Jemma's Tales
Snippets Of A Woman's Walk
August 20, 2015
I have been wanting to share some snippets of my morning walk with you all, my walks are my time for silence, contemplation, sorting, prayer, rejuvenation. I have walked for years now, up hills and down, in cities, suburbia, around lakes and parks.
My walks with nature are my therapy session, I don't think I have thought of nature, and walking as "therapy," until I began to write this post...but yes this is what they are.
They clear my mind as I snap a photo, listen to a dove, watch a deer.
I am surrounded by nature where the forest meets the lake and muffles the sound of humanity. I no longer hear the rumble of laboring trucks or feel the urgency of the traffic as it blasts by me, making me shudder and grumble and mumble and say to myself-slowdown.
As I age, I have found that I have to spend time with nature daily. If I don't I become
restless and anxious. Being with God's creatures- such pure forms of creation soothe me and always remind me of how precious and fragile life is. I never know what I will find as I go around the bend, today it was a Momma deer with her young twins. The day before a lanky coyote was slinking across the path looking furtively behind him.
Everyone of these photos came from my walk, just look at the beauty that surrounds us and until we are submersed with nature we have a tendency to miss it all.
It is in these quietest of moments in nature, that I relax, and breathe so deeply that it feels as though my soul has been purged of all of the years of a full life, I sigh.
I have lived a blessed life, much love, joy, gratitude as well as disappointments, loss and
illness, but it is a life that has been woven together so perfectly through Grace.
It has not been a perfect life-but I know that it has been stitched together perfectly.
I walk, and walk many miles, and several hours, sometimes I feel as though I am a wild horse that needs to free herself from the reigns, and bridle of society.
I wonder if this is the physical transition into yet another phase of life, a metamorphosis of growing older. I am so grateful for the life God has given me, and I am looking forward to the chapters that await me.
Perhaps I walked too far today, and I am rambling...or perhaps I am the female version
of Foresst Gump as he walked, and walked.
In any event, if you see a gal with a purple fanny pack, it is most likely me-come say Hi.
Any remember this too-
"Mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates . You never know what you are gonna get."
How do you rejuvenate your spirit?
xoxoxo
My walks with nature are my therapy session, I don't think I have thought of nature, and walking as "therapy," until I began to write this post...but yes this is what they are.
They clear my mind as I snap a photo, listen to a dove, watch a deer.
I am surrounded by nature where the forest meets the lake and muffles the sound of humanity. I no longer hear the rumble of laboring trucks or feel the urgency of the traffic as it blasts by me, making me shudder and grumble and mumble and say to myself-slowdown.
As I age, I have found that I have to spend time with nature daily. If I don't I become
restless and anxious. Being with God's creatures- such pure forms of creation soothe me and always remind me of how precious and fragile life is. I never know what I will find as I go around the bend, today it was a Momma deer with her young twins. The day before a lanky coyote was slinking across the path looking furtively behind him.
Everyone of these photos came from my walk, just look at the beauty that surrounds us and until we are submersed with nature we have a tendency to miss it all.
It is in these quietest of moments in nature, that I relax, and breathe so deeply that it feels as though my soul has been purged of all of the years of a full life, I sigh.
I have lived a blessed life, much love, joy, gratitude as well as disappointments, loss and
illness, but it is a life that has been woven together so perfectly through Grace.
It has not been a perfect life-but I know that it has been stitched together perfectly.
I walk, and walk many miles, and several hours, sometimes I feel as though I am a wild horse that needs to free herself from the reigns, and bridle of society.
I wonder if this is the physical transition into yet another phase of life, a metamorphosis of growing older. I am so grateful for the life God has given me, and I am looking forward to the chapters that await me.
Perhaps I walked too far today, and I am rambling...or perhaps I am the female version
of Foresst Gump as he walked, and walked.
In any event, if you see a gal with a purple fanny pack, it is most likely me-come say Hi.
Any remember this too-
"Mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates . You never know what you are gonna get."
How do you rejuvenate your spirit?
xoxoxo
"Stitched together perfectly." How I love that, Jemma! All proof of Grace. We couldn't have planned it ourselves if we had been able to.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that helps us, when weather permits--after I've fed the dogs their dinner we take them out back to go potty and while they run about we sit in the picnic shelter and watch them and talk about our day and about what's for supper and we sip a glass of wine. Usually the 3 hens walk about our legs hoping for another banana. Often there is a breeze blowing through the valley toward us and by the time we get up to go inside to finish dinner prep we feel so much more relaxed than when we went outside. It's a good part of our day.
