“Silence is not the absence of something , but the presence of everything.”- Gordon Hempton
I remember first discovering the existence of the Hoh Rainforest in Washington state when I was in my early 20’s. I cannot remember if I read about it or if someone I knew told me about it, but what I do remember is that it was supposed to be the “quietest place on the earth”. I was living and working in NYC , NOT the quietest place on earth and I loved the energy of it all or at least a part of me did. There was also a deeper place within me craving some stillness and quiet and respite from the chaos around me. Fast forward 30 years later and a week before my 54th birthday as my husband and I travel to Olympic National Park , the sacred and seemingly ever green space where the Hoh Rainforest lives. I am surrounded by moss so incredibly lush and verdant that I want to lie down and be lost in her softness and her nourishment. So many ferns! Tall and 10,000 shades of green; some curling inward, others reaching up towards the 200-foot Sitka Pines and Cedar trees above, and yet others snuggled close to the old growth forest floor.
My heart expands along with my lungs as I breathe in the beauty and the magic of the phytoncides, the natural oils released by trees that create a field of protection around itself against harmful bugs, bacteria, and disease. These natural oils have medicinal qualities for humans that encourage natural killer (NK) cell activity in our bodies which can help to increase our immune system, balance our nervous system, and have anti-inflammatory and mood enhancing qualities. I could feel the healing happening on a cellular level after just a few minutes in the forest.
I discovered that there is a place on the Hoh River trail that marks “One Square Inch of Silence.” The idea behind this proclamation was to defend the natural soundscape of this Olympic backcountry. I noted that as this park is tucked in a corner that is the farthest Northwest tip in the country, I too wished to be tucked into her soft green heart and protected by her massive, old, and wise tree canopy. One square inch of quiet depends on preserving quiet over many square miles. One moment of quiet and stillness in our body and minds can occur when we make space for and prioritize REST and some space in our busy schedules. Oftentimes the worst noise pollution can be internal, that of negative self-talk and a screaming inner critic. Our path and growth towards a more loving and compassionate view of ourselves requires sound, strong roots, and space to stretch into. In other words when we are non -stop busy this task becomes nearly impossible. One of my favorite teachers who is an expert on the power of rest, Octavia Raheem reminds us
“REST ISN’T A PRODUCTIVITY HACK. REST IS A SACRED PRACTICE”
and
“REST IS THE ENEMY OF CONFUSION. REST IS THE MOTHER OF CLARITY.”
I found some respite and rest in my connection to the stunning nature of the Pacific Northwest. I did not want to leave. I imagined that I needed to stay in that beauty and deep quiet stillness to “get where I need and want to be” related to rest and renewal. However, when I arrived back home weary from a 12- hour travel day and I threw my bags on my living room couch, I remembered that this moss-colored soft velvet couch (a very similar shade of my beloved moss in Washington) is here for me to sink into. To rest , digest and reconnect to the parts of me that are craving some stillness and quiet. There are green plants and small palm trees in my home that can remind me of nature and her glory and health-giving gifts. If we are able to go out into the trees and nature, we should do so. And we can also remember that rest and renewal can happen right at home IF we make space and time for this simple yet profound practice.
- How far do we really need to travel to find some sense of respite and renewal?
- If your daily life had about 10% more rest time or mindful awareness of doing one thing slowly at a time ,what would change for you?
The threads of rest that are woven into our days can be a part of the larger fabric of our self-care and self-devotion in all areas of our lives.
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