Hope is Renewed at Lake Julian Price
An Oasis of Hope Reflected in a Clear Mountain Lake
A week ago, I camped at Lake Julian Price along the Blue Ridge Parkway with my dog Takoda. I had to get away from all the news, my fears of the pandemic, and the looming political crises in our country. It was the morning after the first Presidential Debate and I was horrified by what I had seen on television. My dog had become violently ill too-perhaps from something he’d eaten or maybe it was all the anger and hostility that had entered my living room from the television screen. It was time for a reset. We got up to the campground in the late afternoon and after parking the RV, we walked down to the lake. The leaves were just starting to turn and the water was completely still. I took a deep breath and dove into feelings of serenity and hope, which I had not experienced for quite some time. Rather than describe any of these images, I am just going to share them so that their peace, which exists beyond words, shines through and hopefully heals you too.
First Fall Leaves Dancing
Colorful Early Fall Reflections
View of Lake Julian Price Through the Rhododendrons
Fading Ferns Retain Their Glow
Dead Stump Presiding Over a Stream into Lake Julian Price
Early Evening Etude on Peace
And here is a black and white in closing. Although I was able to regain my equanimity in this idyllic setting, I never lost sight of all the suffering in our country. I cannot help but feel turning away and not giving voice to this would be irresponsible on my part and make me complicit in what is tragically unfolding. Partway around the lake, I came to this dense thicket of branches that went on and on. They were all gnarled and interconnected and everywhere they seemed to be holding each other up. I instantly felt that this is what we must do now. The level of anxiety, even PTSD, that so many are feeling after so many months of illness and political turmoil, from the division within our society, and from feeling powerless as other countries appear to be toying with us and influencing our elections has caused many, including myself at times, to sink into depression and wonder whether they have the strength to face another day, read one more newspaper or listen to another broadcast. But underneath all our suffering, we have bones and stronger cores than we realize, especially when we prop each other up by reaching out and connecting through a phone call, a kind message, or a helping hand. Be there for each other. Provide trunks of stability for those who are faltering and never stop believing that we are better than what is being reflected in the world right now. Take time to reconnect with the oasis of hope within. I know doing this helped me so much.
Holding Up the Falling Ones