At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have
settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?
Mary Oliver
The Buddha taught that simply being in nature--along with meditation, discussion, study and other well-known methods--was one of the great supports for the Path of Awakening. Silent walks through surrounding areas allow us to refresh the spirit of natural calmness, interest and awareness that brought us to retreat. With the evidence of interconnectedness gently present around us, we can begin to experience our own participation in the web of life.
