Personal experience essay: Gone Fishing

free from monotonous routines, I eagerly awaited the thrill that hindered my sleep. Rising earlier than expected, I swiftly dressed and ventured outside to take a deep breath. The invigorating breeze and aroma of blooming wild roses were remarkable, evoking a sense of freshness. As I made my way towards the fishing spot, I savored the sights and sounds that unfolded during my drive.

With each step I took, I was filled with immense awe, realizing how I had previously overlooked the wonders of nature. Connecting with Mother Nature is a luxurious experience that only a select few truly appreciate. The breathtaking lake, surrounded by a mesmerizing forest, captivated my attention entirely. The mist-filled waters were an incredible sight to behold and as I moved closer, I could feel the coolness enveloping me. Overwhelmed by the beauty around me, I found myself sitting down in quiet contemplation, fully immersed in observing the sights, smells, sensations, and overall tranquility that surrounded me. Not even the slightest desire to move stirred within me. Suddenly, my attention was grabbed by the sound of children running nearby and when I turned around, there was a family camping.

The enticing smell of freshly grilled fish awakened my senses, reminding me of my fishing goal. As I unpacked my fishing gear, the children found amusement in my novice efforts to catch a real fish. They giggled as they observed me struggle with the fishing line. Eventually, I successfully assembled the fishing rod and relaxed, enjoying the aroma of fish filling the air. Feeling hungry, I unwrapped my sandwich and took a bite; however, suddenly I felt a slight tug

on my fishing rod.

Anticipation filled me as I anxiously awaited my initial catch. With a tight grip on the rod, I began to reel in and was overjoyed to discover a magnificent black-eyed fish adorned with golden tones. Intrigued by its unidentified species, my lack of knowledge about different types of fish sparked curiosity within me. The fish wriggled and battled for breath, momentarily interrupting my admiration for its splendor. In that instant, empathy overwhelmed me as I imagined its freedom being hindered by the immense struggle it faced in this vast lake.

I couldn't bear to watch it die or have the desire to cook and eat this beautiful fish. I gently caught the fish in my hand, carefully removed the hook, gave it a farewell kiss, and let it go. It was a joyful moment for both the fish and myself; I felt relieved by its freedom as the fish gleefully leaped and splashed into the water, savoring its newfound liberation. I reclined and gazed at the sky, observing birds happily flying around with confidence, undeterred by any threats.

Nature's abundance, like the fish in the lake, supplies us with its best offerings. But are we actively protecting and preserving it? Presently, humanity exploits and destroys nature for personal gain under the guise of industrialization and technology. If left undisturbed, nature's splendor knows no bounds. My thoughts were consumed with deep reflections until the aroma of burning charcoal from a nearby camp snapped me back to reality. In that moment, I became aware that time had swiftly passed and it was time for my departure.

As I

observed the lake again, I witnessed the waters and witnessed a large fish leaping out of the water and creating delightful ripples upon its return. It felt as though the fish were bidding me farewell as I prepared to depart. Casting one final glance behind me, I desired to absorb the surrounding beauty and wished for it to remain unaltered until my next visit. A yearning arose within me to return and completely immerse myself in nature's visual and auditory offerings, forming a genuine connection with the divine creator.