Seeking Quiet

     Everyday life is full of noise.  We're so used to some sounds that we tune them out, but they are still there.  Some of those everyday noises are unwanted voices in our heads.  You know the ones I'm talking about.

     On the way home from a doctor's appointment I stopped by a river to take a short hike.  This area usually has a lot of bird activity.  But today I only saw a flock of male Common Mergansers.  Occasionally I could hear a bird off in the distance, but overall it was a very quiet morning.

     We're heading into fall now.  There are signs of fall as the leaves are starting to turn color.  I found a few of our native hazelnuts that were waiting for the Jays to find them.  I was able to find a handful of wild blackberries, two red currents and one red cap for a morning snack.  Crisp mornings and cool nights are all telling us to enjoy being outdoors now.

     These quiet moments in nature are some of my most productive times.  The voices in my head turn to positive conversations and ideas.  This is when I realize my future projects or how to proceed on what I am currently working on.

     Quiet is a precious place and state of mind.  A blessing we should all experience more often. 

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