Walking through the woods is often relaxing and most enjoyable for me. The rolling hills of the country near me give me much to appreciate. The wind blows softly, creating echoing sounds as it pushes through the large trees and bushes.
Walking through the woods is often relaxing and most enjoyable for me. The rolling hills of the country near me give me much to appreciate. The wind blows softly, creating echoing sounds as it pushes through the large trees and bushes. The squirrels scurry about, oft times seeking nuts, running rapidly around me and up and down the surrounding trees. The varying sounds draw me into the magical world around me.
I try to go out on warm fall weekdays, when few others are about. Occasionally there may be one or more fellow hikers, but we respect each other’s privacy, passing quietly by each other. I walk slowly, and sometimes others overtake me. It was still early in the morning when I was last out, so I didn’t expect to see anyone.
I had walked for perhaps 30 or 45 minutes, as the sun got higher and higher in the sky. Gradually it warmed up. I heard something behind, but thought it was probably just another animal in the wild. Gradually, as I listened more intently, I could hear footsteps nearing me.
I then heard a soft voice saying: “Good morning, young man, how are you this beautiful day?” Now, I am 45 years old Rarely does anyone call me “young man”.
I turned and saw her looking at my face and smiling. She had graying hair, and perhaps was a little older than me. I smiled and said: “I’m happy to meet you ma’am ”.
She laughed, and said: “Would you like company or would you prefer to be left alone?”
I replied: “Pleasant company in these beautiful woods is always appreciated”.
We walked together for a few minutes in silence. She following my slow pace, also carefully observing all that was around her. I then stumbled and almost fell. She reached for me, steadying me as I said:
“I’m always clumsy, but that’s not the worst thing to be”.
She said: “If that’s the worst thing about you, I think that we can be friends”.
I reached for my water, and offered her a sip, which she gladly took. We faced each other and I looked more carefully at her. She wore a multi-colored, dark sweater with a gray vest over it. Her jeans were non-de*********** and her boots were sturdy and appropriate for our hike.
I looked most carefully at her face. She had on small, but stylish earrings and a beaded necklace that was very attractive. Her freckles were darkened from a deep summer tan that hadn’t gone away.
Her smile, though, was her most attractive feature. She looked incredibly relaxed and serene.
She spoke softly saying: “Tell me a little about yourself?”
I told her some of the basics. I shared that I am 45 years old, living by myself 40 minutes from the park entrance, and that I work part-time, making enough money to give myself the time to relax and enjoy my life.
She interrupted me asking: “No, the facts are unimportant. I want you to share with me what matters to you. What is really important? Where is your spirit? Who or what owns your heart and soul?”
I was silent for a time, trying to think how to reply to these “heavy” questions. I don’t think of myself as being particularly deep. Her questions were fascinating though. I love to meet others who challenge me and really make me think.
Finally, I replied:
“I am a seeker of many truths. I have searched for many years, but finding my passion isn’t easy. I have friends, but things only go so far with them. They seem caught up in making a good living. They buy expensive things, take exotic trips, and spend so much time being “cool”.
I must have been hurt sometime in my past, but I don’t remember any trauma. I want to find a deeper peace in life”.
We were both silent for a good five to ten minutes before she said:
“I want us each to care deeply about the other. There are no guarantees, but I sense that you are the one that I want to share my heart with”.
She took my hands as we faced each other. We both smiled and appreciated the moment very deeply. We both knew that this was a significant moment, and we didn’t want to lose it.
We began breathing in rhythm with each other, slowly and deeply. We each knew that a soft kiss was coming soon, but there was no rush. First, we slowly moved together and had a warm, loving hug. It lasted a long time.
She then let go of me and took my right hand in both of her hands. She gently kissed it. I felt shivers go through me. The simple gesture felt really intense and meaningful.
I then moved my mouth towards hers. We closed our eyes and gently shared a soft kiss.
We savored the kiss. It was not sexual at all. It really felt intense.
After a few minutes we walked together hand-in-hand, slowly through the enveloping woods. It felt both intense and very relaxing. I knew that I trusted her implicitly, and that the feelings were mutual. I had no doubts.
We walked in silence. We both felt totally at ease. It was easy to take in both each other and the beautiful setting that we were in. There was no rush.
After perhaps another half hour of walking we stopped and kissed again. Again, there was both “nothing” to the kiss and the most incredible feeling of connection.
We continued walking another hour until we came back to the path’s beginning and end. We sat down on a bench. We looked deeply at each other and smiled. We both knew that there was much more to come. We hugged deeply and