Marilyn Englander: Unplugged

After a busy day, Marilyn Englander reflects on experiencing nature while walking through her neighborhood.

I’d had a long day, one thing after the other relentlessly since morning. I finally decided I had to get out for a quick walk. It was late, and time to start dinner, so I ran out the door with just a water bottle for a quick out-and-back on the hill.

As I strode out into the open space, the sun was hot on my face, but cool was settling in. People were out with their dogs, or running.

As I walked along, I became aware that everyone I passed was either jabbering on the phone or staring down at a screen. No hellos, not even nods. Everyone, but everyone, had ear buds in.

Dismayed, I felt quite alone. But then my five senses started a lively conversation with me.

The hills glowed golden under the cobalt sky, accentuating the dark, cool green of the sprawling oaks dotting the slopes. Little blue cornflowers bobbed in the wind between clusters of wild grass. Squinting, I imagined how an artist would capture this perfect canvas.

On the breeze the scent of dry chaff from the grasses was touched with a faint salt smell. Of course! The wind off the ocean! I could even taste a little of that brininess, mixed with the parched dust that lifted from the fire road.

Brittle plants along the trail brushed against my legs, and I had to dance away from poison oak bushes lunging at me in the wind. Pebbles nudged through my thin sneakers.

But the biggest delight of all was the music. Insects were producing a wraparound symphony, while a hawk chimed in from time to time as the wind hummed through the trees.

What riches! All my senses were lit up. I’d been in too big of a hurry to grab my modern conveniences — barriers to being present in the moment. Stripped of distractions, I was rewarded with nature’s kaleidoscope of sensations.

With a Perspective, I’m Marilyn Englander.

Marilyn Englander is an educator and cultural guide who lives in San Rafael.