Stop and Look Around
The Break Free Weekly Newsletter - Edition #42
I write to you now on my cot - feet toasting by the crackling wood stove in a canvas tent my Dad and I are calling home for the week. Up 9,000+ feet in elevation above the town of Eagle, we are on our annual elk hunt.
In the spirit of returning to consistency, I wanted to get out a quick newsletter’s to you before the end of Monday and share some thoughts I’ve had flowing though my head while in the woods.
Today we saw 2 cow and 6 bull moose near camp - the most I’ve ever seen in one day. Majestic creatures foraging in the meadow, aware of us humans but not concerned - living their lives as designed - focused on their routine of survival.
As I watched in wonder, nothing else inhabited the mind to distract from that moment. It was the blissful feeling of being engaged with what is natural and be a part of the world of the living.
No preoccupied thoughts of temptation or distraction. Just stopping and looking around. Being in the moment, and appreciating it.
As we left the moose and headed to what was a spooky ATV descent and later ascent hunting new ground - I thought about past hunting trips or moments in my life where my brain was preoccupied with either porn or sexual thoughts and how they stole from the moments I had out in nature with my Dad - the theft of sacred time that should be honored.
Each year we go together is a blessing and each hunt I have with a clear-mind allows the memories to embed themselves deep into my soul.
This reflection mainly serves to acknowledge where I am today, right now. Mind clear. Heart full. Hungry for the new day. Eager to live and to grow.
And hopeful we leave with some elk…
If I had any advice to you this week - it would be to stop and look around - and appreciate your scenery and its subtleties. Make time for stillness, for tranquility - even if it feels unobtainable - it is worth the peace of mind to enjoy a peaceful moment
Be well this week.
Much love,
Mac