2022 The Northern Route — Copenhagen
<p>Copenhagen is a noisier and dirtier city than the other capitals I’ve been in and definitely not as well maintained. But it has beautiful parks and I spent the better part of today in its botanical garden at the U. of Copenhagen. A wonderful place, just like the one in Visby but far larger. And somehow, I walked almost directly to its own pieces of California: a little grove with all three Sequoia species. About the same size as the one in Visby so I presume seeds were circulating over here about the same time. As often happens in Nature, more it seems in places like the garden than in truly natural settings where I am more prone to joy, I become solemn, borderline sad but not really, serious is a better word. Why? I can’t say I know. There’s an element of feeling so identified with where I am and what I see and experience that I become one with it, which is positive in my way of thinking but a serious transition from a normal sense of self. And at other times the joy seems indicative of the same experience. Both reactions feel appropriate. The difference may have something to do with how active I am at one or the other moments — in the park/garden I sit and contemplate a good deal whereas in more natural settings I’m more active. Perhaps solemnity is associated with contemplation and joy with exerting myself. Joy is more satisfying as an emotion but not more valuable, real, or valid.</p>
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