My Short Overstory
Having been sick on and off for two months seems to have taken a wind out of me. I noticed I was winded when I went out for a walk on the trail in the nearby green belt, which usually feels like a leisurely stroll. Despite my tendency to keep doing, it has also been difficult for me to feel motivated to get back to work at full throttle. In all honesty, I found myself spiraling down to some sort of depression. Rather than trying to deny or suppress these feelings, I stayed with it to observe my thoughts. I reflected on what my soul truly longed for, and it wasn’t until about a week ago that I realized all I needed was a few days of solitude at home. I’m grateful that my husband understood my need for space and provided me with the opportunity to retreat and rejuvenate.
At home in the mountains, the weather has remained fairly chilly, particularly in the morning. In fact, today the temperature dipped down to the upper 30s causing frost to damage some of the vegetable seedlings in our community garden. I haven’t had a chance to go swimming yet at the splendid swimming pool at the club house because the lap hours are limited to 8am and 7pm, both times when the temperature is not as warm. With the unpredictable changes in our climate, I don’t know what to expect for the rest of the summer as we mark the official beginning of summer.
Yet, I’ve come to realize I have a perfect setting at home to indulge in a little self-care. My house has become a sanctuary where I can relax, unwind, and nurture myself. Perhaps in the midst of my everyday routine, I had forgotten to appreciate the beauty and tranquility it offers. I find solace in my living room, surrounded by windows that provide a view of trees, birds, the sound of the wind, and a refreshing breeze. Besides, the Snowflake Trail, a place of magic and wonder, is only minutes away from my house, where I can immerse myself in nature, contemplating the hidden world beneath the soil, “the understory” of the mycelium underground. (Incidentally, I highly recommend a novel, “The Overstory” by Richard Power. Someone in my Sangha handed it to me before the pandemic. It only took 3 years for me to start reading.)
After a couple of days of taking a conscious break, I feel regenerated and remain in my curiosity about how the rest of the stories will interconnect.