.....never the same

Yogis,
Those who know me know I like going to the same places over and over. Whether a vacation to the Outer Banks or Stone Harbor (close to 40 years), the trails I hike, or the restaurants I eat in, I enjoy the act of returning. Again and again and again.

I was thinking about this while sitting by the Cabin John creek with Phoebe at my side. The park sits a mile from home and offers winding wooded trails and a running creek, all framed by incredible views with craggy rock formations. I have been there hundreds of times and usually in the same mile radius.

Many people may think it would be boring. Going to the same place day after day and seeing the same things? Don’t I want to go to new places? But nothing really ever is the same…..is it. In fact, every time I go, the creek is new.

Nothing stays the same.

Today it was the reflections in the water that caught my attention. A beautiful fall day with a light breeze causing a ripple on the surface, creating images reminiscent of impressionist paintings. Designs and swirls asking which way is up.

The trees that only last week wore a deep emerald green are now tinged with color. Early fallen leaves lay on rocks in reds and oranges. The songs of the insects softer now.

My reflection mirrors me as I carefully step rock to rock. Who I see below has also changed from years of these visits. A little creakier but strong. Wisdom lines carved in my skin. Small life shifts happen as seasons change.

A rock cairn will appear and vanish days later. The air, shadows, sounds…..vary every moment. Plants arrive and grandfather trees fall, blocking my path. I climb over. A new path will quickly form from footsteps of those who find a way around. Mushrooms come and go. Wildflowers. Snakes. An infinite number of potential differences from one day to the next.

Only because I know it so well can I see and appreciate the changes. The newness every time.

Same places.....never the same,
SARAH