“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”- G.K.Chesterton
There is a certain type of wonder during the month of November. It opens as the last hurrah of autumn. Daylight savings time slows down life's pace and as we move toward Thanksgiving, gratitude moments become more important. Autumn is an example of nature's gift as October grandeur sweeps its piles of leaves into November. I sigh with delight and give thanks as leaves cushion earth.
From one the west to east coast, autumn presents its colors in a wonder-filled array of happiness. When the weather turned a beautiful shade of sunshine sky, I decided to take an awe walk to clear my head of the noises of life and commune with nature. So off the family went to visit a nearby park that we had not walked through this autumn.
As we entered the park, I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of the November day. The duck community honked greetings, inviting us in. Light from the sun radiated across the pond illuminating the colors of the mallards.
Looking into the park, trees tinged in autumn gold beckoned.
The weight of the world lifted as
infrequent joggers and a sole skateboarder smiled in passing.
with its illuminating light
peacefulness settles
in mirrored reflection
November showcases fall
©CV, 2020
Naani is one of India's most popular Telugo poems. Naani means an expression of one and all and consist of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bouded to a particular subject, although generally it depeds on human relations and current statements.
"Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life." -Rumi
Indulging in an awe walk as a diversion from the weighty to dos of life was just the right medicine to fill my head with gratitude thoughts and make me smile.
I'm joining the Poetry Friday Roundup where Susan Bruck is hosting at Soul Blossom Living. Susan delights us with her silly poem series and accompanying illustrations that my little granddaughter would absolutely love.
Thank you for sharing your cloak of gratitude with us, Carol! I feel warmer already. xo
ReplyDeleteIrene, thank you for terming my work a "cloak of gratitude". Rumi, in his wisdom, knew and viewed the power of gratitude as a healing measure in life.
DeleteWhat awesome photos! November showcases autumn, indeed. A lovely visit with you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for taking an awe walk with me. I look forward to a future time when I take a walk with you in Virginia and see nature from a different perspective.
DeleteSo enjoyed accompanying you on your awe-walk. Thanks for your beautiful poems and photos!
ReplyDeleteJama, I always like fellow walkers with me who applaud the beauty of the world. Thanks for joining me.
DeleteThank you for taking me along on your awe-walk Carol. Wonderful to pause and reflect with you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking a walk with me on Long Island, NY, Sally.tomorrow, I will explore another area.
DeleteI just read Alan W's naanis, too, Carol. They & yours are beautiful. I have taken numerous pictures of those "wispy reeds of autumn sway", love it every time I see them. There is so much to love about November's autumn! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteLinda, November's autumn has had a touch of September warmth. Even the meterologists are saying so. Today's walk was in the neighborhood. All the Halloween decorations are removed and autumn ones shine under the reflective light of the sun. Have a great week.
DeleteI love the idea of an "awe walk." I saw bluebirds on my lunchtime walk yesterday in the soon-to-be park (now-just-mown-paths-in-a-former-pasture) next to our school. That definitely qualifies for an "awe walk!"
ReplyDeleteYes, that would definitely qualify for an "awe walk" moment, Mary Lee. I don't seem many birds this time of year but the other day during one of my walks, I did see a robin and it made my heart flutter.
DeleteI love this story of your awe walk (thanks for the link--haven't heard of those), and your naani is just gorgeous. Those reeds, the conversation, the ripples. Sigh. Awe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my naani, Laura. I always love to hear the Poetry Sisters remarks about each challenge. In order to complete this poem type, I needed the right inspiration. The "awe walk" game me the jumpstart.
DeleteI am awed by your awe-walk, Carol, and by the image of walking under a cloak of gratitude. Not just as protection against harsh elements, but as something that nourishes life - fascinating way to express a truth. More than anything - except for maybe love - a grateful heart changes the world from within. Love the reeds in your digital poem, and the idea of their conversations. Nature always speaks to us, if we will but listen.
ReplyDeleteThe window in my bathroom provides me with an amazing view each day-a wonderful place to view nature and sort my feelings. All is silent. The tree is bare, exposed to life preparing for the next transition. I, too, bare my soul to nature and hope for the beast. Thank you, Fran , for always being a supportive writing friend.
DeleteWhen I teach children about the environment, I try to find these awe-inspiring things. Some, like carnivorous plants or the metamorphosis of a monarch are easy to recognize as awe-inspiring. Some, like the stone in the garden or a seed head on the prairie are less obvious. Still, employing wonder and awe of the natural world is one of the best ways to connect our youth to its beauty. As author Donald Sobel said, "We must first teach our children to love the earth, before we ask them to save it." For me, this is so true, so true. Your awe-walk is an inspiring post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts about our awe-inspiring environment, Carol. I am wondering if you and some students would like to offer image poems with the title Abundant Autumn for my fall gallery. I am trying to round up pieces this month.
DeleteThanks for sharing your awe-walk and poems. Spending time in nature is definitely my source of solace and awe. Sometimes I walk with my thoughts and sometimes I walk and focus on the beauty around me (and now I have a name for that!). I especially like your first poem--there's something sparkly about the light in fall, kind of foreshadowing winter, but still filled with the colors of fall. "November showcases fall"--for sure.
ReplyDeleteColors of fall are wonderful around the globe. Perhaps, Nature wants us to fill our hearts with joy and not the sorrowful issues of the pandemic, Susan. Thanks for hosting and stopping by.
DeleteBeautiful post Carol, I enjoyed drinking in all of fall's colors and your poems, especially the "conversations brew" rippling the waters!" Awe walks are wonderful, we took one this afternoon-the colors seem to be spectacular this year all over, many thanks!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I am glad that you soaked in the wonder of an awe walk. Earth dresses in style in Autumn.
DeleteLove the idea of an awe-walk. I'd never heard of it before. Thanks so much for sharing yours, and your beautiful photos and poetry. I can hear the wispy reeds and brewing conversations in your naani.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your appreciation for nature shines throughout your post in your photographs and poems. I especially love the Chesterton quote that you shared and your emphasis on gratitude. I'm so glad you took us along on your walk.
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