Detailed Summary of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily Episode: [encore] 788: John Muir, A Dream, A Waterfall, A Mountain Ash
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host: Major Jackson (Featuring Archive Content from Ada Limón)

Introduction

In this special encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into a nostalgic revisit of a favorite episode from former host Ada Limón. This archived session not only honors Ada's thoughtful engagement with poetry but also brings forward a poignant reflection on nature and mindfulness through the lens of a compelling poem by Robert Haas.

Ada Limón's Reflections on Meditation and Nature

Timestamp: 00:49 – 01:12

Major Jackson introduces the archived episode, highlighting Ada Limón's unique ability to intertwine personal experiences with poetic reflection. Ada opens with a heartfelt narrative about her journey into meditation and how nature became a sanctuary for her mindfulness practice.

Notable Quote:

"A long time ago, I was trying to learn to meditate. The one thing that worked... was simply being physically exhausted."
— Ada Limón (00:49)

Ada shares how long hikes, such as those on Moon Mountain or in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, provided her the perfect environment to meditate. The absence of digital distractions allowed her to connect deeply with the natural world, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and tranquility.

Timestamp: 01:13 – 05:43

Ada elaborates on her meditation practices, emphasizing the role of physical exhaustion in achieving mental stillness. She reflects on the awe-inspiring presence of mountains and the soothing sounds of water, which help drown out the incessant "ping ponging" of her thoughts.

Notable Quotes:

"I could imagine how mountains connect us, not divide us."
— Ada Limón (02:15)

"If I listened close enough, the mountains seemed to be saying, we are all doing our best with this life."
— Ada Limón (04:30)

These reflections set the stage for the poem's exploration of balancing personal anxieties with the grandeur of nature.

Presentation of Robert Haas's Poem: "John Muir A Dream, A Waterfall, A Mountain Ash"

Timestamp: 05:44 – 06:20

Ada introduces the featured poem by Robert Haas, highlighting its thematic focus on nature's magnificence juxtaposed with the complexities of human emotions and experiences. The poem delves into the legacy of John Muir, a renowned naturalist, and uses vivid imagery to convey the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Nature as a Reflective Mirror

The poem intricately weaves descriptions of expansive landscapes with introspective musings, suggesting that nature serves as a mirror to our inner selves. Haas's portrayal of waterfalls and mountain ash trees symbolizes the relentless flow of time and the enduring strength needed to navigate life's challenges.

Notable Excerpt:

"The plan today is to climb Ellis Peak to see if we can't find the clusters of golden berries on the mountain ash that we saw last year..."
— Robert Haas (03:30)

This line underscores the pursuit of beauty and meaning amidst the routine hustle, reflecting a yearning for moments of clarity and inspiration.

2. The Interplay of Exhaustion and Clarity

Echoing Ada's own experiences, the poem explores how physical exertion leads to mental clarity. The act of climbing and the subsequent exhaustion facilitate a deepened state of mindfulness, allowing one to "sit and practice metta or loving kindness."

3. Questioning Ownership of Nature

Haas challenges the notion of ownership over natural landscapes, subtly critiquing human tendencies to claim and control nature. The reference to historical figures like Kit Carson alludes to the conflicts between settlers and indigenous practices, emphasizing the timelessness and untamed essence of the wilderness.

Notable Quote:

"Today’s poem... asks us to question who gets to name or claim nature at all."
— Ada Limón (04:50)

Conclusion

Major Jackson wraps up the episode by reiterating the show's mission to provide listeners with moments of calm, inspiration, and connection through poetry. He encourages audiences to explore the rich back catalog of The Slowdown and engage with both emerging and established poets who continue to illuminate the mysteries of our shared human journey.

Closing Remarks:

"The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation... to get a poem delivered daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter."
— Major Jackson (05:44)

Additional Resources

• Subscribe to The Slowdown: Visit slowdownshow.org to sign up for daily poem deliveries.
• Follow on Instagram: Stay updated with the latest episodes and poetry insights by following @slowdownshow.
• Supporters: Produced in partnership with the Poetry Foundation and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

This episode serves as a beautiful tribute to the enduring power of poetry and nature in fostering mindfulness and reflection. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to The Slowdown, this encore episode offers a serene and thoughtful exploration of life's vast landscapes through verse.