Henry David Thoreau lived in the 1800’s, born in 1817 and passing away two months short of his 45th birthday. I am astounded sometimes at the questions and observations he raised several centuries ago that we would do well to re-visit today.
I’m wondering if Thoreau time-traveled to the present day, what would he think of the overwhelm and complexity of present day life?
Thoreau retreated from society for a period of two years, and then later published the book “Walden, or, Life in the Woods” to share his process of contemplation and introspection. Most people would likely argue when they read the below quote that they don’t have this time of luxury to contemplate life or their direction in it.
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” ~
But there are many ways to carve out space for periods of contemplation, even small ones. If we do not, we become swallowed up by society and the narrative that surrounds us. In this unprecedented era of mass media and technology, it is very easy for us to stop living consciously and deliberately. We are too busy “listening to” other people’s voices on our devices.
Do you have a quiet space to which you can retreat to contemplate and hear your own voice? When you claim that time, you can then live deliberately based on your own inner wisdom, rather than everyone else’s noise and point of view.
Living Deliberately © Susan L Hart 2021
Hart Inspirations 
We are lucky to have many parks in Madison and the UW Arboretum. I went on a hike this morning with “Eagle’s” class. The yellow, orange and red trees were beautiful.
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That’s wonderful! I’m envious, I miss the fall colors… I did get out for a long walk yesterday near the river and among the eucalyptus trees. I will post some pics some time (and maybe some sketches too?)
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I look forward to seeing your photos and sketches!
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My partner and I started doing a new walking route, and the scenery is beautiful there. I will aim for soon… 🙂 Thank you, Rebecca>
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Every day when I walk across the native prairie and through the aspen groves. It helps balance my life.
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It sounds wonderful. I’ve never visited the Canadian prairies, but I love big sky landscapes. Lucky you, Bernie! Nature really does keep us grounded in what’s real.
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Of course I’m lucky my living is not tied to it – I think that can really change the connections. Make it deeper but also worrisome.
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I’ve had close connections to farming families earlier in my life, and I did observe the love of it and the worry. Farming is not an easy life.
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