Stepping into Quiet
Painting by Heather Harrington | Titled: Stepping into Quiet | Acrylic on Stretched Canvas 10” x 10” 5/8” depth
Brown Bridge Quiet Area Park in Traverse City, Michigan
Last Sunday we met two other families at Brown Bridge Quiet Area for a late morning hike. Brown Bridge is one of my favorite parks, although I hadn’t been in a while. It’s located just outside of Traverse City.
The morning was crisp but the sun was out and quickly warmed the day. As the name of the park suggests, the atmosphere was quiet, peaceful and serene. There were only a few other people in sight.
The flow of the beautiful Boardman River, which runs through the park, sparkled in the sunlight and everyone’s mood seemed to match the view.
After the hike I found myself feeling lighter, more content, and less encumbered. The busyness of the week subsided and my mind felt calmer – no longer racing with things to do and long to-do lists.
I was able to let go of my monkey mind if only for bit. Often, when I am at my busiest is when I least want to step away - but when I need to the most. Taking time to step outside of my mind and my world and into the quiet of the morning hike is a gift I need to give myself more often.
The painting above I finished this week and is titled “Stepping into Quiet.”
