Heroes Not Zombies

Oh, I know, dreadful title, huh?

But there’s something both fascinating and playful about this image of lichen on a rock.

I know it’s natural but it seems like a work of art to me. I think that’s because of the combination of different colours, shapes patterns in each little lichen patch, but also because of their spread across the rock in a way which makes them resemble foot or paw prints.

I read that lichen grows mainly on north facing surfaces but I know for sure that’s not exclusive. I haven’t been able to know which way is north just by looking at lichen!

Thinking of that brings another idea to mind….constellations. It doesn’t take a huge amount of imagination to see this as a constellation rather than as a trail.

Either way, I can’t help thinking that we moderns have lost a lot of our ability to read the sky and the landscape. And it seems to me that’s a result of the extent to which we’ve separated and distanced ourselves from Nature.

Still I find it’s easy to reconnect. Just a short stroll in a forest, a park or a garden gives me an abundance of opportunities to notice, to be delighted, to wonder and to feel connected to the living world again.

I know there is lots of evidence supporting the claim that activities such as “forest bathing” or simply spending some time in green spaces is good for both health and well-being, but even without that I reckon we can all enjoy the benefits of being in a living, growing, diverse environment.

I recommend it.

Noticing, slowing down, wondering and savouring are all essential activities which enhance our quality of life.