A Day in the Country: Returning to My Spiritual Roots

Hope you are having a fantastic day, Hiver buddies! I chose to get back to my small piece of heaven—my country estate—today to get off the city hustle.

It's a location rife with memories, mostly from my innocent youth years. Kaymito (star apple) trees are simply bursting with juicy purple and green fruit; coconut trees sway softly in the wind.

One of my favorite uses as a youngster was when my buddies and I climbed those kaymito trees. Laughing as we walked up and down those branches, we would pick the ripe fruit. For today, I choose to attempt to scale once more just to test if my old knees could take it. (Spoiler alert: they pushed back somewhat, but hey, some tasty kaymito is worth a little achy knees!)

The backyard is a vast, warm hug. Your skin is heated by the sun; the air smells sweet with the fragrance of mature fruit and earthy goodness surrounds you; and nature's symphony surrounds you. The gentle rustle of leaves, birds crooning their happy melodies, the humming of delighted bugs will give the world away from the nonstop noise of city living.

I observed a family of monkeys swinging in the trees as I was picking the kaymito.The sensation of freedom and exploration reminded me of just how much I used to enjoy scaling trees as a youngster.

Afterwards, under the cover of a large coconut tree, I relished the stillness. Savoring their sweetness, I ate some of the kaymito. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, it felt like a luxury to simply sit there and savor the basic joy of consuming fresh fruit.

Not only a location, this land is part of my narrative. It is a cue of my roots, the simple existence I knew, and the principles I cherish. It is a grounding force; the link to my roots.

Watching the sun set and the brilliant shades of purple and orange spread across the sky, I felt great stillness. it was a reminder that often the most gratifying things are the least complex. Nature gives us a reminder to value the beauty of nature as well as the significance of our roots, a chance to recharge, and a ideal counterpoint to the everyday pressures. Already I am eager for my next trip. See you soon, small piece of heaven!