Thoughts On Exploring New Locations v. Revisiting Familiar Locations
Often times, when I step outside with the intention of going on a walk, hike, or simply getting lost in the woods, my mind wanders to thoughts of new places that I have yet to visit, be it places I have heard about, places I have seen pictures of, or places that I found by consulting Google Maps. I always have an urge to experience the new, the unknown, and the unfamiliar. I see many merits in doing so, because the world is such a diverse place. I enjoy using my skills of wonder and observation to familiarize myself with a new location as much as I can. With this mindset, there will almost never be a dull moment out in the woods. Every now and then, however, I find myself revisiting a select few locations that for some reason draw me back - some locations due to convenience (they are close to my house), and some locations due to intrigue (places that I feel I have not been able to fully explore or that seem to hold an abundance of wildlife, something that for me checks a lot of boxes when determining where my next outing will take place). I once read a quote that in essence stated "revisiting your favorite local outdoor area is comparable to rereading your favorite book." When I read this statement, I could almost immediately identity with it: on the surface, you can see a place once and feel like you understand it well, but the more you revisit the same location you begin to pick up on features of the area that you might have previously missed. In a way, I believe that this helps to sharpen your observational skills. You might pick up on things that have changed since you last visited ("I don't remember having to climb over this tree to get here.") or you might recall a smell that you were presented with last time you were in the same area. Other than noticing things for the first time, or reconfirming things that you previously knew, you might simply be presented with a feeling of joy and relaxation. For me, there are many stimuli out in nature, and that is one of the reasons that I go there, but sometimes I go outside simply to let my mind wander and to be immersed in the world where I can just become a part of it. I am always looking for new places to explore, but there are times that I choose to revisit favorite places of mine simply so I can be and quietly observe the world around me.
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I totally get this! I'm often thinking about new places I'd like to go visit, but I get a deep sense of satisfaction from observing the same spot again and again over time. I like the feeling of getting to know the place. And I feel like I get to know the living things there better, too - a plant I know by flower in springtime might look totally different in autumn when only its "bones" are left. It feels like learning a secret when I observe all year and find out they're the same plant.
I love to go back to the same places over and over again, and see how it grows with the seasons. As you mentioned, I definitely notice new things each time that I missed or didn't pick up on the time before. I find I really enjoy getting to know a specific place, and it helps me appreciate how it's constantly changing.
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