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Post by strumntheguitar on Jul 8, 2007 23:38:33 GMT -5
Well, I just now came back to the real world after a weekend in the wilderness. I have to say, the decision to do this probably ranks up there in the top choices I've ever made. There's something about living amongst nature for several days straight in solitude that really helps you clear your mind and more or less rediscover yourself. Here's just a recap of what happened this weekend. Sorry, this is gonna be long but I figured a few of you might be interested:
To start off with, it's just unreal how sometimes things happen and it's so coincidental you have to think someone you know is playing tricks on you. I live within 5 miles of the Appalachian Trail, so I've gone camping in several different locations. This weekend, however, I wanted something different. I wanted to expose myself to something so unfamiliar, that I couldn't even say "I remember seeing this tree." I started off on the trail at around 5 pm on Friday, and just kept hiking. I hiked myself to exhaustion, past sunset (altho stopping at an overlook to admire it's immense beauty), and until I could not go any further. I found a spot off the trail that looked like enough space to have a tent and a fire pit, and started setting up camp. No idea what time it was, as I brought no watch or cell phone or anything, although I have to guess it was around 9 or 10 pm. Pitch black, I worked by myself (a friend that was supposed to go with me was called into work and couldn't make it). There's something about being alone in the dark, in literally the middle of nowhere, that really heightens all your senses. After starting a small fire and setting up a tent I fell asleep sitting infront of the fire.
I awoke Saturday morning, having seen my campsite for the first time since I arrived in the dark. I woke up, and the first thing I noticed was I was camped literally about 20 feet from a cliff, overlooking the valleys below. Unbelievable view, and completely overwhelming. I then noticed that people had been camping in this place before. There was a tree, perhaps the biggest oak tree I've ever seen in my life. To this tree, there was a small piece of paper nailed to it. It read:
"Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity... -Gilda Radner"
Now those of you who know what happened last week realize that this quote couldn't possibly pertain to my life more. I felt somebody obviously had been in a similar situation as me and came up with the same solution and nailed a quote that helped him get through his rough times to an oak tree that has grown beyond the size of any other oak tree in the surrounding woods. How symbolic, and enlightening!
After this inspirational morning, I made breakfast and went out exploring and admiring the beauties found in nature. That night, I made it my goal to make a roaring fire. As big as is safely possible in the woods. I did this, and sat back as the sun was setting, gazing at the fire I created myself. I'd get lost in thought while looking at the flames, and spent the vast majority of the night just staring and thinking. Rediscovering myself spiritually. I thought back to previous times in my life where I could have done something different, and how it might've changed who I am now. Everything I am today, everything I believe in and what I aspire to achieve in life boils down to the choices I make, and how I react to different events and obstacles. I realized that the only way I could possibly be happy with myself and the life I live is to never regret any decisions I make, no matter the outcome. I made that choice for a reason, without knowing what would happen. Without sadness, how can you appreciate happiness. Without failure, you can't understand the glory of achievement. Without setbacks in life, you'll never realize your accomplishments.
Sorry for this novel of a post, I just had to share a part of my experiences. I highly suggest if anyone finds themselves in a rut, just take a weekend and go somewhere you've never gone before. Somewhere that you'll have no outside influences. Somewhere, that you can truly be you, with nobody there to judge you or your decisions. This is where I have found, you can truly understand who you are.
Strumn, you are an amazing man with an awesome story. The note on the tree is really unreal. You have gained a degree of wisdom that some never achieve, and you are brave for just heading out into the unknown.
Post by magnoliabread on Jul 9, 2007 1:40:27 GMT -5
That is really awesome! A note on a tree? Amazing! My eyes welled up a little when I read the quote, too (I read her book in high school - she was a cool woman). I'm so glad you had a peaceful, solitary, mind-clearing beautiful weekend. (I've been reading your other posts; I understand some of your struggles.) You are so right - taking even just a weekend to go somewhere new on your own can be such an amazing eye-opener to the big world you live in....and thinking about what you want your place in it to be. (Just had one like that, too, surprisingly, no, not at roo, but the w/e after, in Colorado ) Wow, finding that quote is really amazing! You are so lucky to live where you do, too, for opportunities to get away on adventures like that. Make an effort to venture out as much as possible, because everyday life can sure take it out of you, and we need to be reminded how life is so much bigger than the temporary crappy situations that keep us down. And, it's always something!
