OS34: What I Live For

Many of you know that Oxbow students engage in a close reading of Walden in their first month here. In response to the chapter "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," each Oxbowhemian is asked to write a short piece on what they themselves live for. This is accompanied by a particularly special and potent exercise, which Juniper and Max have recounted for you here. Of huge importance to our program is the cultivation of solitude and being alone with one's thoughts long enough for them to blossom and explore all the crazy and unprecedented ideas that might otherwise be dismissed. The hike that Juniper and Max are reflecting upon is an early keystone of that goal:

Section 2 went on a nature walk as the conclusion to our most recent Connections project. Our hearts and minds were expanded by the exploration of this beautiful natural setting. As a group, we delved into the study of what we live for as seen through the lens of Thoreau's ideas surrounding nature and the human spirit. As our second week at The Oxbow School comes to a close, we are growing closer as a group and learning to incorporate deep personal introspection with the creation of art. 

Juniper S.

On February 3rd and 4th, each of the three humanities classes went on a hike at Westwood Hills in Napa. The hike began with Alex, our Environmental Science teacher, familiarizing us with some of the flora and fauna in the reserve. After going for a short hike uphill, we all gathered around in a circle. At this point, we all did breathing exercises to relax our mind and bodies. In doing so, we were able to let go of our preoccupations and fully engage with nature. We then walked with about 15 feet between each of us in a single file along a trail through the reserve. During this time, each of us explored the area and took in our surroundings - ignoring all else. The experience was relaxing and gave us the opportunity to appreciate the natural environment. Once we had all reached the end of the trail, we gathered underneath a grove of large oak trees. Sitting under the foliage, we proceeded to share our manifestos that answered the question of why we live. There was a wide range of approaches we took to writing the assignment. The styles ranged from poetry to casual storytellings. Writing about what each of us lives for is a daunting task, let alone sharing such personal information amongst peers that we have known for less than a month. Each student was able to overcome these challenges. In doing the exercise, our understanding of one another deepened. We all got to know one another on a completely different level.

Max C.

photos: Juniper S.