Preserved as open space.

I walked by a path into a nature preserve. The sign outside of it read: “Preserved as open space. Dump no materials.” It is a peaceful space that sits at the edge of a wooded park near a busy street. 

Given that it’s a natural park, it seems obvious that people should not dump their trash in the nature preserve. Yet, the sign is a reminder of what the park is for, and what it’s not for.

I walked by this nature preserve at a time when I felt down in the dumps. Some unwanted thoughts had been piling up and taking residence in my mind. 

The metaphor for the reminders we need for ourselves is clear.

We aren’t a dumping ground for negative thoughts. It’s not our natural state. Just because you are thinking it, doesn’t mean it belongs with you. Let this be a gentle reminder that within you is preserved open space. Let those thoughts go.