About the Image:

Integrating rituals into our lives is often grounding or destructive if done coercively. My regular outing to the nearest Provincial Park began as an attempt to exhaust our hyperactive dog, Aspen. After returning home from college, this location was the host to elated feelings directed to worshiping Our Creator with all creation. It was this violated, recreational land, filled with pillowy mosses, fantastic fungi, deteriorating Jack Pine and crumbing White Birch where I caught a glimpse of the holiness of all things. That statement may perplex or trigger some of you reading this, which is fine, all I hope to express is this was a sacred place for me. Reflecting on these emotions reminds me of Wendell Berry's quote that has stuck with me.

“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.”

― Wendell Berry, Given

Having found a space that allowed this exceptional connection to the truth of reality, it was and has been extremely painful to depart from my home region. During my time in the North, I am slowly trying to acquaint myself with a similar forest. It is on the land of the Ta'an Kwäch’än people and I am extremely grateful they have opened it up to other folks. With daily meanders through this similar ecosystem, I have become familiar with many unique trees, how the light filters through the healthy Jack Pines, and where the squirrels store their bounty of mushrooms (it's in a large spruce tree and I estimate hundreds of mushrooms are stocked throughout this tree). This process of knowing a place takes time, intentional observation, and a grateful spirit. I still don't feel entirely comfortable here but I continue to walk daily with hope, love, and patience.

Although these images are from a heartbreaking, tear-filled final visit to Moose Lake Provincial Park, they remind me of the goodness I received. This goodness extends from the times alone to the times in caring relationships with the people nearest to me. As I meandered under the mundane magnificence of the moderately unhealthy forest, I could feel the sacred significance of the places we call home.

Reflection:

Growth takes time. Often more time than what would be comfortable or desired. Acknowledging this discomfort and our impatience during times of growth is part of the struggle. The alleviation from the struggle allows us to realize what occurred and that it is time to reintroduce novel challenges. 

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