“There is no longer a tripartite division between a field of reality (the world) and a field of representation (the book) and field of subjectivity (the author). Rather, an assemblage established connections between certain multiplicities drawn from each of these orders….” (Introduction: Rhizome, 23). Though this quote is taken from a scholarly journal written by, Gilles Deleuze and Felix Gattari, its message is one that inspires connections to anecdotes, outside of the textual constraints of a novel. Bringing parallelism between how Gattari and Deleuze view a novels’ effect on its reader and how nature, as a whole effects and influences me.

            “Ironically,” despite its differences to the comfortable world of the affordances associated with the front country, “the only other place that made me feel so comfortable,” (http://perf10.blogspot.com/) is the backcountry, a place that so many others would see as the direct opposite of comfortable. It is here in which the influences of the world and representations of both written and unwritten rules of society have little impact, where the subjectivity of my story and my time spent in remote wilderness is left not only to myself, as the author, but equal weight is given to the uncontrollable forces of mother nature. Boundaries are blurred and it is with this blurring that I feel most comfortable and free to be myself, without the influences of so many factors that usually surround me in everyday life. 

It is rare for a traveler to focus on the path that is being traveled, constantly being distracted with thoughts of the future -- thoughts of the destination. One foot in front of another, step by step the journey accompanied by a sidetracked mind becomes more and more monotonous. All too easy it is to effortlessly step over down logs, dodge overhanging trees, and slosh through a freshly formed puddle. Even the path itself is taken for granted by most.

This past summer, one of the participants on a backpacking trip I went on worked as a member of a trail crew. On that trail crew, it was her job to up keep existing and form new trails in one of the largest National Parks. I never really took the time to think about the process of building an entire trail, usually too mesmerized by where the path was leading me and by all the beautiful nature. As the trip continued, my friend Maureen kept pointing out little things along the way, “Look at that,” she would say pointing, “Do you see the way that down tree is cut and placed the way it is? That is so if the trail were to flood, the tree would direct some of the run-off water.” Looking down to where she pointed, I guess I could see what she was talking about, but without her pointing it out, I would have never noticed or appreciated all of the hard work that went into the creation of the very trail I was hiking.

Ever since that trip, I now am so thankful for all of the hard work that others do in order to provide safe, well thought out trails for everyone else. It also made me think about how intimidating, yet magnificent, it would be to, from a clean canvas, to blaze a brand new trail. For those who are brave enough, “There is no trail that they follow, no path that can be seen, only felt.” ( http://noles1128.blogspot.com/) 

“Could Loneliness and Happiness Work Together in Harmony?”
http://noles1128.blogspot.com/

   

            As an extrovert myself, this question is a bit daunting, but at the same time, one that brings about a valid point. All too often extroverts rely on others to recharge them, gripping to the energy that encompasses large groups of people like a coffee addict who cannot start the day without their first sip. It is important for everyone to understand who they are and how interactions with others affect them, all the while accepting and appreciating the differences of others.

            Introverts understand the depths of themselves and who they are as a person, they are their primary foundation, changing little to accommodate the responses and comments of others. I find that when I am surrounded and totally encompassed in the serenity of nature, as Joseph Conrad refers to in his novel, Heart of Darkness, “…went into the patient wilderness, that closed upon it as the sea closes over a diver,” (Conrad). I am answered, through nature,  that loneliness and happiness can work together in harmony.

            Breaking from the usual routine not only makes one appreciate what they have, but it also makes them understand more of who they are. I am happy in the wilderness, I am an extrovert who is happy when I am lonely because it gives me a time to think about all of the people who have made me into the person I am, through chosen bits and pieces of others I have built a solid foundation of who I am today. In the loneliness and enormity of nature can relive the laughter of times past and appreciate the fulfillment that others bring me. Happiness is found in loneliness. 

 "It represents openness and limitless possibilities.
 I can look to the sky at night and see space and just envision everything I want."
-http://spaceistoimagination.blogspot.com/

    Look down and look around, there is so much to see, too much to see at times. People moving, cars swerving, dogs running, leaves rustling, advertisements flashing- society is filled with movement distractions, things that can detour someone from accomplishing or even recalling their most paramount goals.      

  One must not forget to remember who they are and what they wish to become.    

  For me I collect myself, I find myself, and I remind myself in nature’s presence. When I look up everything becomes clear and it is quite refreshing. What is nice about the sky is its vast space- no matter where one might be, anywhere in the world, or time of day, all it takes is a glance up to get away from the distractions. It is automatically peaceful to look up and reflect and regain one’s sense of direction. Looking up at the sky into the space that lies beyond is similar to diving into a pool of water. Instantly everything becomes silent; regardless of what is going on above the water, people screaming, music playing, children splashing, everything below the surface is peaceful.   

     Always remember no matter where you are you can always get away. 

    

   

From my personal experience, it is not until one is truly lost that the value in sense of place is noticed. When peaks are no longer distinguishable and fog covers the water, that is when nature proves its dominance and reminds travelers that their presence is just another speck of dust in the wind. Human nature’s minuteness in comparison to the vastness of mother nature, from her wide mountain ranges to the endless seas that disappear into her horizon, has proved that ever sense the beginning of time people have been at her will.

Today technology has changed some things, yes; however, there is a point that expensive GPS systems fail and maps seem to be non-orientable. At this point journeyers have no advantage over those who forged those same trails thousands of years ago.  People realize the importance of awareness of their surroundings for not only safety reasons, but for sanity as well. Civilization wants control and understanding, as a whole giving themselves to something bigger always has seemed to be an uncomfortable transition.

To attain comfort within the natural world, to know place and to have an acceptance of place, travelers must accept that they do not have ultimate control- upon this realization, a sense of self and an appreciation of place can soon be achieved.