
The innocent mistake that keeps us caught in our own particular style of ignorance, unkindness, and shut-downness is that we are never encouraged to see clearly what is, with gentleness. Instead, there’s a kind of basic misunderstanding that we should try to be better than we already are, that we should try to improve ourselves, that we should try to get away from painful things, and that if we could just learn how to get away from the painful things, then we would be happy. That is the innocent, naïve misunderstanding that we all share, which keeps us unhappy.
~ Pema Chödron
Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.
~ Henri Nouwen

Although it seems too soon to be doing so, I’ve been thinking about Walktober. One reason is that I’d like to be finished with summer. We have had a relatively cool summer compared with some past summers, but that last heat wave that we just exited from was a doozy. It made me ready for cooler days and nights.

Another reason is the sense of community and participation that the event brings. It has grown, year by year, and I very much enjoy being able to walk with those who invite us to walk with them. It’s a way of seeing parts of the world I might not otherwise see, and seeing them through the eyes and words of another.

Last but not least, there are so many hints of autumn going on right now that it’s difficult not to be thinking ahead to the shorter and cooler days. Flowers have changed to berries or other fruits, the Monarch butterflies are back in force, flocks of birds fly overhead in the early morning hours on their way here or there, the bird songs have changed, the angle of the sun is different, and it’s dark in the early morning once again. My favorite time of day is the transition from night to sunrise to morning in its glory, and in some of the summer months, that happens way too early (even for me!).

Our trip to the mountains of Pennsylvania is having an influence on me, too. It was hot there, as it had been hot nearly everywhere in the U.S. at that time, but the goldenrod was in bloom and some of the leaves on the trees were already showing hints of color other than green. I’m seeing some of that here, too. The goldenrod is not yet in bloom, but it’s budding. The cherry tree leaves have changed and are dropping from the trees. The sumac is colorful. On my walk this morning I noticed how dark it is in the Mystery Woods. The greens that were bright in the spring have deepened throughout the summer.

I don’t want to spend too much time thinking ahead and wishing away the days. They say there is so little of it (time) in the course of a human life. It seems to me there is plenty when I’m in the present moment.
In case you’re wondering, I do plan to host Walktober this year. We don’t need to get into the details right now. Better to wait until later next month to get into all of that.

I don’t really have a lot to meander and ramble on about today so this seems as good a time as any to wrap up the post. Thank you so much for stopping by and meandering on a little hike at Trough Creek State Park with me. Let’s meet out at the Point for sunset. It’s scheduled for 7:58 PM. We have had some gorgeous clouds lately. Sometimes that translates to gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. We’ll have to wait and see what will be. It’s warm today, but not too bad. Not too bad at all (compared to last week’s heat).
Please be safe, be well, and just Be.

A few of the 10,000 reasons to be happy: 2,071) The many colors and personalities of sunrise. 2,072) Something exciting that I hope to be able to announce soon. 2,073) Monarch butterflies, flitting about the area. 2,074) A day at the beach yesterday. It was relaxing and restorative and much needed. 2,075) Morning yoga on the front porch. It’s cool enough again that I can do my practice out there.

The trees are coloring up and dropping early here, most likely the drought is the reason. Everything is so parched, it pains me to see. We need a nice, slow soaking. Although, it feels like I’m living in sunny California, every day filled with sunshine, which keeps my mood light. I expect we’ll get the usual Sept. rains eventually.
Beautiful photos, as always, Robin. Stellar sunrise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Eliza. 🙂 Wishing rain for both of us. It’s parched here, too. We water some of the gardens but it’s not the same as rain.
LikeLike
Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the beauty. I also love the quotes. Pema’s books have so much in them to chew on, really. It’s amazing. and I hear you about time expanding when you’re in the moment. It’s like we drop into the infinity zone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Kay. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was in the UP for a few days last week. The goldenrod was in full bloom there, along with black-eyed susands, queen anne’s lace and purple thistle. It was beautiful along the roads! But yes, there were definite signs of fall. Just hints of the color to come, almost as if I wasn’t really seeing it…as if I was just imagining what it would be…a touch of red in a green leaf…a hint of gold. It was sadly beautiful. I don’t want to end summer yet, but I can feel it letting go even now.
I’m glad you’re going to host Walktober again. It’s one of my favorite things. I’m sad that Katie won’t be here to add her two cents, I always got to go on two walks when she was here. I see her everywhere these days. Maybe she’ll come along with me on my walk. I hope so.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sad about Katie not being here, too, Dawn, and will miss her contribution to Walktober. I think she will join you, in your heart at the very least. ♥♥♥
LikeLike
Pema Chödrön’s words are brimming with wisdom… Your picture of Balanced Rock is stunning! I’m looking forward to autumn and Walktober, too. 🙂 And Clyde’s Cider Mill opening for the season in September… We’ve had a nice stretch for four days now, no humidity and sleeping with the windows open, listening to the symphony of crickets and katydids and frogs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Barbara. 🙂 Cider! Yes! I’m looking forward to that, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pema’s wise words resonated with me, as always. I will be thinking about Walkoctober. With my creaky knees, I don’t walk very far nowadays, but I should be able to come up with something modest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Walktober doesn’t require a long walk, Laurie, and some have been known to drive it. A little walk around your yard will do. 🙂
LikeLike
I can see the changes, too, Robin. I wish we could keep the current weather for a while. Gorgeous pictures! 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Merril. 🙂 It’s heating up again today, but it’s still better than it was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Robin. Yes, we’ll be back to the hot stuff tomorrow, I think.
LikeLike
I hate to admit it, but we’re already seeing early signs of summer’s exit here, too. A leaf changes here and there, the crickets are back, and the days are growing shorter — to the point that poor Monkey doesn’t know what time it is anymore! I’m delighted you’ll be doing Walktober again, Robin. I always enjoy it, and it’s fun “meeting” new people and “seeing” new places. I’ve been trying to decide where to do my walk — lots of options!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie. 🙂 I know what you mean about having lots of options. I’m not sure where I’ll end up for Walktober this year. Might be going on an adventure around that time, if all falls into place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The goldenrod is super bright up here already and yes, I’ve noticed the monarchs too. the crickets are driving me nuts – there is one that is determined to serenade me aaaaaall night. Mind you there are a few that go at it all day, too.
Of course I will be participating in Walktober. I’ve been thinking of where I could take my walk… I would like it to be somewhere new.
You always choose the best quotes. And that sunrise! Whoa…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dale. 🙂 I enjoy the crickets, except when it sounds like they’re right in the bedroom with me. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I swear… I have one in particular. Adamant, he is…
LikeLike
I grew up 24 miles from there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a beautiful area, Elisa. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person