Entering the Temple of Light

Meditation Walking 
There are times when I need fresh ideas or inspiration especially when my mind feels like it is in a fog or in overdrive. As a writer I need to free up my thoughts so inspiration can flow through. Taking a break where nature abounds is a welcomed distraction. It may take an hour or two immersing myself in nature’s communion with all that becomes a part of it. Nature walks are especially invigorating yet still peaceful. It stimulates the creative processes through art, photography, poetry, as well as, renewing the senses. Besides getting out in the fresh air, nature has a way of activating what you need for healing and finding solutions to problems. Part of that process is the ability to let go of the fast track pace the world simulates and be solely in nature’s presence. I see nature as abstracts or aspects of God. You do not realize you are a part of it until you slow down and let all of the senses come alive. The only time I would bring out my cell phone is for pictures or emergency situations. I like being quiet and enjoy greeting what comes in view of my path. You can experience some wonderful things along the way. Places like The Nature Center in Long Beach, CA where you forget about being in the city are places of sanctuary and delight. I once was a trail steward at the Nature Center. Now, I am focused on just enjoying the walk. Meditation is an important part of the day. It prepares you for the activities ahead and also a sense of calm and balance. 
Meditation walking can also be a wonderful experience when you enter a labyrinth. When I walk the labyrinth I spill out all of my concerns. When I reach the center I stand still and welcome the silence. It is here I let go of all my worries or anxieties. When I step out of the center I begin to feel the burdens lift off my shoulders. Insights or solutions are revealed to loosen the remaining stress I may have held onto that kept me in the dark on how to accomplish my goals. I like to visit Grace Cathedral when in San Francisco. There are two labyrinths there, one inside and the other directly in front of the Cathedral in the courtyard. If you happen to be in the Bay area and have the time, walk both to sense which one you feel a stronger connection to. There are also a couple of labyrinths I came across in Sedona, AZ that were also fabulous. In Corona, CA there is a weekly meditation group I have attended many times which have two on private property! 
You may also cycle, run or workout at a facility. Any activity that requires a routine with movement can help reduce or eliminate stress. Even dancing can loosen up blocked energy. Stress weighs you down and limits the creative process. A blank page begs to tell a story... your story perhaps. You can set your goals in motion by writing out details of your vision or even sketching it with captions making it visually alive. 
While on your walk be mindful of your surroundings. Write down the colors that grab your attention. Make notes of the animals that appear, the sounds that you hear or the aromas that drift under your nose. Also smile at the people you come in contact with. What do you find unique about them, or possibly irritating? When you put your mind in the creative mode you are looking past what you think you are seeing. Look at things in a broader sense, or symbolically. Perceive a different interpretation. Use your imagination to tell a story adding your encounters along the way. For instance, if you should encounter a rabbit perhaps it is symbolically telling you something that relates to fertility, shyness, or gentleness. If a bird lands on a branch ahead of you and begins to chatter as you draw closer it could be telling you that you will receive an important message soon. If you don’t know what your encounters are symbolically telling you, write down each interaction and look up the key characteristics to find their meaning. Nature will often give you subtle messages. All you need to do is pay attention and let the experience unfold. 
I was in Pennsylvania staying with friends in a remote area. I decided that I would go for a walk on one of the back roads close to their house. I surprised a buck when I turned a corner and also saw a gray fox trotting on the roadside toward me on a long stretch of road. I have had several deer sightings before but never a fox. The friends I stayed with did not know there were gray fox in the area. That was a special sighting for me. I am sure in my quiet, reflective mediation it took a while for the fox to realize I was there. There is a lot you can learn about yourself through nature. This book will not give you a lot of information about signs, omens, or symbology of animals. I would like to refer you to Ted Andrews books on these subjects. “Signs, Omens & Messages in Nature” and “Animal Speak” published by Dragonhawk in Jackson, Tenn. These books will give you many insights. If you are especially drawn to a particular animal you might notice what similar traits you find in their character that you also have. It will be a fun exploration as you begin this journey of discovery.