Long Walks On Leafy Streets

8/4/2013 Tulip Ave, Takoma Park, MD (Thanks to Google maps).
It was a cloudy and drizzly day yesterday. Beautiful in its own way. I went for a long walk in the streets of Takoma Park. Although our home is in the District of Columbia, it is just a few blocks from this town in Maryland. Takoma Park is a unique place, full of artists, poets, activists and intellectuals. We enjoy walking here because of the quiet tree lined streets and picturesque houses. My walk took me through some very green neighborhoods where the houses were nestled between trees. It was almost as if every house was built in the spaces between trees as opposed to having a few trees around the house. Having trees on a street really enhances its character. It is uplifting to the spirit and conducive to contemplation. It was such a joy to walk in these neighborhoods, lost in thought on this wet and quiet morning. Many of the trees in Takoma Park are impressively tall and old. I could identify some of them as oaks, maples and poplars. Even the streets are named after trees: willow, maple, cedar, birch and so on.
I am very glad that the Mayor of DC is embarked on a tree planting campaign. The Washington, DC region has always been very green, blessed with abundant rainfall. There is no reason all of it should not look like Takoma Park. Eventually our planet is going to be populated in most places. If we could build our houses in such a way that they are in harmony with nature not only can we sustain life but also preserve its beauty and enjoy it more. Would it not be wonderful if instead of concrete jungles we could make our cities more like urban forests?
I have been dreaming of having more trees in the areas in front and back of our home. Because of worries about disturbing the water and power lines, so far I have planted only small plants and berry bushes. Perhaps next year I will be able to find some trees that are appropriate to our yard. One consolation is that our neighbors have several trees in their backyard. Since we share the same building with our neighbors it doesn’t feel so bare.
People in Takoma Park are very environmentally conscious. It was nice to see the profusion of hybrid cars, mostly Prii, and the wildlife habitats provided in people’s yards. Many of the cars have bumper stickers about nature or peace. I liked the one that said “I’d rather be biking.” I know many people who live in Takoma Park. Some of them are friends from my days with the RhythmWorkers’ Union and others I know from the Washington Mindfulness Community where I go to meditate on many Sundays. I look forward to getting to know more people in this eclectic town and many more walks in its verdant neighborhoods.

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