When we visit another person’s home, we usually ask permission to come in, right? Because we respect them and their home, and it is good manners. A teacher once told me that I should try doing the same when I enter the forest, or visit my Sit Spot. Here’s a story about what happened when I tried it.
My son and I went camping a short walk away from a beach. In the morning, the sun rose early, the birds were singing, and we popped out of our sleeping bags ready to start our day.
We walked down to the beach, but before we left the forest, we decided to ask permission from the place and it’s creatures. We quieted down, and softly asked to be welcomed into the beauty and magic of the day. After a short while, we both felt a warm, welcoming feeling. We stepped out onto the beach.
The sunshine bathed the entire scene in that marvelous light of early morning. As we stood there soaking in the beauty, three huge shapes swooped over our heads and down the beach. Two great Bald Eagles chased a Golden Eagle in a spectacular scene. A small group of deer lazily waltzed down the beach not far from us. As if that weren’t enough, we watched as the water glimmered with thousands of minnows breaking the surface of the waters as a huge Swordfish breached the surface of the water in an amazing acrobatic jump!
We were awed by the scene, and by the possibility that the simple act of remembering our manners for places and our wild neighbors can have such a profound effect.
Try asking permission when you step outside to go to your Sit Spot. Wait to hear or feel an answer. You might want to write or reflect about your experience: How did it feel to ask? How did it feel when you were answered? Did it change your experience?
—Josh Wood, Program Director