I spent more than a week in the forest every day becoming acquainted with the more - than - human world in Stockbridge, Massachusetts while obtaining my “Mindful Outdoor Guide Level 1 Certification: Forest Community” at the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership.
Early each morning I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and saw the sun rising. I sat under a huge hemlock tree and I used all of my senses to become acquainted with the trees, plants, animals, birds and insects. I felt the breeze blowing through the leaves in the trees. I listened to the song of the birds and the pecking of a woodpecker. I smelled pine needles, wood and fungus. After several days I felt like I was part of the forest community when I saw a chipmuck playing near me.
I took many walks throughout the 125 acres of land with hills and water, forest paths, open lawn and meditation gardens surrounding the learning center. Sometimes I walked barefoot taking quiet “fox walk” steps. As I touched the earth beneath me, I knew that God is Good All the Time.
Mary Kaeding
Next month I will be returning for my Level 2 Certification.