Embrace the wild

I return to a phrase and a variation of the phrase from Henry David Thoreau’s essay “Walking” (first published in 1862 in The Atlantic), whenever I need to remind myself about a wildness/wilderness mindset.

In wildness is the preservation of the world. (Thoreau)

In wilderness is the preservation of the world. (Peter Adams)

The subtle difference between the two phrases is determined by a mere two letters. Wildness/wilderness. Over the years I have written about my understanding of the wildness/wilderness as well as how I think Thoreau experienced it. Ultimately determining that wildness/wilderness while real in the world, exists inside of me, and all around me. I plan, schedule, design my life; thinking I can control each moment. A few hours in the wild cures that perception. Anyone who has encountered a bear on a walk in the woods can attest: the unexpected can and will happen, it’s how we respond when it strikes that matters.

What are you waiting for, embrace the wild. 

Today’s prompt:

Choose a paper with a texture from a magazine. Cut a section of it. Combine with with a selection from the opposite side of the same paper. Then add 3-5 other elements to create a narrative collage.

Everyday through December 25th, I’ll be making a 5×5 inch collage, writing a short entry on this blog and sharing a prompt for those who might want to participate along with me. You can follow my progress by subscribing to this blog through the sidebar on the blog homepage, or by following me on Instagram.