Fly-fishing is a fascinating endeavor, with much to commend it. One of its more remarkable qualities is its ability to take us to beautiful places. Or, as John Gierach said, “Trout don’t live in ugly places.”
If I only went fishing to catch fish, I’d miss one of the best reasons to go — feeling Ullassa. Ullassa, a Sanskrit term, refers to “feelings of pleasantness associated with natural beauty.”
I learned about Ullassa this week from Tamara Levitt during one of my Calm practices.
Levitt said, “We grow Ullassa through things like noticing the sound of crackling leaves underfoot, the magic of new buds on maple trees and the glimmer of snow in the sunlight. This awareness of natural beauty has an uplifting power. It can quiet the mind, calm anxiety and stir a reverence for the complexity and mystery of life.”
Not surprisingly, Levitt’s description invoked memories of sojourns to mountain streams, a reverence for the brook trout that call them home, and the intricacies of fly-fishing. The mystery of life indeed.
With luck, I’ll find some Ullassa again soon, and maybe a brook trout to enhance it.
Haven't heard the 'trout don't live in ugly places' quote before. That is great.
Yes, Ullassa, is a powerful, spiritual force in my life, and now, thanks to you, I know what to call this sensation when Nature inspires my soul. Plus, I think I need to go trout fishing. Thanks, Tom.