Project

Ashley Medina

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Transcendentalist Project

A Walk in Nature Alone

As I walked down the dirt path alone and looked at the tall trees around me, I felt comfortable because no one was around, and I could be myself. It was so quiet that I could hear everything around me. The stream of water was pretty, with the sun reflecting off the waves, making it seem as though it was glowing. The water’s ripples crashing against the ground were so calming that they caught my attention for a while, and I sat there, collecting my thoughts for a bit. It was nice to get out of the house, away from all the tension, and finally enjoy something peaceful for myself.The air was cool and carried a scent of earthiness, like fresh dirt. Everything around me seemed to slow down, allowing me to notice every detail my eyes could take in. The flowers, the leaves on the tree branches, the insects—every small thing stood out clearly. Walking helped me control my thoughts and made my life feel stress-free, even if only for a short time. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a bird gliding effortlessly, its wings a symbol of freedom—something I deeply wanted. Everything seemed peaceful, and it was nice to finally have some quiet time to reflect.I could learn about myself in these moments without worrying about anyone else. I had always loved nature, but this walk felt different. I felt more connected, probably because I truly needed this escape. I wanted to lose myself here forever and simply enjoy being one with nature.

A cold Night

While I sat outside, I could feel the cold air around me. Each breath drew a tingling chill that opened my senses. I looked up and could see the stars. What else could be out there? I wondered. Thoughts about space always intrigued me and made me question almost everything about our existence. What other people or things could be out there with the stars? Did they think the same things I did? The light of the moon was so bright, almost blinding. Everything around me was silent, and it felt nice.The silence was briefly interrupted by the sound of dogs barking in the distance, but it reminded me that the world was still alive. I started to think about all the people in the world and how we were all experiencing different things at the same time. Some were probably sleeping, others spending time with friends or family—everyone living their unique lives at the same time I was. A cold wind brought me back to the present, and I noticed the mist of my breath in the crisp air. I held my breath for a moment and could feel my heartbeat. It was as if the world held its breath with me, creating a moment of stillness that felt as if it had a deeper meaning.Looking back up at the moon, I realized it was a full moon. I began to notice all its details—the soft craters, the way its light glowed on everything below, and how beautiful it truly was. The sound of trees rustling in the wind was calming, and everything was so silent yet at the same time full of sound, creating a soothing moment that felt deeply comforting.

Five Senses

I sat on the cool earth, criss-cross applesauce, and allowed my senses to fully awaken to the world around me. One of my first sensations was touch: the soft tickle of the grass beneath my fingers, its blades bending and springing back with every stroke. I felt the sun’s warmth on my skin, contrasting with the chill of the breeze that passed through. The firm ground beneath me offered steady support, grounding me in the moment.I closed my eyes and focused on the sounds around me. cars passing in the distance. Birds called to one another, and I wondered what they could be saying. The rustling of leaves filled the air, and a squirrel darted past somewhere nearby, its tiny feet crunching through the dry leaves. All the sounds blended well and seemed to harmonize. When I opened my eyes, the world felt bright and calm. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden streaks over the vibrant greens of the leaves and the deep browns of the bark. Some flowers from my moms garden were in front of me, their delicate petals colored in shades of purple, white, and red. I became more aware of the richness of my surroundings, each detail standing out as I paid closer attention. I took a deep breath, the air thick with the earthy scent of dirt, grass, and pine needles. It was peaceful, and I felt connected to the natural world in a way that was both grounding and freeing.

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