Laura Paquette - Reflection on Dr Redick's talk

 I had tried looking in my notes for any mentions of the reading of Dr. Redick's talk on the AT, but I couldn't find when it was. This is a reflection on this talk.

I often find myself thinking about a specific idea or moment on a repeated cycle for a couple days, if the moment's influential enough for my conscience to ruminate on it. This past week, I found myself ruminating on Dr. Redick's talk about the Appalachian Trail. The story I focused on was about him and the doe, and their silent communication. In particular, he mentioned that he felt as though she was trying to communicate with her face. Later, Dr. Redick quoted something about the trees having faces as well. Neither of these examples aimed to anthropomorphize the creatures. Instead, they describe what I understand to be the cosmic web and the communication between the creatures in it. 

The 'said' versus the 'saying' was the most confusing thing that I attempted to understand and yet, I think I still fall short of what it could mean. To my understanding, the 'said' is the contemplation versus the 'saying' is existing without reflection. If we remove ourselves from a situation by contemplating, then we enter into a state that separates us from what is actually happening. To put it more simply, to remove ourselves in thought is to remove ourselves in presence. I suppose it's a bit like spending time with a friend. You can be present with them as they tell you about their life but think about something else, removing yourself from the situation in thought and then physically as well. 

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