"Calm, peace, serene and free. This what I feel when I see a still body of water, one so still that the reflection is as detailed as the scenery that surrounds it. As I paddle out any tension, any thoughts all leave my mind as if entered into a deep meditation.
Recently I traveled back to the small town in New England where I grew up. With Fall in full swing, Mother Nature displayed her artwork in her unique way, boasting magnificent colors in the trees. The water seemed to have this mirror like quality that reflected these colors in a surreal way, showing every last detail. The sky with light wispy clouds also reflected in the lake, causing my mind to question was this real. And the air was brisk but carried a scent of the nearby fireplaces and the aroma of change.
As I slowly paddled, I caught myself getting lost, letting go of everything going on in my life, and just taking in nature. Each paddle stroke was slow and organic, trying not to disturb the mirror I was paddling across, my senses were deepened trying to pick up on sounds of the animals getting ready for winter. As I continued to paddle my mind never wandered to the long list of things I had to get back to, it stayed present with me, focused on seeing what surprise nature had next. It was my release, my sanctuary.
On my journey back home it occurred to me, this is why I have that knee jerk reaction when I see a still body of water. I want to see what nature has around the corner, the wildlife, the natural landscape and being free from all the daily norms of life. It is my escape, my mini vacation and it is something that soothes the soul."
