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Journal 5 // Edward Abbey Reflection

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     This week our class continued reading in  Desert Solitude by Edward Abbey. In my mind, the assigned chapters really correlated with the book title, as we read about a man who had died while traveling alone through the desert. I continued to enjoy Abbey's vivid description of nature that pulled me in and made me feel like I was immersed in the environment, but I was rather shocked by his detachment and seemingly irreverence to the fact that a man had just died alone. The dichotomy of this situation really scratched my brain and made me think and feel in ways I have not been made to in a long time, and I am very appreciate of that. I balanced taking in the scenery with the sadness of the man's death while also taking in Abbey's account in which he made it seem that the man's passing was in sorts, a good thing. Upon the conclusion of the chapter, I reflected briefly on the literature I had just consumed. It dawned on me that we are all living in the same world phys...

Journal 4 and Edward Abbey reflection

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Anish Doshi Journal Four     As I have continued reading Desert Solitude, I have become more and more impressed with the vivid descriptions of the desert that Abbey employs. I feel like I am transported into his world, and it is nice to enjoy and explore his surroundings with him. I thought the idea of being kind to all of creation was profound, and I really enjoyed how we followed up on this idea in class. Often, I find myself so caught up in all of my responsibilities and commitments that I forget to take a second to enjoy the nature around me. Reading this book and taking this class allows me time to do just that, and I am super grateful for it.      I captured a picture after leaving Mass this past Sunday. It was light outside when I walked into the service, and almost completely dark after it was over. The bright lights shining from inside the church contrasting with the dark background made the church really stand out to me. I spent a moment admiring its b...

Entry 3 - Snow and Edward Abbey Reflection

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1-25-26      I planned on going for a morning run, but the weather had other plans, so I went for a nice slow walk instead. I spent some extra time exploring the neighborhoods near my house while observing the snow and ice beneath my feet. I love snow, so it was really nice to slow down and enjoy it. There is even more snow than yesterday; I believe it snowed all night. Unlike yesterday, the sun is shining bright and reflecting off the ground, giving the outdoors an even brighter appearance. Simply observing this and being outside was a great start to my day. I'm not sure when the next time I will see snow, so I made sure to appreciate every moment of today.      My time outside this morning reminded me of the Edward Abbey reading assigned for this upcoming week. While reading the beginning of  Desert Solitude , I thoroughly enjoyed Abbey's vivid description of his situation and surroundings. While it may seem lonely, I found it peaceful to read his ac...

Entry 2 - Weekly Reflection and Sunrise Run

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  Now that the week is nearing an end, I have had time to sit back and reflect on all that I have learned. Our readings this week in class caught my attention, and really made me think. Learning about how Native Americans were viewed by others as well as seeing their own first person point of view made me reflect on the fact that there are two sides to every story. History is often taught from one perspective, and I appreciated being able to view opposing perspectives on the same situations this week in class. This experience opened my mind, and reminded me to think critically about everything I read while not simply taking things at face value.       The class presentation this week was insightful, and was integral to me coming to the positive realizations that I did regarding the material. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the unconventional way that we spent a brief period of class outdoors. It was nice to take a break and feel the Earth on my feet before re...

Entry 1 - Brief Walk Outside

 Anish Doshi // 1-13-26     Today I completed my first Treks & Texts honors colloquia class at TCU. I have heard many good things, and now reflecting on the first day, I can confidently say I am excited to learn more throughout this semester. As I left class today, I felt a light breeze hit my face as I walked down the steps. As I walked, I did my best to stay fully present and immersed in the moment. My phone was put up, my eyes were scanning my surroundings, and I listened to each and every sound. An honors class I took previously called Mind, Body, Ecology with Dr. Blake Hestir taught me how to engage actively in each and every present moment, and I implemented this practice on my walk home.      I was thoroughly pleased in how the weather turned out this afternoon. I have had class since eight in the morning, and at that time it was rather chilly. It warmed up around thirty degrees or so from that point in the day, which made my walk even more pleas...