Oh Dewena my friend, I am so pleased you like that phrase, I feel as though I am stitched together and I know in my heart that God did it just right. Such a relaxing and reconnecting way to quiet down for the evening. I can hear the joy in your writing.
DeleteMy mind slowed down just reading this post...Thanks you for sharing all the beauty of your walks and reminding us to be thankful for all that God has created for us to enjoy. Long walks are so good for us in so many ways....Hugs
ReplyDeleteDear Nancy,
DeleteThank you for joining me and for finding some peaceful moments as you read my post.
I used to walk around neighborhoods and cemeteries, etc,. with my camera. But after the ankle accident, I haven't been able to do much of that. And now I live in an apartment complex, and I'd be afraid to walk outside the gates. I guess I just immerse myself in solitude with the dogs.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
My friend Brenda,
DeleteI think you found the perfect way to rejuvenate- with your pups. Spending time with animals is such a terrific way to bring in calmness to ones life.
These photos and your message here are really beautiful, Jemma. I believe that if more people could learn to slow down, spend time in nature, or journaling, or creating something beautiful, or whatever feeds their souls, our world would be better off. You are lucky to have such gorgeous scenery to walk in each day :)
ReplyDeleteJulie,
DeleteExactly! Each one of us, needs to nurture, calm and grow our tender souls. It is vital to our well being.
Funny we were just talking about this yesterday - the kids of today just don't get relaxation and quiet times. Who doesn't LOVE Forest Gump? I do.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed! Relaxation and Reflection are needed for spiritual growth!
DeleteWalking is good for me and reading. I just need some quiet time after spending the day with a classroom full of 2nd graders!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Michelle, thank you for teaching our future generations!
DeleteHow lucky I feel to have visited you twice in the same day! I wish I could take a walk with you through your lovely woods. I too love to connect with nature, walk through the woods and see what comes my way. During a recent walk I saw a beautiful bald eagle! I know what you mean when you say "pure forms of creation"......I feel exactly the same way. Nature rejuvenates me physically, emotionally and spiritually.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Linda
Linda,
DeleteI feel lucky to have you visit me twice in one day, I sure am enjoying your walks on IG!
Lovely, lovely post Jemma, written so perfectly and with such heart.
ReplyDeleteNature is most assuredly a most effective therapist...perhaps dogs could rival it's healing qualities, as you so effectively pointed out, all animals are such pure forms of creation. Combine the two, and you have what can be a serene, emotional retreat.
I feel you're going through some changes Jemma. Maybe it's the move, or maybe it's a bit more profound than that. It is said we change every 7-11 years. I think this is YOUR time. Your writing reflects it, and in a good way.
xxx
Thank you Doreen, I guess it is my time of change and if feels positively good!
DeleteI like to walk on the beach in the morning when it's just me and the birds. They swim nearby and I listen to the lap of the water. It really does clear my mind and make me feel settled. I don't always get to go, but I should. Your walks sound lovely.
ReplyDeleteWell Kim, a walk along the beach, I can hear the soft rush of the waves right now-nature and it's elements do calm the soul.
DeleteJemma, that must have been a sight when you saw the mama deer and her twins. I used to see them often when I went to a nearby park. I believe there is something very special about the deer. I'm so glad I found someone who loves nature as much as I do. It brings me peace each and every time I visit. Thanks for taking me along with you on your walk.
ReplyDeletelove to you, Jemma.
~Sheri
Dearest Sheri,
DeleteIt was a treat to see the sweet deer family, and I held very still for the longest time as we watched one another. We do share the love and appreciation for nature, aren't we blessed.
with love to you too~
Dear, dear friend,
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing. I find my peace in the quiet of walks in the summer sun where the shadows of my mother's memory as she walked me everywhere come back. I walk in the symphony of God's chorus of birds, I walk by the cool waters of lakes and rivers, creeks and when we can, by oceans. I have walked thousands and thousands of miles with my mother, my husband, with a friend, alone. Nothing gives me more peace than to wander under this canopy of beauty in communion with GOD.
And now, the extra freedom of walking in the sunshine will be packed away like summer recreational gear. Back to school today for the BIG clerical day back, organizing classrooms, class lists, making sure I am in and understand the computer system, and planning in between cold, gray walls. But when those students come is when the fun and life begins, a different sort of garden. But my long drives to school will soon replace my walks that will be reserved for weekends at the mall.
