Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The Comfort of the Prairie


On two recent afternoons, I walked the familiar path through the prairie in Meadowbrook Park. 

On the first day, the clouds were thick as I parked the car by the popular play structure where a few children played despite the cold.  As I turned off the ignition, the drizzle turned to a steady rain, and parents began hurrying children to the cars, some bundled in their arms.  I had grabbed my raincoat as I left the house; with the hood low over my face, I looked down at the ground and walked on the familiar path.  I was sad, and the weather mirrored my mood.  The rain seemed just right, and the path beneath my feet grounded me. 

Twenty-four hours later, I was back on the path.  The sun was brighter than it had been in days, the air was crisp, and I felt lighthearted and wide awake.  I walked again on the path that has become a kind of meditation for me. 

On this last day of 2014, I am grateful for this prairie to which I return all year round, where I listen for the creatures that share the space, and watch the grass that blows in the wind.  


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