Lauren Achtemeier: "Little Moss, Big Meaning"

When I was walking on the Noland trail I was delighted to find an astounding patch of moss. Yes, moss. It was emerald green against the leaf litter, and I reached down and stroked it. It was life soft forest carpet, and much fresher than any household carpet since it was growing in a refreshing atmosphere. The chora of the surrounding woods caused me to have an I-thou relationship with the moss. It was because the energy of the woods allowed me to become attuned to the softness found in nature, and the calmness of this little patch of moss. It sloped gently to the edge of Lake Maury, and despite its minute size of only a centimeter or two, it had all the grace and presence as the trees looming overhead. It practically shouted at me as I walked by, as if to express it was more worthy of my attention than anything else. The little moss patch must have had Napoleon syndrome, because it caught my attention and worked magic in through an I-thou experience. I left respectful of the smallest life forms, since all creatures inhabit space on earth, and the quality of that space matters more than the quantity.

Ron Tecson Post # 11 "A powerful walk" 4/21

Yesterday we went outside so the whole class can walk on the Labyrinth. As I walk on the Labyrinth, I can't stop myself to walk faster (I guess its the competitive side of me) so I can finish quickly. Then, I decided to slow down and and just enjoy the experience. My mind began to slowly clear from all the things that is going on around me. I actually felt a moment of peace, as if someone is telling me that everything is going to be all right. That is what I needed, a moment of peace in the middle of a crazy week before the final exams.
I did my research about the Labyrinth and found out that some people use the walk for clearing the mind and centering. Others enter with a question or concern. The time in the center can be used for receiving, reflecting, meditating, or praying, as well as discovering our own sacred inner space. What each person receives can be integrated on the walk out. Your walk can be a healing and sometimes very profound experience or it can be just a pleasant walk. I love the fact that the Labyrinth is in a natural setting. I think its the perfect way to have a a great meditation.

Ron Tecson Post# 6 "Nolan Trail Experience" 4/20

When I was walking in the Nolan Trail, I was enjoying the marvelous view as the sun was kissing my skin, the smell of fresh air was creeping into my lungs, the song of the bird sounded like an opera dedicated just for me. I could feel the connection between me and Mother Nature when suddenly I stepped into something round that caused me to almost trip. My connection with Mother Nature suddenly became a very static conversation like using a cellphone in the middle of nowhere, desperate for a signal. A little irritated, I decided to check out what caused the interruption and to my surprise it was a fruit from the Sweet gum tree nearby.
I was going to continue walking with the group when something special about this tree caught my attention, the dry fruits of the tree were still hanging. A thought emerged in my mind as I continue to marvel at the tree. Decisions that we make in our lives are like the dried fruit of the Sweet gum tree, we never know how long it will "stick" in our lives so we need to make wise decisions all the time.