One Step at a Time: Uncovering Wisdom

When I am overwhelmed, or stuck in my own thoughts, I like to find places hidden in nature. There, I find clarity and uncover inspiration. One such place is Walden Pond in Concord, MA. Looping around the pond is a walking trail, which branches off into many little paths leading to the water's edge, each separated by abundant greenery.

Upon receiving the photo essay assignment, I immediately decided on one aspect of my picture; the image would be set in the depths of nature. Over the years, I have discovered many nature parks, trails, and historical sites tucked away, almost lost, resisting the impact of newer development in nearby towns. Many of these hidden treasures have become overlooked in the midst of New England's fast paced society. When work piles up, and stress levels rise, the beauty of nature tends to be forgotten. 

However, for me, nature becomes all important in times of struggle. Immersing myself in nature provides an escape from the pressures of modern society and replaces distractions with clarity and focus. The rustle of leaves, the whistle of a cool breeze, the splash of a fish, the chirp of a bird, or the hum of running water: these subtle noises work in harmony to create the illusion of silence, while creating background noise to keep needless thoughts at bay.

Selecting a single location was rather difficult. I have countless favorite places to visit: Hart Pond, Great Brook Farm, my wooden tree house is just beyond my backyard, or perhaps a trip to Garden in the Woods in Framingham. However, I wanted this assignment to connect to my personal educational experience. For this adventure, I desired a connection to something bigger, someone bigger. Henry David Thoreau came to mind. I knew exactly where I needed to be. Walden Pond has plenty of perfect hideaways waiting to be discovered. My mom and I jumped into the car and headed for Concord. 

After finding the perfect parking spot, and paying a small fee, it was time to walk across Walden Street, also known as Rt. 126, and down the somewhat steep hill to the trail at Walden Pond. I eagerly started around the shaded path, hunting for the perfect spot. A sense of anticipation raced through my heart as I cautiously navigated the uprooted branches, and small stones. Many visitors had already gathered on Walden’s main shores and plenty more were exploring the walking trail. The initial hideaways I came across were occupied or blocked by wire fencing. However, I was not jealous or envious, I knew the perfect spot would be waiting for me somewhere down this well worn path. With each bend in the path, time melts away, there is no sense of urgency and only the present moment remains. The temperature was unimpressive, yet the breeze made its presence known on my skin. I noticed a paddle boarder with a young boy leaning against his legs, an older gentleman swam out toward the middle of the pond and one family attempted to push a stroller along the path. After about 20 minutes, I reached the far side of the loop and found the space meant for me.

When I first approached the diverging path from above, lush trees created a natural curtain which blocked the pond view. The winding stones perched on the steep hillside beckoned me to the water. I followed each step down to the shallow water below, watching my feet as I walked to ensure a safe footing on the possibly wobbly stones. To my surprise, each rock gripped the dirt without slipping. When I reached the bottom, I submerged my foot into the water, without hesitation, as if it was the next step in the staircase. The water was a refreshing relief from the early summer weather. Now sure of my footing, I shifted my focus upwards, toward the pond, and was pleased with the view. 

It is difficult to arrange words which can do justice to the beauty of Walden Pond. Thoreau’s description is most relevant in this attempt. In this excerpt from, Simplify, Simplify and other Quotations from Henry David Thoreau, Edited by K.P. Van Anglen, Anglen provides the original source, Walden (1854).

The beauty of Walden was not lost on me. A deep breath and then back to my assignment. As I stood and looked out over the pond, I deliberately took notice of my surroundings. The main beach was far enough away so the noise of playful swimmers was muffled and the water was still. On the far side of the pond, only a few people could be seen along the shoreline, each somewhat hidden away at their own private bank. I turned around, glancing back up over the rock path I traveled. The new perspective captured my attention and fulfilled my quest for the perfect space. I stood perfectly still, just pondering the moment. A moment later, I retrieved my Nikon D3200 camera. I removed the lens cap and clicked the dial with my right hand. Next, I leaned down to my right, raising my left elbow, positioned myself for the perfect angle.         

I framed the photo vertically to emphasize the prominent stones, including the additional greenery that sprouted around the stairs would only diminish the focus from the stone steps. Narrowing the frame also eliminated people on the above trail and simplified the process of capturing this perspective. The angle of the stones develops a sense of movement as the eye climbs the stairs into the shadowy entrance and then descends back down to the sun lit water. Such that, the stairs create a leading line, which draws the onlooker’s eyes down to the water. There, the sun shines through the trees at just the right angle, generating a spotlight on the bottom stone step and the water’s edge, where eyes rest before climbing once more. 

After snapping the photo, I noticed faint movements in the shallow waters, now still after my previous splashing. A group of minnows, camouflaged with the pond’s bottom, meandered about by the final step. The fish slowly approached my submerged feet until I shifted my weight, moving my foot the slightest bit and the minnows quickly dispersed. I returned to the stone stairs, leaving a wet footprint on each step as I carefully selected a rock to rest on. As I sat, I listened to the delicate noises of nature and took in my surroundings. On the stone directly below mine, a pile of pistachio shells from previous travelers were scattered across the rock, perhaps by a gentle wind. Nestled in the shadows, five steps up, is a patch of wild clover and hidden among the ordinary clover is a singular four leaf clover. I heard the muffled laughter of other visitors and the rustle of the forest behind me as I looked out across the calm waters which reflected the overgrown shoreline in the slow, dull ripples. In the end, I could not resist diving into the water. I walked back to the car, clothes soaking wet. 

From a young age, my learning has been grounded in nature: painting with leaves or icicles, creating moats in the sandbox, math activities with rocks and exploring properties of water at the custom water table my dad built me. Each day, my mom would open the slider door and I would start my day outside on a blanket under the oak trees. Family outings brought us even closer to nature. Our yearly camping trips to Jacob’s Brook in Orford, New Hampshire, included activities such as creating sailboats with recycled materials, problem solving obstacles during river races, painting rocks with melted crayons, and plenty of time around the campfire. With each family adventure there was an appreciation for relaxing, fresh air, and time to reflect on the day. 

As I advance in my studies, I frequently return to this familiar experience. I welcome the grass between my toes, the sounds of leaves blowing in the wind, and the chirping of birds. I often study on my screened in porch surrounded by fresh air and the hummingbirds who bring wisdom. I take comfort in knowing that nature has these gifts to offer and feel deeply connected with Thoreau’s teachings. In his book, Walden, Thoreau states “We need the tonic of wildness […] At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature” (297). Humanity without the wonder of nature, is dark and unpleasant. Nature creates a balance between the human desire to know all and the imagination peaked from not knowing the whole story. Nature is forever a mystery which creates isolation from modern society and in turn, provides clarity and focus. 

I choose to live my life with intention and purpose. I work hard in my studies, but do not become lost in the busyness of expectations and deadlines. I respect nature, value reflection, and appreciate the opportunities that my education provides. Such that, finding spaces for inspiration will be key as I continue in my education. These quiets study spaces not only help me organize my thoughts, they also inspire my career path. My strong connection with nature guides me as I pursue a career in environmental science and engineering. 

As an engineer, I will have opportunities to make positive change in communities which support the needs of the people and also respect nature. This photograph portrays a balance that mirrors the delicate relationship of man-made structures versus preserving spaces in nature that I will strive to maintain. The careful placement of the stones creates a safe space for movement and invites travelers to explore, while respecting the natural beauty of Walden’s shoreline. The arrangement of stones symbolizes intention and forethought. With each step, visitors are invited to move away from the distractions of life and to sit beside nature: to slow down and contemplate. Once re-centered, it is time to move forward and take the next step with a renewed sense of purpose.