Meditations in Nature Project Begins

DAY ONE

7/2/2014: 10:12 am
 
Supplies:
Sketchbook
Pen
Camera 
Tripod & bag
Coffee, black

Objective for day one:
To commune with nature and deeply understand why I am drawn to themes of nature and feel most at peace within it– do I even know nature on the surface? One hour a day to listen, look and play in a setting– immersed on all sides by trees.

Sounds heard:
truck engine, birds, gun shot, child's laugh, light chirping, rapid low chirping, wind in the trees, chain saw whine

         Imagining the entire surrounding city covered in a forest like this one.  I should find out the name of this ecosystem–birch, oak and coniferous trees together.  Only 30 feet away is the sod-filled yard where my parents wage wars on dandelions, slugs and moles in the sand.  Round-up wands spray toxins that kill the plantlife bold enough to make a come back in the manicured landscaping.  How do we reconcile so much human damage to the Earth? Actually, its easy and feels like we won.
         Hard to sit still.  Drinking coffee black is disgusting–my coffee usually swirls with cream or almond milk and sometimes sweetened with honey before drinking.  Not sure what I will gain from an hour in the woods each day–more like a commitment to SOMETHING, anything amidst a life that seems highly uncertain right now.  No full time employment found, some contract gigs and an unpaid internship.  I have lots of questions but remain thankful for the time and space to breathe.  Knowing this phase (like all phases) is limited I guess I am trying to design a routine that mixes up my creative practice.  I might change locations–maybe my Grandma's tree farm?  Sitting on a South-facing hill, feet without anchor revealing blackish sand beneath a thin cover of brown leaves and new green growth.

Declaration of Intent.

I, Megan Flød Johnson, solemnly commit sixty minutes of my day to be immersed in nature for the month of July in the year 2014.  I commit to the unknown outcomes of this time in meditation.  I hope to gain a deeper understanding of biological relationships and my place within them.