The Simplicity of Nature

As I sit here comfortably on the surprisingly soft patch of grass on the end of the park, all I can hear are the sounds of cars rushing by, the annoying persistent buzz of the streetlight, and the sound of this pencil scratching across the notepad, forming letters and words. It is almost entirely dark out, yet it still feels early. The streetlights help me see what I am jotting down. I cannot help but admire the most deformed trees I have ever seen. I decide to stand up and walk along the periphery of the park. I see another disfigured tree that immediately sparks up childhood memories. When I was young, my brother and I would walk to the park and climb this very tree any chance we would get. Every time I look up from this notepad, I see another runner jogging by and waving hello under the streetlight. The leftover smell of charcoal reminds me of all the times we have had Sunday afternoon barbeques with friends. It continues to get colder and colder as time passes by while I stand here leaning on a tree. The tree must be several decades old; the bark feels rough against my back, but for some odd reason I do not mind. Taste is the only sense I am unable to use here at the park. If I were to imagine what the environment would taste like on this evening at this precise moment, it would be something calm and soothing, like a warm cup of lightly sweetened simple earl grey tea. Because the park is so empty and lacks commotion, an ordinary cup of tea is the perfect taste for this setting.

I was asked to reflect on my observations today at the park, but initially, I am not sure how to react. I feel so much more serene and tranquil. I am unstressed after this experience. This has made me realize that at times, being isolated is not a punishment at all. Sitting and observing alone at the park was an enjoyable experience, and I feel that this will not be my last time doing it. I feel as though I have had a minor change, but only in the way that I thought of isolated punishment. If one spends more time alone or does this more often, I believe it has the potential to change much more than just one opinion.