MICRO POST
As a recent transplant to Southern Oregon, I am amazed by this lovely area where nature walks and hikes abound. You can ruminate beside quick moving waters or contemplate under large looming pines. A myriad of botanicals grow here, but you still have to actually stop to smell those proverbial roses.
It occurred to me recently that after a honeymoon period in any new location you can quickly develop new patterns or resort to old habits. While having moved here only last year I can sense it happening already. Part of me wants to resist the old habits, but another part finds them a bit comforting. I assume there is some reason that we have the tendency to develop these regular behaviors and personal customs, and they can certainly fill particular needs – practical or emotional. As with so many issues in my life however, I don’t want to accept the limits. I want comforting routines, periodic excitement, time to enjoy the quiet – and the wisdom to recognize the particular qualities of each of these times.
My husband Michael and I were recently on a short hike in the Siskiyou Mountains (a name you quickly learn to pronounce if you live in Oregon or northern California). It was a Sunday and we had devoted a big chunk of physical labor and time on house chores the previous day. So we were feeling that we deserved a relaxed pace, not needing to rush back for any additional hours of yard work or unending home projects.
The trail we had taken was less populous than others are, and the weather forecasters had predicted a chance of rain, which may have kept some hikers home planning their next adventure. The clouds were already visible, accompanied by the wind brushing the tree tops in such a gentle way that it seemed the Gods were giving us a friendly tiny wave. We sat on a log in a forest spot we had previously noticed bursting with birds and tiny creatures. We watched small lizards chasing each other up and down the dead logs, and mountain chickadees hoping around in the manzanita bushes searching for and teasing out bugs.
It was almost as quiet a time as you can discover these days. Neither of us felt the need to chat as we sat. We felt the wind (warmer than we anticipated), watched the micro movements of the forest, appreciated the mountain top views and just soaked in the scene. After quite a few minutes with our breaths calming down from the hike and slowing in number, Michael sighed “that was nice.” I smiled my agreement. After a few more minutes he added, “It’s rare that you find this – it’s seeking those elusive moments of perfection.”
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After we resumed our light hike down, it occurred to me that this was an example of using wisdom to notice (and appreciate) the special times. I also just liked the expression, especially since you never know when those elusive moments of perfection may come upon you. It can happen anywhere.
I wanted to remember the phrase to share with others someday, not certain in what capacity. Then I received another boost to the same idea.
Being huge fans of British TV and productions, we rented a video of the recent movie “The 2nd Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’ about older British folks moving from the UK and reinventing their lives in India. We skipped it during its first run in the theatres. When winnowing out which flicks to see at the actual local theatre (vs. home video screen), this movie got caught in our critics’ choice proclamation of “that will be just as good on video.’ The movie was enjoyable (nothing unexpected), but the play on words they didn’t want you to miss was the refrain: “there is no present like time.” Not only is that painfully true, and a good daily reminder (with either order of words), but it is the only way to succeed in ‘Seeking the Elusive Moments of Perfection.” 
If your own personal ‘old habits’ already have you excelling at this talent of appreciation, I am envious. I know that I hope any new patterns I incorporate into life will have more of this, and a bit less of the ‘to-do’ list routines.
Here is hoping we all find more of these elusive moments of perfection (or they find us) – and that we recognize them when they happen. There is no time like the present.
So you are going to write a book, aren’t you? Or maybe you already have. I was right there with you in the woods. Your descriptions are so engaging. Thank you again Barbara.
Glad it ‘transported’ you. Thanks Linda.
Not a book. Thank you, Barbara, for your insights. I agree, when I am sitting on my porch/patio area and holding the hose over my xeroscopic back yard: Very relaxing, and time for contemplation about ‘what it’s all about.’
I just LOVE that image. Don’t waste too much water!
And that we can can be startled by the quiet realization that we are exactly happy in this little moment. That we need no more, this is perfection and to stop and savor it. It is usually brief, but such a gift. Thank you Barbara and Michael.
I will pass along your thanks to the ‘author’ of the phrase. Thanks Bonnie.
That was nice, Barbara. Mother Nature is a good mother!
Well said.
Elusive Moments of Perfection!! Just love that phrase – many thanks Michael and Barbara! I’ve tucked this away in the archives of my mind – hope it resurfaces often!
Shirley,
Nice to hear from you. Now there is another nice phrase – helping thing ‘resurface from the archives of our mind.’
Sometimes, when the muse is right, we capture those elusive moments of perfection in words. Beautiful, drB.
Thank you Darrow. Of course the nicest words were not my own, but I appreciate that you enjoyed their ‘capture.’