Avatar is fictional. To my knowledge no powerful forest moon planet exists where humanoids grow ten feet tall, and the world glows at the touch. But it has been my experience that our forests, pastures, and even deserts hold magic too. Certainly the oceans do. We can all agree on that.

I visited Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan once. It was a day trip from Saskatoon. We visited the campground and visitor centre and then quickly turned around for the drive home.

Dusk was approaching. The golden hour. The forest came alive with seemingly fearless deer leaping through and out of the metallic birch. They had no death wish but faith that they were safe to run at will. We drove slowly. Their faith was not misplaced.

The deer, the trees, and the light were memorable enough, but what truly stuck with me was the feeling that surrounded us. It was indeed magic. There is no other way to describe it. The forest was alive with it. I wish this feeling for every one of you, for every being on this planet or any others.

I gain something similar with meditation, but it is a more diffuse feeling. Soft and soothing. The forest granted just a little more electricity, a not unpleasant sharpness.

I'll admit, with the deer jumping onto the road at will, it was a little frightening, but the thrill was infinitely more rewarding than say that of a roller coaster going at full hilt, because more than a decade later, it persists, crossing prairie and mountains with the strength of its memory.

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