“This is peaceful” – Levi, my son, as we walked the woods recently with his sisters.

Wind in the trees, sound like rushing water.

So close to the metropolis of a million people, yet a world away too.

Well-worn dirt paths, trails much traveled, loved.

These places, those I want to insure my children know, appreciate, love.

I’m reminded, again and again, how important these wild places are, to our present, our future, our souls.

Go to the wild. Be in the wild. Return to the wild again and again.

Let it slow you down, let it soak in.

As the Ohlone said, “…walk gently, walk with reverence, it will give you peace.”