August 17, 2025
Gathering Moss - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Today on our walk in the woods of Maine we were enamored by the mosses that were all around. Our conversation turned to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Gathering Moss. The stippled light in the pine trees, the soft lush green under my feet, the tiny, tree-like growth in the undercover of the tall pines was enchanting. I was reminded, as we walked, of our interconnection and presence. How we called each other to see the beauty we were experiencing. How being human and in nature is a gift of connectedness and a treasure. I am grateful for friends who call me to be aware of what is right before me.
“Infrared satellite imagery, optical telescopes, and the Hubbell space telescope bring vastness within our visual sphere. Electron microscopes let us wander the remote universe of our own cells. But at the middle scale, that of the unaided eye, our senses seem to be strangely dulled. With sophisticated technology, we strive to see what is beyond us, but are often blind to the myriad sparkling facets that lie so close at hand. We thing we're seeing when we've only scratched the surface. Our acuity at this middle scale seems diminished, not by any failing of the eyes, but by the willingness of the mind. Has the power of our devices led us to distrust our unaided eyes? Or have we become dismissive of what takes no technology but only time and patience to perceive? Attentiveness alone can rival the most powerful magnifying lens.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, from Goodreads Quotes Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
Invitation: “Attentiveness alone can rival the most powerful magnifying lens.”
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 | A guest post by
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Tele/microscopes?
Mosey around and see moss.
Plain sight attention.
"Has the power of our devices led us to distrust our unaided eyes? Or have we become dismissive of what takes no technology but only time and patience to perceive? Attentiveness alone can rival the most powerful magnifying lens.” Robin Wall Kimmerer
I appreciate this question from Robin Wall Kimmerer as devices, technology and now AI, are so pervasive in our lives. Indeed -- I affirm: "Attentiveness alone can rival the most powerful magnifying lens."