My urban forest

On my first morning walk after I moved from Banyo to Fitzgibbon, I took my journal to begin mapping my new terrain.

My intension?

Navigation and documenting observations of moments along the way.

*

But it seems the magpie’s call had other plans.

They guided me to a different approach to the undiscovered.

I found an urban forest nestled within my suburb.

*

I walked around the meandering paths and collected small nature tokens.

Flowering Eucalyptus gum nuts or the rough weathered husks of those fallen to the ground.

Leaves of varying shapes and colours; depending on the season and cycle of growth.

A cluster of orange berries.

Paper bark. Stripped from the tree. Layered and velvet to the touch.

Grevillea flowers where lorikeets sup on the sweet nectar.

*

With each I add to a platter at home. I treasure my tokens of achievement.

On the following day, my collection reminds me of what I was able to achieve yesterday, regardless of my mood.

My nature tokens encourage me that I too can venture out once again on a daily walk, even if engulfed and gripped by panic or the black molasses of Bipolar 1 Depression.

*

When I go for a walk, I take mindfulness photos of trees and other natural formations.

Of flowers and foliage.

Lichen on rock formations.

Native Australian ornamental grasses lining wooden fences.

The creek bed; dry or flowing.

*

When I go for a walk, I take mindfulness photos of the man made.

The paths and cross bridges.

The children’s playground with a xylophone; made of hollow aluminium fence posts.

*

My photographs capture points along the way.

They remind me of a specific time and place. There, for later reference.

A reminder of the emotional release gained when I am nurtured by nature.

*

I have no need to venture afar.

Now that I have discovered an urban forest nestled within my suburb.

*

When I go for a walk, I take endless photos of the sky.

Overcast or not.

More so than the tree tops swaying in the breeze.

Above all. The sky grounds me.

*

When I go for a walk, I come back to a ‘different place.’

I return with a soul nourished.

Breathing.

Free from anxiety.

*

When I go for a walk, I come back to a ‘different place.’

I return with a ‘sky mind.’

• Dedicated to Breanna Walker •

Pauline Fountain. © 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the author.