The Noland Trail
Class Activity
I was taught by my high school biology teacher that if I wanted to really see and understand a place, to use all of my senses. To do this, we would focus on one at a time. I always begin with hearing so I close my eyes and calm myself. Pounding footsteps from runners, voices from people far down the trail, and the ringing of birds' and insects' mating calls-- these noises began to make their own rhythm in a way. Then smell- the smell of the fresh pine, the moist ground, but also the lack of smell. The lack of "city smell" like fast food or pollution. I then focused on touch. The log I was sitting on was moist and beginning to rot from all the termites (That's when I quickly stood up and brushed off). The ground was soft but the leaves were still crunchy. Next was sight. I looked deep into the woods and some areas were so covered in leaves and branches that the blue of the sky was far and in between. The lake was completely still with very few ripples; a wonderful, peaceful day on the Noland.
Did the runners and passersby feel and see everything I did? Did they take the time to notice the beauty in the simpleness of the trail? These are fair questions to ask but the runners may have some of their own. Did I recognize the terrain in a way that makes the trail a joyous challenge to run? Did I recognize the sharp turns and steep hills that help train runners for more difficult courses? Of course I did not, I wasn't moving quickly enough to see things the way they do and I was busy with my own agenda.
How often do we assume we are correct in seeing a location in a specific manner and not take time to consider others' that may be just as correct?
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