My Gecko Friend - Nature Observation #1

Davis Donaldson

Professor Williams

Treks & Texts

October 7, 2018

Nature Observation #1

I stepped outside of Scharbauer Hall in search of what to observe during my nature observation. I left class with an open mind on what I would write about. I decided that the best strategy was to explore campus in hopes of seeing a perspective that I would have never have seen before. Instead of forcing nature to see me, I would gently ask the environment to allow me into its sanctuary and reveal to me what I should. In doing so, I chose to explore my typical route to class by heading to cross university but with fresh eyes on my surroundings that I usually walk right by with my headphones in on my way to Accounting or Business Ethics.
This time felt much different. I was seeing the state of the trees as they were on the verge of preparing for winter.  The grass was reflecting green array in the eyes of the bright sun. Also, the lack of students on their way to or from class created an openness to campus that was lost on me previously.
Like I had mentioned, I sought to enter nature’s space and not vice-versa. At this point in the exploration, I was slowly but deliberately walking underneath a collection of trees on my way to S University Dr. All of a sudden, I felt something hit the back of my shoulder. My immediate reaction was that it was an acorn or some other product from the trees above me. Out of the corner of my right eye, I could see that whatever crashed onto my shoulder was still there. The sensation felt of the crash felt like an acorn if not heavier, but the object I was seeing was reminiscent of a bright green leaf.
At this point, I look over my right shoulder to discover that a gecko or lizard of some sort had landed on my shoulder. I was confused yet humored but also slightly spooked. The gecko had seemingly identified my normal white shirt has the superb landing spot for who knows what. For a brief moment, I observed the gecko as it restfully laid on my shoulder. It’s head held high as it surveyed its surroundings, most likely realizing that its target landing spot was not what it expected. Eventually, I picked it up, against its wishes as it clung to my shirt, and placed him on the ground.
I entered this experience seeking to let myself enter nature’s space. I did not force the issue but sat back and let it come to me. If there is any lesson to learned, it is that nature can be best found not through forcing discovery but observing your surroundings and allowing nature to unfold in front of your very eyes.