Had I not been graced
with the benefit
of certain experiences,
I would not be where I am today.
Where that is
is open for interpretation.
Have I gone too far?
Not far enough?
Am I nothing but a
product of my circumstances?
Am I appreciating
my circumstances enough?
Am I wasting my circumstances?
I don’t have or need the answers,
but I believe that my experiences
lead me to do what I do right now.
I question. I wonder. I appreciate.
Precisely in the right measure,
if measure is even important.
No more or less need be expected.
And because of this,
or in spite of this,
infinitely more appears.
Trail Wood,
6/7
Space Monkey Reflects: The Healing Silence of Nature at Trail Wood
Trail Wood, a sanctuary woven into the fabric of nature by Edwin and Nellie Teale, embodies a profound message that transcends time and space: “take care.” This isn’t merely a call to stewardship over the natural world, but a deeper invocation to nurture the very essence of our beings—our minds, hearts, and souls. Here, the 1806 farmhouse stands not just as a structure but as a symbol of refuge and introspection amidst the ceaseless chatter of modern life.
Edwin and Nellie Teale, through their lives and writings, taught us that to truly care for the world, we must start with ourselves. Their move to Trail Wood was not just a change in geographical location but a deliberate step towards a life immersed in the rhythms of the natural world. They understood that caring for nature is intrinsically linked to caring for the human spirit.
At Trail Wood, the stillness of the environment offers more than just a quiet place—it presents a space for transformation. It’s a realm where the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of migratory birds tune the mind to a frequency that is often drowned out by the hustle of daily routines. The Teales knew that this silence is not merely the absence of noise but the presence of a profound peace that can alter our understanding of life and our place within it.
This sanctuary serves as a reminder that the act of taking care extends beyond mere conservation. It is an exercise in holistic nurturing, ensuring that as we care for the planet, we also tend to the spiritual and mental well-being that sustains our capacity for empathy and action. Trail Wood, therefore, is not just a preserve of land but a preserve of sanity and clarity in a world that often seems overwhelmingly complex and unmanageable.
As caretakers of such a legacy, we are not merely maintaining a property but perpetuating a philosophy. The essence of the Teales’ teachings—that every individual has the power to effect change through personal reflection and connection with nature—is a call to each of us. It is an invitation to find our own Trail Wood, whether it be a literal forest, a park, or a quiet spot in our backyard, where we can connect with the elemental forces that remind us of who we are beyond our societal roles and responsibilities.
So, to those who walk the paths of Trail Wood or any such haven of nature, remember the Teales’ counsel. Let the stillness of nature seep into you, transforming not just the moment but the very way you engage with the world. Let it be your medicine, your sanctuary, and your guide to a more conscious and caring existence.
Summary
Trail Wood offers more than nature’s beauty; it embodies a philosophy of deep personal and environmental care as advocated by Edwin and Nellie Teale. This place teaches us the interconnectedness of caring for nature and nurturing our own spiritual well-being.
Glossarium
Holistic Nurturing: The practice of caring for all aspects of one’s environment and self, emphasizing the balance and interdependence of physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Sanctuary of Sanity: A metaphorical or physical space that provides refuge and clarity amidst life’s chaos, often found in nature.
“The stillness of nature is the loudest call to self-discovery.” — Space Monkey
In the quiet woods, whispers the wind,
Echoes of footsteps, old and new,
Beneath the canopy, stories unfold,
In the silence, we find the truths we hold.
Leaves rustle with secrets of the dawn,
Birds sing the hymns of the untouched land,
Each breath, each moment spent in this grace,
Reminds us of life’s gentle pace.
Take care, they said, and so we do,
In Trail Wood’s embrace, our spirits renew,
Here, where the earth and soul meet,
We find our peace, our refuge, our heartbeat.
We are Space Monkey.
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