Filling A Need

Shawangunk Ridge  

Humans have many needs.  First and foremost we need to fill our basic needs such as water, food, clothing and shelter. Once the essential needs are met I believe the next most important things that most of us feel we need to fulfill are that of making sure that our children and loved ones are safe and healthy.  The list of needs that must be met can go on and on.

A woods road on an autumn day

I strongly believe that each and everyone of us live in two worlds.  In order for us to function in either world we must address the needs that are specific to each.  The first world is that of the human world or civilization...what ever you may wish to call it.  This is the world of deadlines, tax collectors, mortgages, bad relationships etc. (although this is not always as bad as I just made it sound). I firmly believe this is the greatest source of stress in our lives.  Sometimes trying to meet the ever demanding needs of this world can seriously run an individual down. The second world is what I like to call "the real world".  This is everything else from which we draw resources to survive and gain inspiration....or Nature for short.  The second world is neither for us or against us.....it simply....just is.  The other creatures who share this place with us generally don't give a hoot whether we are there or not.  Their lives will continue one way or another.

The Peterskill above Awosting Falls

Lately, I have found myself needing to fulfill a very specific need.  This need being a stronger connection with the second world.  It seems that the first world has been taking precedence lately.  I love fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, hunting and generally anything that has to do with being outdoors or learning about Nature.  These activities are not just fun little past times.  The connections to the real world that I begin to feel when doing any of these things serves to help me slow down and to forget the stresses of the first world. Most importantly they remind me of my significance and place in the world....the important things.

A golden crowned kinglet 

I find that a simple hike in the woods once in a while is just what I need to reset my mental clock and pull me out of any funk. A recent trip to the Shawangunks (in the Hudson Valley of NY) was just what the Dr. ordered.  The smells of the woods, the sights and the sounds of places I'm so familiar with is all that was needed to feel better.

"Chatter marks" left by a glacier from 10,000 years ago can definitely give someone a deep sense of time. 

I guess the main message of this post is the matter how overwhelming the obligations and needs may seem from the first world there are very few needs (other than the a fore mentioned basic needs for survival) that would supersede that of establishing a deeper connection with Nature and sharing that experience with others.  It's making this connection which can keep you sane in this modern world and inform you as to your place within it.

Awosting Falls, Minnewaska State Park Preserve