natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

The Treasure of Wisdom

The empty bench at Pineridge Natural Area

We need to open to the treasure of wisdom in traditions other than our own. Not only have they much to teach us, but they also hold the key to unlocking depths within our own religious inheritance that we know nothing of as yet.

John Philip Newell

I personally have enjoyed seeking the treasures within wisdom traditions through reading and studying them. Yet, one of the best treasures for me has been the reading and studying of this book of nature, which I never thought of as a wisdom tradition. I’ve found this book to be endless in the wisdom it shares with me when I open myself to it. It is also a very experiential book where wisdom is felt, smelled, heard and tasted. I have this desire to continue to read and study it.

We did not get the amount of snow predicted but we sure got the cold temperatures. I made my way to Starry Night for a mocha and one of their lemon-cranberry scones this morning. Glad to say I had no guilty feelings about that scone at all. I then walked a bit at Pineridge Natural Area to experience the quiet. The light wind and humidity penetrated my clothing, letting me know it felt much colder than the 18 degrees. The roads are icy so I’m home for the day. Will be reading off and on today and if I can find the gumption I’ll clean the bathroom. If not, well…. I’ll start another book. Stay warm!

Retired. Having fun shooting Fujifilm cameras. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

6 Comments

    • Monte Stevens

      It stopped snowing about noon today. I would guess 6-8 inches of snow and cold. No, I do not think anyone was sitting on the bench today, either. Today has been a lovely winter wonderland.

  • Earl

    As Faye said, “This snowy scene is lovely,” and to stay warm. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving day. We had guests from South Africa who were our daughter’s friends for dinner. One of their first American Thanksgiving experiences. It was interesting to see how different yet all the same we are. It made me think of one of our recent previous conversations.

    • Monte Stevens

      Thanks, Earl. I did have a good Thanksgiving. Of course I did overeat. Seems to happen when anyone places too much food in front of me. Sounds like you had wonderful Thanksgiving, sharing with someone how we experience the holiday. Yes, this seeing how different and yet how similar we are is such a gift!

  • Tom Dills

    We spent the Thanksgiving holiday in warmer climes and I am just now getting caught up on your posts. Loving this image of the snow covered grasses – quite the peaceful, albeit chilly, looking scene!