Practicing Mindfulness

I'm so glad I didn't miss Riddle's trail art when I was hiking the PCT. Riddle would stop, take a break and create art out, like the 3 following photos, from whatever she found on the ground around her. Spotting each masterpiece was a highlight of the day.







This morning I stopped to photograph some local bump and grind trail art (certainly not up to Riddle's compositions). I really am trying to pay attention to all I pass by.



Halfway back down the hill we'd just climbed I said, "Look Katie, there are initials on the trail". She said that she'd she them the other morning. So, I had walked right by the initials without seeing them. Not good. But now I remember, it was at this point I was looking over at another hiker and talking about something. Yeah, that's it, I was distracted!



I'm home after the hike, sitting at my desk in front of the computer, and I glance up and notice this egret perched atop the willow tree in front of the lake.



I ran out with my tripod and camera fitted with a max telephoto of 200 and clicked away from various distances and positions. I stayed out on the golf course for a half hour hoping the bird would take flight. That is San Jacinto peak behind the bird.



What I learned from watching this bird for a half and hour was how little time I spend being still, just looking. I enjoyed myself. I hope I remember how fun this was.