Well, with my sign-in issues sorted all is right in the universe once more. So today I would like to begin by talking about my first visit to the beautiful Price Park just a few days ago, on February 3rd at sunset. The park was massive, with trails leading in all directions as dog owners flocked towards the woods. I took my buddy Ryan and decided that instead of going all in the first day, it’d be nice to just go hiking, get a lay of the land as I was still fighting off a bad cold at the time.
One of the first things I noticed about the area was just how peaceful and quiet it was, despite being only a few feet from traffic and a large shopping mall district. It was like this place had been perfectly preserved in history as the world around it changed and urbanized. As we continued to walk along the trail I was suddenly overcome with a lingering sense of nostalgia as dog owners continued to pass by us. It remind me of Jack, my dog from back home that loves to go on long walks in secluded areas like this.
It made me realize that opening myself up to nature can lead to some startling conclusions about myself. I learned that despite the fact that I’m quite adjusted to living here on campus, occasionally I still yearn to be back home in Virginia, taking Jack on long walks through the creeks and woods near our old house. So, I would say that Price Park has already taught me something about myself. It’s taught me that despite what you may think about yourself and your situation, something as simple as a new environment, or even a brief flash of nostalgia, can change how you feel about everything around you.
What I also loved about Price Park was just how much it’s surroundings suck you into the moment. We parked near this little field with nothing but a bench and a signboard around an otherwise clear and quiet field of grass, mud and weeds. With some extra time on my hands I decided to just sit on the bench and give meditation a try, see if I could clam my mind of all worries and rest away this awful cold. And I have to say, it might have been the most peaceful ten minutes of the entire semester. It gave me the chance to reflect on where I’m heading and why I’ve made the choices I have. I thought about my plans for the future and what my purpose in the world might be going forward. I’m not usually one to get deep but it was nice to finally have a peaceful to just sit down and reflect on recent events. I felt like I was at peace with myself and my surroundings and I owe that all to Price Park.
So, I’ll close out this first update by saying that I have found my nature spot and already learned a great deal about myself in the process. I’m looking forward to continually visiting this place and even more excited to begin learning about its personal history. So the next time you feel like you need to just get away from it all and find some inner peace, maybe I’ll see some of you around Price Park once in a while. After all, it’s only five minutes away.
Ciao for now!