WE SHALL KEEP IN CONTACT! Much love to you, Anita
Anita Good Morning!!
DeleteWe shall keep in contact as I will want to also hear about your adventures in teaching French.
Your walks were lovely this Summer and you shared such beauty of God's creations on IG. It was a marvelous way to get know a little bit more about you!
Much love,
Jemma
We have a walking track behind our house that always seems to be full of children. I am hoping that once we move, we are able to get back on a walking schedule. We used to walk when we lived in Texas and it was so wonderful. You are right, a perfect time of reflection, prayer, singing, laughing....to feel alive, to know that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made"! I love the photos Jemma! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteYes Benita!! We are "fearfully and wonderfully made!" Such a comfort to know we are in such good hands!
DeleteBeautiful post Jemma, this was like reading a chapter from my own life. I do the same and feel so blessed to enjoy the beauty of nature around us. Each scene along the way a special gift given by our maker.
ReplyDeleteOh how I love to walk on our trails here, and even though seeing the same views, there is always something new to discover in God's gifts. Love your beautiful walking pics and your beautiful words of joy. You have such a special heart and thank you for sharing it with us all.
Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs and Blessings, cm
How wonderful for you to have the time and opportunity to walk in nature! How healthy you are! I keep saying I am going to but physically I just can't make it very far! I have to work myself up. I know the benefits are huge as you have so eloquently told us in this post through your words and pictures!
ReplyDeleteOh I loved this post but I sat down the last mile...lol you tired me out :) Next time I am having a hearty breakfast with eggs and stuff beforehand...my cereal didn't last long enough.
ReplyDeleteYes, Nature...it is what rejuvenates us!! :)
Truly inspirational, a walk among Mother nature. The critters are fun to watch. We have 3 large bucks on our property, along with turkeys, bobcats, rabbits, skunks and more. Refreshing your mind and strengthening your body. Happy weekend. xo
ReplyDeleteI love to walk, too. I applaud you walking in the heat that you have. I tend to avoid it when the humidity is high as it is so much here in August, And I miss the view. A gym is no replacement. I simply love the trees and flowers and shrubs and I get inspiration from all of the homes I pass. It's a great sensory treat.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your writing---you have a genuine talent for expressing yourself and reaching out to so many. Thank you!
Jane x
Oh Jemma, I must be outdoors at some point during the day! Nothing like it! I must have that slice of heaven, it is sheer joy and inspiring to be out in God's world! Best kind of meditation is walking and taking in nature and the sounds and smells, ahhh.
ReplyDeleteJemma, thank you sweet friend for your comments while I've been away recovering from my heart issues! So kind of you to drop in and visit!
Have a wonderful weekend~
Nancy
Oh Jemma, I must be outdoors at some point during the day! Nothing like it! I must have that slice of heaven, it is sheer joy and inspiring to be out in God's world! Best kind of meditation is walking and taking in nature and the sounds and smells, ahhh.
ReplyDeleteJemma, thank you sweet friend for your comments while I've been away recovering from my heart issues! So kind of you to drop in and visit!
Have a wonderful weekend~
Nancy
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post!! Being out in my garden does pick up my spirits but just having some "ME" time always makes me feel better!!
Hugs,
Deb
And what a beautiful area you have, to walk in.
ReplyDeleteBut then, so do I. And I must begin again, now that Autumn is knocking on the door.
Oh and thank you for listening to Nature, as you walk. It is beyond me, how/why so many people have earbuds stuck in their ears, while walking!!!!!! I know, it's motivation. But if only they simply listened to the sounds of nature, all around them... -Harrrumph- :-))))
What a beautiful post, my friend. I take almost daily walks too, weather permitting. I can't imagine life without enjoying nature. Even during these dog days of summer, I still need to get out there.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a lovely Sunday :)
xoxo,
rue
This is a lovely post!!
ReplyDeleteI can rejuvenate myself with a sewing machine, so I guess I am for sure a "stitched together" person. There is something about the geometry, rhythm and singularity of sewing that remakes my persona :^)
If that fails, it's time for a go'round with the piano! If I am in a particularly foul humor, just beating out some Sousa march, or trying to play Beethoven correctly gives me perspective....then there are the old hymns and new praise songs....
As my brother always says..."It's all good!"
Blessings to you,
J
(another Texan)