The Light is Subtle, God is Here

A morning hike through the woods.

Sep 04, 2022

A black and white photograph of a hiking trail. The light is subtle. The depth of field is shallow focusing on the ferns along the trail. — Photograph by Stella Kalaw

We arrive at the trailhead early in the morning. I leave the car to stretch my arms and take a few deep breaths. We unload our backpacks from the trunk. I tighten the straps to my body, clip my hat on one of the side pockets, and we begin to walk.

My mind is preoccupied with worries and concerns. As we ascend and walk deeper into the woods, it dissipates. My breath brings me to the present moment. I focus on where to plant my hiking poles and the steps I need to take to avoid slipping.

As the trail stabilizes to an even terrain, I relax. My senses come alive. I begin to hear the chirping birds and rustling leaves. I feel a soft breeze. I notice new growth sprouting from the branches of evergreens and the complex maze of roots jutting out from the ground.

Somewhere along the trail, I see the light. It’s very subtle. God is here, I say to myself. I pause and marvel at what is in front of me. I compose and take a picture. I survey the scene and take a few more.

A black and white photograph where subtle light falls on the trail. The depth of field is shallow focus on the specks of light falling on the plants along the trail. — Photograph by Stella Kalaw

When I encounter this light quality in the landscape, it is akin to experiencing a thin place–a pre-Christian term referring to a sacred site where the natural and divine worlds collide. In modern times, a thin place can be any location where you sense a spiritual connection to the Divine, the Universe, or God.

The scenery lifts and renews my spirits. I take a deep breath and thank God for this beautiful fleeting moment. I pick up my pace and continue on.

Have you ever discovered a thin place in your everyday life or in your travels?