The Micro View

The Micro View
            “Just look out at the horizon and take a deep breath. It will clear your mind,” more than one wise soul has instructed me.
            Sure enough, realizing how small I am in the bigger scheme of things is both humbling and liberating. My problems just aren’t that important in the greater universe.
            Taking this kind of macro view has long been a well-known stress-busting tool.
            On the flip side, my severely autistic son spends a lot of time looking intensely at objects up close. It wouldn’t be good if he used this micro view all the time, but looking closely at objects that fascinate him seems to bring a sense of comfort.
            Though concentrating on upsetting issues too intensely for a long time is not helpful, focusing on an object that brings a sense of peace and beauty can be as helpful in clearing our minds as looking far out at a distance.
            Living in a city, the horizon is not always in view for an emotional “perspective adjustment.” Finding a flower, a mushroom, or an unusual tree bark pattern to look closely at to the exclusion of everything around it—cars, people, buildings—can bring as much sense of quiet awe as the horizon does. Stepping out on my front porch in the morning and looking at a single flower works wonders.
            May we all find objects—distant or right in front of our noses—that help us tune out the negative and clear our hearts to let positive thoughts come in. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Rhododendron Dell Golden Gate Park Stroll, introduces readers to one of many special areas in San Francisco’s large and varied Golden Gate Park.
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
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New this week:
Hike Notes 179: Rhododendron Dell Golden Gate Park Stroll