Inspired by the book “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, I decided to go for a short hike this morning by myself. I can’t remember the last time I did this—hike by myself—and I thoroughly savored the time alone in nature, feeling gratitude for the fragrant air and the autumn crispness that reinvigorated my soul. Through the pandemic, I have sought refuge in nature, and I found it appropriate to take a nature hike on Thanksgiving Day, which I want to celebrate in a respectful way to Native Americans.
Getting out there took motivation. I became much more risk-averse after becoming a mother and traveling alone feels strange to me now. The old me who traveled solo to the other side of the world seemed like a stranger. I got reacquainted with her today.
Along with good weather and everything mentioned above, Mother Nature gifted me encounters with a red squirrel, a white-breasted nuthatch, a red-bellied woodpecker, and some black-capped chickadees. I took a few photographs. Mother Nature never stops giving. I am grateful and would like to give back however I can.
Lisa Tang Liu 