More Beyond the Walls

More Beyond the Walls
Most of us here know more is beyond the walls beyond people, houses, cars, TV shows and Starbucks. More beyond the news that captures so many in its grip, or whatever culture you have been born into than allows you the use of a computer. A good deal of us have entered that world beyond the walls and constraints of a city, It is called nature,the wild,the wilderness—a place where many find a haven from the the rest of the world. Sure most of us have to use a modern transportation, but at least you can use it to make your break. Those who seek the the wild to feel the wind and the sun, smell what a tree is like or watch a bunny free and wild, are returning to a nation of the few who know what they still have buried in our deep DNA.

The trick is to not just look like you are looking at a picture, but to dive through the picture and walk in it. It is not a backdrop, but a living thing you can join in with and be a part of. Don’t look at your watch and turn off your cell phone. Those are rude interruptions not needed. Those flowers are not just a splash of color, but real breathing lives. Knowing what you are moving through opens up a new world beyond walls. As you move through the wonders, it makes you wonder even more of what mysteries you can reveal to yourself.

Tracks can become like an obsession—what is it? How long ago did it pass by? How far can I track it? One of the best books on tracking is “Tracking and the Art of Seeing, how to read animal tracks and sign:”, by Paul Rezendes. A fine book to help you along the way of tracking. The art of seeing is a lesson in itself, found beyond the walls. That broken twig means something now and that leaf that is turned over to show dampness, is the start of a new book for you to read. It is called the earth and the wild. Even a vacant lot can reveal tracks and wild flowers, However it is more rewarding to be surrounded by the wilderness.

Be careful the obsession creeps up on you and soon you will be taking plaster casts of tracks to ID

A line separates us from the wild but it is easy to step over and bridge the gap it is just a short step. Pick up a rock, you have just replicated one of mans early weapons for getting food.—If not the first tool, it is in a tie with a stick. If you feel like it, break the rock and see what you end up with, it might just have sharp edges, or what is known as a discoidal blade sharp enough to cut and skin a critter with. Keep it to take back behind those walls as memory of the day… I have rocks that to this day, I can tell you where I got them. I like that.

Getting yourself beyond the walls takes you to a wild place of being in the “now”, not encapsulated in the waiting for time to pass. The real you is dying between those walls. Take the time for yourself, it’s okay to miss that game or call. Whoever called will call back. Those things on TV is all about someone else’s life anyway. Your life is right now here in the wild. All you have to do is leave the walls and go do it. Have a good time I know you will.