Never Stop Exploring
“What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean.”
—Isaac Newton
By: Mala
Below is an excerpt from a chapter of Ella’s book, Pawsitive Perspectives. This lesson came to mind today because Mom, Tessie, and I set out to explore a new set of trails that had just opened in Evergreen at the newly expanded Stagecoach trailhead of Elk Meadow Park. We all love discovering new places and views that make our surroundings so special. We are fortunate to live in a place with so much protected land reserved for recreation. We ended up hiking over four miles on new terrain. Some parts of the area used to be a dog park, but it was closed by the time we moved here. Having a place to play off-leash would have been nice, but it’s also great to have a trail up Jenkins Peak with beautiful views in all directions.
I hope you enjoy reading this lesson from my big sister. If you want more like this, consider buying her book. It’s available as a paperback, hardcover, or ebook. You can learn more here.
Ella
I lived a life full of adventure, and I loved exploring new places. This great big world provides endless opportunities for new experiences. Some people, even when traveling, are closed to what is happening around them. They get caught up in what they already know and believe, and don’t open their eyes or minds to other ways of being.
The way to really explore a place is to go in with no expectations and have your eyes wide open–and your nose, too. Discover your surroundings by seeing with fresh eyes. Engage your senses and take the time to get to know everything. You can even do this in places you’ve visited many times. Imagine you are experiencing it for the first time. Make it your intention to discover something new about it. Take your time and notice how the light shines through the trees, or how the time of year affects how things appear. When you see the world in this way, you will never stop exploring.
As I got older, I slowed down, which gave me even more opportunity to take things in. When Mom and Dad took me to the Grand Canyon, I stopped at each vista we came across along the Rim Trail and paused to look out. We walked at different times of day while we were there, so I took in the way the light changed the colors of the canyon. I stood at each lookout for a long time and appreciated the natural beauty and wonder. I was so happy to have the opportunity to experience such an amazing place. My parents were always making up road trip songs and they loved watching me look out at the vistas so much that the one they made up on that trip included the line, “Take it all in.”
I explored the world right up until my final days. I wasn’t able to hike anymore, but I could still go for walks with my Walkin’ Wheels®, sniff along the trails, say hello to people and fellow dogs, and enjoy the sun on my fur. Mom still took me paddleboarding on the lake, so I could watch the birds and dip my feet in the water. Experiencing the world around you is what makes life worth living. We live in a grand world with so much to see and experience. All you need to do is open your eyes and your heart. So, get out of your bubble, take it all in, and never stop exploring.