Sit Spot Haiku -Amber Snail

Today’s Haiku:

• Early morning dew
• Gathers in the unkept grass
• A snail emerges

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Snails are classified as gastropod mollusks. What this means that they are part of the larger mollusk phylum which includes snails, slugs, mussels, and octopuses. The more specific class gastropod, or gastropoda, narrows this group to snails and slugs. Gastropods either have a univalve shell or no shell, and they have a distinct head bearing sensory organs. Snails are often separated further by their habitat. There are terrestrial snails (land snails), salt-water snails, and freshwater snails.

The Amber Snail is the common name for snails in the Succineidae family. Amber snails are land snails and they got their name because they have thin fragile shells that are translucent or amber in color. The Amber snail is a common species of snail that is often found on reeds and grasses near water, damp meadows, or swamps.

As with everything in the natural world, once you start diving into a topic there is so much to learn. All it takes to start on this journey is to be open to the world around you. The haiku master Basho said:

“Go to the pine if you want to learn about the pine, or to the bamboo if you want to learn about the bamboo. And in doing so, you must leave your subjective preoccupation with yourself. Otherwise you impose yourself on the object and do not learn.” (Quoted by Nabuyuki Yuasa in the introduction to The Narrow Road to The Deep North)

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I was just sitting at my sit spot and noticed this small snail climbing on a blade of grass. This simple observation opened up a new world to me. Have you ever been surprised by what you have found outside and in nature? If so, share your story. I would enjoy hearing about it.

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What is the sit spot?

A sit spot is a foundational practice for many people who are looking to develop a deeper connection to the natural world. The sit spot is a place where you can go and be with nature.  You use this spot to observe, investigate, and explore the natural world. It is a place that helps you connect to a place.  A sit spot can be in the wilderness, but it can also be in the suburbs or the city. 

 The Wilderness Awareness School says there are three factors to consider when choosing your sit spot:

First, you should feel safe in this place. Second, there should be at least some components of nature present, make sure that you are least outdoors. Finally, the convenience of your spot is critical. The closer your sit spot is to your home, the more likely you’ll visit it regularly. It should be less than a five-minute walk from your front door.

What to learn more about the sit spot? Check out the  Wilderness Awareness School’s Core Routine section.

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