished in the little things: the lichen persevering in winter with its soft green hues, the brighter green moss seeming almost loud next to its contemporaries of browns and greys. I think my favorite site was the way the ice was melting, and the interesting shapes that were created as a result. I loved one spot in particular where it seemed as though a leaf had melted the ice and it lay quietly in the newly formed puddle below. So small, and so lovely. I needed a morning like this. As soon as I woke from dreaming around 6:30 AM when my little four year-old crawled into bed with us, my brain started churning. Chatter, chatter, chatter... Gotta do this, why haven't I done that, etc. After an hour of unsuccessfully trying to go back to sleep, I got up to meditate. Which helped. Though it seems in my efforts to go from stay-at-home momming to a career that I love, I seem to have bitten off a little more than I can chew. Or at least chew all at the same time anyway. I'm finishing my aromatherapy certification. I'm also getting certified to be a therapeutic musician. I'm beginning to develop an Arts in Education program. I'm teaching voice lessons. Oh yeah, and raising a child and taking care of house and family. No wonder my brain won't shut up! I'm getting anxious all over again just thinking about it all. So needless to say, this morning's hike was like a Balm in Gillead. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. - African American Spiritual I'm not a religious woman, but I do consider myself to be deeply spiritual, and I love a good song for the soul. Certain aspects of life touch me as religion might touch others, however, such as music, nature, children. Today the mountain healed my anxious, over stimulated, over-achieving self, and reminded me not to rush my dreams. All in due time. The universe provides answers, wisdom and support when called upon. Today I called, and she answered, and I'm ever so grateful.
5 Comments
mark
2/21/2016 04:32:50 pm
nice!
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Ali
2/21/2016 05:48:03 pm
aww thanks babe. :)
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Deborah
2/22/2016 06:55:20 pm
Do you ever sing when you hike? I think you were just thinking of these lyrics, but it would be pretty wonderful to have you up there singing. : )
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Ali
2/27/2016 02:11:32 pm
Yes! Not always, but today I did. On my way down the hill today I was so chipper due to the spring feeling in the air, I couldn't help myself. I can't recall in this moment what on earth it was, but I did note to myself, oh I must do this more! :)
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Hi, my name is Ali Dawson Gibson. I'm a healer, a singer and a teacher. This Blog, 52 Weeks of the Ledges, is from 2016 when I hiked this awesome Bristol Ledges trail once and week and shared my experiences. Enjoy! Archives
December 2016
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