Nature Journals I - Entry 3

This week’s reading from Edward Abbey, the Havasu chapter, connected in a personal way to something simple I experienced. I went to my brother’s soccer game by myself. Normally, I go with my family or friends, so I am used to always having someone to talk to during the game. This time it was just me sitting on the sideline. At first it felt a little uncomfortable to be outside alone while everyone else seemed to be in groups. After a while, that feeling shifted into something calmer and more focused.

Looking out from the bleachers, the whole scene felt bigger than just the game. The field stretched out below with the track circling it, and the stadium lights were already on even though the sun was still setting. The sky was the most striking part. It faded from a deep clear blue at the top into soft hues of yellow, peach, and light orange near the horizon. Thin clouds were streaked across the sky and catching the color. From where I sat, I could see bare winter trees beyond the field. People were scattered through the rows of seats, some leaning forward watching closely, others relaxed and talking. All of it together made the place feel active but still peaceful at the same time.

That moment reminded me of how Abbey describes paying attention to small sensory details in the Havasu chapter, like wind sounds, insects, shifting shadows, and how the sky changes throughout the day. He talks about how being alone helped him notice things most people miss. Even though I was at a soccer game instead of a desert valley, I felt a similar kind of awareness. I noticed the slight breeze on my face and the layers of sound around me.

Abbey talks about how being alone can make you notice more and think more clearly. I felt a small version of that at the game. Even though it was a busy place, being by myself helped me slow down and actually take it all in. It made me realize you do not have to be deep in nature to practice observation. You just have to pause and pay attention.