Hope things keep improving for ya! Keep your chin up!
*i like coconuts, you can break them open they smell like ladies lyin in the sun** *Hell I don't even know where I am** *for now I must sit here and ponder the yonder: The herbivores did well cause their food didn't never run** *We listen, if it feels good We shake** *You made a big impression for a girl of your size, Now I can't get by without you and your big brown eyes.**
Post by strumntheguitar on Jul 9, 2007 7:58:21 GMT -5
magnoliabread said:
(I read her book in high school - she was a cool woman)
Do you by any chance recall the name of that book? I had never even heard of this woman before this weekend but I'd be interested in reading something by her.
Post by spookymonster on Jul 9, 2007 9:00:00 GMT -5
Very nice. Got to see artists I would never normally (Ludacris, Keith Urban), and sat in the VIP 'overflow' section (all those red seats immediately above the VIP box, stage right). Sat next to Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) and Rosario Dawson (Clerks II, Sin City). I'll post a thread with pics tonight.
Very nice. Got to see artists I would never normally (Ludacris, Keith Urban), and sat in the VIP 'overflow' section (all those red seats immediately above the VIP box, stage right). Sat next to Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) and Rosario Dawson (Clerks II, Sin City). I'll post a thread with pics tonight.
Post by strumntheguitar on Jul 9, 2007 9:05:32 GMT -5
Spooky, you're lucky I'm out of Karma-altering abilities right now otherwise I may just have to smite you out of pure jealousy! Sounds pretty sweet, man.
I was thinking of you this AM strumn. I was on my morning walk and my Ipod started playing Windowstill by Arcade Fire. "I don't want to live in my father's house no more." That was the line that hit me. I was hoping your time in the woods would show you the way. And it was an oak tree that helped. They are very sacred to us Druids.
(I read her book in high school - she was a cool woman)
Do you by any chance recall the name of that book? I had never even heard of this woman before this weekend but I'd be interested in reading something by her.
Wow - guess I show my age horribly - Gilda Radner was married to Gene Wilder and was also a staple on SNL when I was growing up - apparently - she was a really awesome woman
Do you by any chance recall the name of that book? I had never even heard of this woman before this weekend but I'd be interested in reading something by her.
Wow - guess I show my age horribly - Gilda Radner was married to Gene Wilder and was also a staple on SNL when I was growing up - apparently - she was a really awesome woman
Think she lost a battle with breast cancer several years ago. But not entirely positive...
She is lauded for being one of the benchmark female comedians on tv. Kind of the Lucille Ball of her generation. Part of the original cast of SNL i believe.
Congrats, there Strumn. Keep that attitude even when times are good, and you're more advanced than 75% of the humans out there !
One of the best of the best commediennes evah. Too bad her life was cut short by ovarian cancer, one of the hardest cancers to detect early enough to kill it.
Dude, i just absolutely love this idea. Its sound amazing. Im tired of trying to get my friends schedules and needs/bitches/wants straight for us to go camping. Im just gonna go it alone.
Post by strumntheguitar on Jul 9, 2007 17:39:21 GMT -5
^^^Best of luck to ya, Mike. It really is a worthwhile experience. Especially if you're ever feeling unimportant or just upset/depressed at all you really get to see how capable you are individually after spending just a weekend alone in the woods.
I had always thought about hiking the AT in it's entirety, and I think after this past weekend I'm going to do it. So far, the plan is for Summer '09. I wanna go to Roo too badly to miss it for hiking next year ;D
Sounds like you had an amazing experience. Sounds like you found what you needed to find. I like the mountains, but the beach is where I find that sort of spiritual reconnection. I would wish that everyone find a place that they can do that on a regular basis.....it's a very healing experience. The quote is just spooky cool though.....how perfect!
I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to...
(I've been reading your other posts; I understand some of your struggles.) 
)
And, it's always something! 
