Moonlight at Riverwalk

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Thinking Out Loud Again Chronicles
Moon Therapy

November 13, 2011
By: Diane Szczepanski

"If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they'd live a lot differently" ~ Bill Watterson

A young couple power-walked by, holding hands, talking animatedly. A bicyclist politely excused himself as he deftly veered around them.

A senior citizen cooed, eyes downcast to her little dog on a leash as she walked him on the busy path. Talking to her furry little friend, as if he truly understood what she was saying.

The jogger with his earphones firmly in place, his pace keeping time to the beat only he could hear. Heading down his cement treadmill, heedless to the song of the geese taking flight overhead returning to their beds in the nearby swamp.

So much activity around me as I sat on the park bench. My mission to watch the rising moon, broken only by my observations of the meanderings of those crossing my vision on the path in front of me.

I began to wonder.

Had anyone had noticed the awe-inspiring sight unfolding in the sky besides me?

Had anyone seen the moons orange head peeking above the horizon, rising ever so stealthily into the blanket of approaching darkness?

Was it just me that marveled at its beam of light that stretched an impressive path of illumination onto the river's calm waters?

Or was everyone oblivious and caught up in their own worlds?

I don't have the answer, obviously, but it did make me start to think.

We may not always have time to notice such gifts. We may be busy, wrapped up in conversations, obligations or ruminations of our day.

But, what a shame to miss the beauty of the small, quiet moments that nature provides. To do so, is to miss monumental opportunities to reflect on the amazing loveliness around us.

I had a busy day today.

It's getting late and I'll admit-I'm tired. Plus, it's a little chilly outside. So I am tempted to find my pj's and a blanket and hunker down for the night.

But, I AM going to don my sweatshirt, put on shoes and go stare at the sky for a moment. I will make the time to drink in it's magnificent show. Breathe the crisp fall air and find a star to wish upon.

Because I understand beauty isn't found in the pattern of my couch, or on the search of the INTERNET or in a TV show. It's right outside my door.

It's in the nights canvas and in the twinkling sky. It's the majestic moon glow and if only for a few moments, I'll let it wash over me. I'll give the cosmos permission to chase away my cares and refresh my inner sensibilities.

If we all just took the time to do this at night, just like the above quote suggests, would we look at things differently and would the world be a better place?

Perhaps.

Is it unrealistic to imagine that EVERYONE on the earth make this their habit also?

Well, maybe.

But, I invite you to spare those few minutes each night to stare in wonder at the umbrella of beauty right above our heads.

It may not CHANGE the world to do so, but it is a world worth really seeing and appreciating.

So, go ahead, go wish upon your own star. Maybe your dreams will come true. Or maybe you'll start to look at things differently too.

Nature IS pretty persuasive, you just never know...