When I graduated from college I took a job as a land surveyor. It started out as an outside job and that is just what I wanted as I was looking for that type of job. One of the features that I liked about working outside was I became more in tune with the environment: Really the seasons. I felt the bite of winter, the explosiveness of spring, the lushness of summer, and the abundance of fall. I lost that for a while.
Summer for me even when I was young always met work and I really didn’t like summers back then or up until 5 years ago. Summer met hard work in hot conditions whether it was in the field as a surveyor or in the inferno of a bread bakery that I worked at for ten years. I first was in a hurry for time to pass as most young people are because I and they seem to be in a hurry to pay their dues so they may attain an artificial goal that they have set for themselves. Then I would wish summer away as it was so hectic and hot. There is a point to this I promise please read on. I found myself watching the seasons go by faster and faster and now at middle age I would like them to slow a bit. I am sure that the feeling of time slipping by too fast is very common among people of our age.
Up until 5 years ago I would look forward to the cooler weather of September and could not wait for my favorite month to come, October so I could enjoy the cool weather, Halloween and all the stuff that goes with being in fall in the Northeast. Until 5 years ago I let this time be too busy, and all of a sudden it would be late October and our Halloween decorations were not put up and we hurried to decorate and then, poof it was Thanksgiving and I remember thinking to myself, “Next year I will enjoy the season more.” Next year came and went and I would repeat this phrase.
When I hit 40 I basically said enough of this crap! I am going to enjoy each an every season regardless of work and whatever became an obstacle in my enjoyment of the outside in the season. How did I do this one of you may ask?
I first took charge of physical self. I started watching what I ate and walked more. It was during these walks, once I was in better shape that I began to pay attention to the entire environment. I noticed the trees; the birds; animals; smells and a plethora of other outdoor stimulations that tickle the senses and made me aware of my surroundings. Besides my physical self I at this time seemed to work on my mental self with regards to immersing myself within my surroundings. One of the actions that I have taken for myself was to become a volunteer for the Lake George Land Conservancy as a Preserve Steward for a local land preserve. I would go up and do work on the trails, or just go up there for some exercise, I make sure that I go up there once a week. This has helped me immerse myself in the seasons again almost the same way I was in tune with my environment when I was a surveyor 15 years ago. I feel the seasons change because I now notice the strength of the sun when it shines on me or notice the different smells of the season. Each season has a smell and feeling to it. Something that outdoorsman, farmers, loggers and the like know and understand. I now, even when I take my Newfoundland for a walk in the neighborhood just simply immerse myself in the moment of the walk; to take in the seasonal sensations and not think about anything; to exist and observe in the moment. I think that this is just another way of living the old saying “Stop and smell the roses.” I would like to add to that stop and smell the roses before your life passes you by.
All I can say is that I am enjoying each season now for what it is. Even when I drive to work I will roll the windows down so I can get a hint of the smells that the world gives to me. That way I am enjoying the world much more.
