Forest for the Trees
Can’t see the forest for the trees. Looking obsessively at the tree in front of us, we’re blind to the broader perspective. We get so caught up in our individual tasks for surviving a day that we forget to step back and look at the bigger dynamics. On the flip side, sometimes we can’t see the trees for the forest. I see this in posts from special needs parents dealing with a new diagnosis. Facing the unexpected and daunting prospect of lifelong care of a child who may never become an independent adult can knock one’s breath out. The heavy reality of that “forest” can be so paralyzing that we forget to enjoy happy moments each day. In our family, the “tree” to stop and appreciate might be unexpected learning progress for our autistic son. It might be a hug we didn’t see coming. It might be the kindness of a stranger while we manage a behavior problem in public. We need to remind ourselves to stop in front of that one special tree and spend a happy moment there. The beauty of that individual tree, seen from one special moment to the next as we walk along, can make the looming forest feel less overwhelming. Today’s Hike Notes are about the visually varied Rhubarb Trail to Haypress Camp. Starting under tree cover with a wooden footbridge, the atmospheric Rhubarb Trail haunts walkers with gnarled oaks dripping with moss on the one hand, and draws them forward through tree tunnels on the other. Then suddenly, you are under the wide open sky of Tennessee Valley on the path to Haypress Camp. This walk is a nice changeup from the standard Tennessee Valley hike. Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes. New this week: Hike Notes 26: Rhubarb Trail to Haypress Camp
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Lisa LouisSharing insights and hiking highlights (Hikes, Hike Search by Area) from the special needs caregiver front in San Francisco. Archives
February 2025
Categories |