Daniel Thompson: Lions Bridge/Noland Trail Blog 1

The Lions Bridge and Noland Trail were good examples of the wilderness mindset. This mindset being one of simplicity, where nature is all we focus on, extracting ourselves from everyday life. The area by the Lions Bridge helped bring on this mindset by the sound of the water and breeze. The lack of noise from highways, sirens, and construction crews also helped in focusing on nature. Touching, smelling, and seeing the various trees, leaves, and fruits was a peaceful experience.The most distinctive smell was that of the rosemary plant, which always sticks in my mind as I use its leaves in baking rosemary bread. John Gaffta's phrase, "[deep seeing] is a discipline requiring a lifetime of dedicated struggle; it marks the literature of saints and monks of every order”, perfectly described my feelings about the place. From an ordinary perspective it's just another typical American woodland, but through deep seeing any piece of nature is a masterpiece of creation and peace.

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