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Psychic travels in my otherwhere
From the book: Chum for Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters by David Satterlee
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| Chum For Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters |
Psychic travels in my otherwhere
I have always enjoyed hiking, usually alone, in the woods.
Twice now, when I had the chance, I have moved to the mountains of Western
North Carolina. My wife and I purchased our present home because it was
isolated and out of view of other houses. We cherish our “hole in the woods.” I
could walk out the back door and follow paths, or just my nose, for miles.
These woods are my comfort and respite from the anxiety, noise, and stress of
living in cities.
Years ago, while searching for peace, I read a
recommendation to create a detailed, imaginary, inner place of quiet refuge.
Sitting down with a sketch pad, I developed a plan. It was filled with
resources that I could only imagine. It has been my private safe place now for
many years. It is always ready and available, but has to be approached
methodically. I have never taken anyone there with me.
I am walking, slightly uphill, along a path. It may be in
the rolling hills of Kentucky along the Appalachian Trail. It is late spring
but the morning air is still tart. The trail is well-trodden and about 4 feet
wide. There is enough room for two people to pass without crowding or having to
pause to acknowledge the other. The path is densely lined so that no horizon is
visible past this tunnel through the trees. Last season’s leaves still mulch
the way, sliding gracefully ahead to an infinite destination.
Every footstep is
muted, the birds are hushed, no breeze disturbs the cathedral trees. Every step
is comfortable and smooth. My small daypack seems weightless. The resolute scent
of wild mint lifts the feet, the heart, and the spirit. A small squirrel
watches from four paces off the way and is
