Finding Zen in the Wild
- Not So Coy by Jann Alexander © 2014
There’s nothing too coy about koi.
Perhaps because they’re not much more than common carp, and kept mostly for decorative reasons, koi (nishikigoi) are less than coy, always preening, jostling and showing off. They seem to be fighting for space, attention, air, food—massed in their constant motion, always on the move. It must be in their nature: captive creatures whose existence depends on their looks learn to show them off.
Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.
—ECKHART TOLLE, Stillness Speaks
Contrast koi with the humble turtle, who’s content to rest in stillness, in the wild, for hours on a warm rock in the sun, waiting for nothing much more than a fly that might meander by. Turtles offer a very visual reminder that stillness speaks. How zen, compared to the frantic koi. ♣
You’ll find more scenes from the wild in my Naturescapes.
Where do you find zen in the wild?
Love your choices – mine include Yosemite, Big Sur and Tahoe in Cal – Aspen, Red Rocks, Evergreen in CO. But some are right here at home where I live, with the walking paths and the magnificent views of the snowcapped Rocky Mtns. Today it is sunny and very warm but we have major winter storm warnings for tomorrow, with mtns expecting 2 ft of new snow (In mid-May!) – here in the Denver area they are saying it will rain a LOT.
Have a great MOTHERS DAY!!
You have some pretty lofty choices there in the Denver area! Hard to argue with any of yours. Sorry if the snow will spoil your mother’s day . . . though that’s also nature’s way of providing some stillness. Thanks for sharing your fav zen spots.
watching a snail, slow pace, no plot, just in the moment
Thanks for responding with a lovely verse.
I just have to step outside my door and well – technically, I’m in the wild — living in semi-remote cottage country – and there is a wealth of eco-diversity and habitats all around.
And yes, Koi are self-centered egotistical and rivals of the preening peacocks. It’s very rare that you will only see a few grouped together, unless the actual pond is huge. Even then, they seem to be less solitary and very socially minded.
Lovely images and a delightful post for a quiet Sunday morning Jann. 🙂
Thanks, Patricia, for adding to the koi commentary! You’re lucky your zen is just footsteps away.
Yes, I am indeed very lucky to live where I do – although the city life has its peculiar and unique beauty too. Sometimes I miss it – especially all the visuals from which to pick, choose and photograph. A question of balance.
Love your photos here! I live near an urban park and pass through it everyday on bike. On rare occasion there are wild jackrabbits, a beaver.
But Zen is best in the early morning just before rush hr. I deliberately go into work early, just to get the bit of Zen before getting to my desk.