text: The hike to the hidden meadow was rough for a beginner. Back aching, calves screaming, she had to make her goal; she owed herself this win. It was only three or so miles, but for her, it felt insurmountable. COVID was a depression feeding ground, and she had become one with her couch for too long. Over feeling cooped up inside her stuffy apartment, she needed to be outdoors. She envied the explorer section of social media: lush green, fresh air, soft breezes, birds tittering, streams bubbling. Enough watching it through a stranger’s lens; today was *her* turn. The trail began to incline, and she was grateful for the trekking poles. It was not an unpleasant day; in fact, it was beautiful outside. It had sprinkled that morning, so all was a little damp, but the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze made it lovely. Sadly, the thick trees blocked the breeze, which left the air warm and muggy. *Ugh*, she could feel the sweat on her face and back. Please, *please* let me be close. Misplacing a step, her ankle twisted. *Ouch*. She sat down on a nearby log, only to fall right through. Looking down in shock, she realized too late that the log was rotten. Why did the outdoors appeal to her again? She sat in disgust, lamenting her lack of grace while studying her surroundings. It was more of the same: dense trees and brush, parted only by the unkempt trail. She considered turning back, questioning how much more she could take. No, she was *going* to make this happen. Resolve strengthened, she pulled herself up and gave her ankle a little test. *I can do this.* *Squish, squelch, squish, squelch.* Watching her feet, she trudged ahead. A half mile later, she could feel the breeze again. It looked like the trail was beginning to open. Excitement overtook exhaustion, and she moved faster. She saw the meadow, and a grin split her weary face. A large patch free from trees, the foliage bloomed extensively. There were wildflowers everywhere: purples, yellows, pinks, reds, and blues. There were ferns, bergamots, goldenrods, black-eyed susans, geraniums, daisies, and more. Closing her eyes, she listened to the birds. *Zee-zee-zee, purrrty-purrrty, choo-choo!* Farther away was the sound of water. Looking around, she found a small stream at the north edge and began to follow it. The trickle became a bubble, and the bubble became a rush. There was a small waterfall at the bank, surrounded by an equally small rocky outcropping. She could see a grotto behind the waterfall - just large enough for her to sit in. Giddily she leaped on two larger stones to get closer and stepped through the cascade. The rush of cool water was exhilarating. Hunkering down, she crawled into the cavity and sat down. It was just her and the water in peaceful solitude. She marveled at the beauty, splashing on the smooth stones below. Settling in, she pulled off her bag and fished out a thermos. She slowly sipped on the hot coffee, enjoying the view through the veil of water. In this surreal moment, she silently praised her triumph. Taking the time to slowly finish her coffee, she let her mind wander as her eyes continued to soak everything in. She could stay here forever. Rinsing her cup in the water, she set it aside to dry. Resting her hands on her thighs, she closed her eyes. Listening to her body, she became anchored to the ground, to mother nature. The strength of the stones supported her body well. Methodically, she loosened any tension from her face all the way down to her toes. Slowly she took in a deep breath, waited, and blew out a slow exhale. Repeating this cycle, each breath brought nature in, and each exhale took with it life’s stress. Now in a calmer state, she breathed normally and began meditating. The rise and fall of her stomach, bringing in life and expelling its woes. Her ears heard only the water, splashing, trickling, and bubbling. Any errant thought was noticed and drifted away. This was her moment. This was her peace.