November 3, 2020
I used to say that my connection with all things nature was due 100% to my younger years in the extremely beautiful Big Sky Country of Montana. The seed may have been planted but it hasn’t been my entire journey. There’s a requirement in the furthering of such inner spirit and flow. Learning to love all living things includes spiders, snakes and snapping turtles. All living things. Even those who have put their foot into a pair of shoes labeled unfriendly. How often do you want to grab a big ole pillow and smash your face into it to scream as loud and long as you can? We’ve all had those moments. But in reality it truly is a total waste of your inner strength and energy. All of that boom boom pow put into a collection of feathers? In the moments after you may feel better but you’re also exhausted. All things nature welcome your presence with no need to purchase a ticket. Falling leaves. Colder temps. A fresh coat of newness endlessly arrive in nature. Instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The choice should be an invitation into a collection of trees. To sit next to a rock. To listen to the flow of water. To spot an ugly bug on the ground and just watch it move through life. I’m known for not liking the months that make up fall and winter. This year seems different. Because of the pandemic many of us have spent our quarantine time watching spring turn into summer. To be present in that process has cleared our hearts of the constant need to just accept it as is. Watching it grow into place then release it teaches your senses to learn a new way to become part of the elements that which make up the universe. In nature you can be truth filled with no need to scream. The energy provided is shared equally without judgement. The changing of the seasons is accepted in every circle and or collaboration. Native American spirituality teaches us that every tree and every rock is gifted with the ability to be incredible storytellers. Sitting next to either is an experience like that of meditation. You feel something but you can never explain it. You want to share it with everybody but feel odd because it showcases what others may see as being out of place or weird. A roofer was inspecting my storm damage the other day. Before he climbed that ladder I very calmly said, “Be aware of what you’re about to experience up there. You’re going to see the deer in the forest. A hawk will screech from a nearby tree and you’ll take note of the most beautiful flow of bright red cardinals.” He smiled in a way that pretty much said, “A tree hugger. Quick get up this ladder!” When he came down almost 30 minutes later I asked about the length of time, “Was there more storm damage then expected?” His new smile was followed with these words, “I didn’t want to let go of all of that nature. I saw everything you said I would which invited me to keep looking for other things.” Preserve your energy. During these challenging uncertain times don’t give yourself permission to scream into a pillow. Nature is calling…