Don't Think, Just Walk

I stood at the fork in the path wondering which way should I go.

My mind said do the normal thing . . . go to the right.

My intuition said . . . go to the left.

I went to the right.

I let my mind overrule.

The whole purpose of the outing was to go on a photo walk and let my intuition lead me, but I didn't. Not at first anyway. Sure enough, there was nothing of interest to the right and I felt very unsettled. I retraced my steps and took the left path. Yes, this was much better. How come? I don't know it just felt right. That's what intuition is, a "gut feeling," an "inner voice," or a "sixth sense." Unlike the other path, this path was full of surprises. The first was a tepee made of branches. I'm sure there's a story behind this. Wish I knew it! I can just see a couple of small children sitting in there having a powwow!

I walked on and as I rounded a corner, I came to an area that was covered in massive Nadine bushes. I had no idea they grew so tall. Most were at least 8 to 10 feet tall, covered in pretty red berries.

I saw a hollowed out log. I can just imagine a bunny hopping through there.

At the end of the trail I crossed an old rock bridge over a small stream. If you know me well, you know I love water and being anywhere close to water makes me happy.

I sat down on the bank of the stream and just relaxed. I watched the leaves as they were caught in the water's current; noticed the colors, textures and patterns of the rocks; and looked at shadows and reflections. That's when I noticed something making ripples.

I kept looking for the source. I figured it was a bug of some sort, but I couldn't find it. What I did notice was five circular dark spots on a rock. A shadow of something, but what?

Then I saw it! A small insect. A Gerridae commonly known as a water strider, pond skater, or water skipper. Although they were fascinating I was more intrigued by their shadows. They reminded me of something alien, like a spaceship.

I can't tell you how long I sat there watching them and waiting for just the right moment to get a picture where I could see both the bug and it's shadow.

So, how did my intuition do? Did it lead me the right way? I think so, when I finally listened to it! I had a great walk, rested by the water, and found some fascinating insects.

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As I mentioned before I'm working through Kim Manley Ort's book Adventures In Seeing. This week's assignment was to go on a photo walk and following your intuition. I chose to go to a park I've never been to before. That way I wouldn't have any preconceived notions about what I might find to photography.