The desert mountain shimmered into life as we walked the trail.
To the far north, I see the limestone cliffs in Hurricane.
A sharp smell emanates from the creosotes as we sidestep the prickly pear cactus.
The ocotillos wave their thorny wands above the desert rocks. Their tips burst into tiny scarlet flowerets. Many cacti line both sides of the path. The fuzz on the spines helps reflect sunlight, reducing heat and potential sunburn, and helps retain moisture in the air, which slows down evaporation.
In the 1980s, the practice of “forest bathing,” known as Shinrin-yoku, gained popularity in Japan.
I have my own “desert bathing” right here in my backyard. Outdoor nature bathing has been known to combat various physical and psychological ailments.
Our conversation was quiet as I listened to the bird song. The cooing cry of the doves, the low trrr of the desert warbler, and the busy twittering of the little cactus wrens provide background music to our footsteps.
There is an old Irish proverb: “Better one good thing that is, rather than two good things that were, or three good things that might never come to pass.”
Some days are shaped by simple pleasures. Irresistible reading. Ice cream cones. Receiving a package in the mail from a friend. Desert walks. Desert bathing.
Today, this walk is one good thing.
Better not to glance wistfully at the past or predict the future. The present should be lived fully.
Sometimes I need to take a big, deep breath and redeem a day with Plan B.
For most of us, the day is largely determined by how well we work with Plan B. When I was young, I thought life was one big piece of something, but later I learned that life is an extraordinary, disjointed contrast.
The sun grew warm on our backs, and it was time to head back to our air-conditioned homes. Nature had done Her part. Healing was present.
For now, the day stretched out before me with a grateful heart.
