The Cliffs Cottage at Furman

A Walk in the Woods - Unplugged

Just out the back gate of the Cliffs Cottage, a paved path gracefully encircles Furman Lake. Even at 6 AM, the lake walk is dotted with joggers, dog-walkers, and purposeful, energetic striders. Many are plugged into their iPods, with cell phones at the ready. Minds and mouths are mimicking the frenetic pace of their exercise, already fully engaged with the minutiae of the the day ahead.

Although I too am enjoying a brisk jaunt, I detour onto one of the wooded trails and slow to a saunter through the cool, shady refuge of green sun-dappled trees. The music of birdsong, chattering squirrels, and leaves rustling in the early morning breeze signals my entry into a slower, gentler world.

Breathing deeply, I inhale the rich scent of moist warm humus. I begin to observe carefully the combinations and formations of plant life, and pausing, finger-trace the pattern of bark on a tree, and examine the fragile petals of a wildflower.

I tread more softly now, watching for signs of insect and animal activity: tracks, openings to secret dens, scat, owl pellets, webs or galls. Surely I spot one of the legendary swamp rabbits nibbling his breakfast at the grassy edge of the trail!

As I quicken my pace yet again, rejoining the stream of techno-connected lake circlers, I hold in my senses the quiet image of those few moments spent connected to life in the real world.

Solitude and silence in a natural setting will:

• enhance mental alertness
• decrease stress levels
• cause reconnection with surroundings
• remind us of why the environment is worth preserving