
The forest was still brown and grey, but the farther I ventured into the thick woods, the more signs I discovered that announced that spring was on its way. I stopped to watch the morning come, with the soft and jubilant chirping of songbirds and the gentle scurrying of furry feet. I watched the birds play and sing, and the squirrels chase each other, until I decided it was time to continue on my way. I hiked down a decline, following the faint sound of rushing water until I reached a creek. I stopped abruptly at the sight of a doe drinking upstream. Alongside her, a young and wobbly baby leaned down for a drink, nearly falling in. I watched for a time until they made their way away from me.
Venturing further into the forest, I found young plants sprouting from up from under the decaying growth from the year before, and buds on trees and vines beginning to change from brown to red or green. And as I walked, my mind seemed to ease and slow, until all I knew was the connection of myself to the living world. While I enjoy the flowers and the smell of a fresh blooming spring, there is something amazing about the reemergence of life.
I climbed rock ledges, my boots gripping tight to the rock face, and made my way back. As I approached my car, I took a long look behind me, and I knew that soon, I’d be back, and soon, the world would look entirely different and anew with fresh growth. There’s nothing like spending time in Nature to heal what ails the mind and soul.

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(Main photo by lepimento via Flickr)
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen