It got dark in the forest. I left the river behind and I’m climbing. I can hear my heart beating fast. I can hear the forest living its night life.
In the dark, my senses become hyper-acute. We’re so dependent on light that we instinctively cling to it and gravitate towards it. We use any remaining shred of light to reassure ourselves.
But we can also let go of light and relax in the dark for a while. What a thing – to let go of certainty and control.
What’s the worst that can happen? Seeing that everything still works despite us not being there to control it?
Being deep in the forest at night is like letting all defenses down and facing myself. There’s no protection but still I feel strangely protected. I cannot tell what will happen but I am fine with it. Be as it may.
I am climbing my way up in the dark and bumping into bushes and rocks. I hear sounds all around me. There’s no need to look back. I know I’m safe here.
The forest has the eyes of a mother.
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Well said! A couple of years ago I spent nights alone for my project — “Meeting the Night: The Science and Mystery of an Endangered Habitat”. Your experience resonates with mine 🙂
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Thanks! I’m glad this speaks to you. Can you share a link to your photo project? Sounds really interesting.
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Sure! And thank you! It’s actually more of an essay project, with a few photos in the midst. I’ve since done some editing, but here’s the link as my project was upon submission. Just scroll down to the bottom right of OSU’s page and select the action to download my work. It’s my personal essays that will resonate with your experience. https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_projects/fn107419m
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That’s great, thanks a lot! I downloaded it to read tonight.
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