Walking Across the Mississippi

Originally uploaded by holisticgeek

Last weekend I had the chance to visit Lake Itasca State Park and the Mississippi Headwaters area. Although the temperature was a cool 38 degrees, much of the lake was still completely frozen.

So, after hiking across the frozen lake most of the way, I decided to walk across the Mississippi River at its very source. I also decided to go barefoot (which might have been the cause of my mid-week cold) upon the rocks to do this.

Over the last two years, I’ve been exploring the idea of “Nature as Healer” and “Nature as Teacher” in my healing studies. While it’s enlightening to take courses and learn from other teachers and practitioners, I have found that I am learning in profound ways through my interactions with nature herself.

I’ve taken over 60 pictures of my hands interacting with trees, stones, rivers, springs, lakes, plants, and objects in nature in the last two years. I’ve visited some amazing places. Dipping my hands in rivers and streams, walking on stone paths, building stone labyrinths, and learning in this deep and interactive way with nature has been a great source of healing in my own life.

Enjoy the photos from Lake Itasca and the Mississippi Headwaters. Visit if you get a chance!