I’ve always been fascinated by movements of environmental softies of wind and water. Flow means movement. Change. Not only air changing with dynamics of wind, and water changing with its flow, but the two are usually tied together, interacting with each other, and with their surroundings.

We usually think of wind and water flowing through OUR surroundings. Yet, soil, rock, plants, buildings and even people are THEIR surroundings.

Sharon and I ventured to a surprise new viewpoint of wind, water and rock last week. Wind was there, but not a major player. We visited Tanyard Creek in northwestern Arkansas. We’ve been there multiple times before, for short day hikes. That day we certainly stayed to look and listen to the wildly stepped rush of the creek, as it splashed down multilayered, eroded ozark limestone.

After some time, enjoying our time in observation and photos (above is an older pic from an earlier visit), we noticed that other visitors traversed trails on either side, and went upwards, beyond. Familiar with this complex stairway, carved by the water, we decided to follow one of the trails further.

We found a much larger, higher falls area that we had naively never explored! Draining an impounded lake in the old valley, water has etched different prints in the rock here, than at the lower, stepped falls we have frequented. More direct, pummeling power has impacted the limestone in its randomized dash, changed at times by winds and floods.

We lingered and waded in the shallow pools among the boulders. We took pictures. We kept finding details of beauty that came of the water’s years of activity – – and of the immediately observed motions of the water determining its course and speed over and through its surroundings.

One person nearby seemed to have repeated visits here for the purpose of calming, peaceful meditation. I regretted that we intruded on the still – not silent – time they were wanting, but the roar was something to be felt and heard regardless of children, dogs and laughing splashers. Maybe that entire aesthetic is still pleasing when you are able to full immerse in it.

We find peace in water flows and falls. We hope you have places you can visit and just sit. Look. Listen. Feel. Relax. The relaxation is such a blessing to softly grasp as you approach parts of life trails that offer it among the riffles, eddies and splashes you’ll find.