“A nobler want of man is served by nature, namely, the love of Beauty.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
All of the field guides are filled with science. They are overflowing with names and measurements like length, height, range, volume, shape, and time. This is one way to relate to the world, and it is part of my approach to learning and experiencing.
On the other side, I try to spend time out in nature letting go of all this information. Beyond the analysis and numbers are beauty and mystery, and I don’t have to go far to find them. It is hopping on the lawn and singing from the trees around the White Oak Pavilion. Although considered a commonplace bird, the American Robin is an amazing being. I am especially reminded of this every time I find its nest. It’s an elegant creation of lichens, mosses, grass, and mud cradling ethereal blue eggs. Seeing it evokes a sense of wonder out of reach of words.
Nature is an inexhaustible source of wonder. Hope to see you out there.
