Reliance

Gliding over the wetlands, he searched for his next meal…a beautiful hawk.

As I watched him rest for a bit, I had a realization. His days are filled with challenges, yet he gracefully moves forward. And I wondered...what fuels his persistence?

I suspect that he relies on an unseen force. A divinely creative energy that breathes us all and lovingly forwards life in every moment.

In these challenging times, I find myself relying upon this force more and more for wisdom and inspiration and strength and resilience. Always there.

With a deep sense of gratitude, I took a breath and wandered on…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Goodness

I had never seen that before…an egret turned upside down, an umbrella of feathers covering him. As I watched him preen, I had a thought.

Like the egret, the world also appears to be upside down. And I realized that fear has been a close companion lately as I hold my breath, unsure of what will happen next.

And I remembered something that wise beings have suggested. It’s our thoughts that create our reality. If we focus on fear, fear will expand. If we focus on goodness, goodness will expand.

And I had an aha. It’s possible to remain aware of worldly events, while also intentionally focusing on the loving kindness all around us.

In the last week, I’ve observed a myriad of kind and loving acts…a man laughing with his child, a young boy petting his puppy, a woman paying for a police officer’s coffee, a teacher comforting a hurt child…the list is endless.

So much goodness, and kindness and love…a reality designed and destined to expand.

And with that knowing, I took a breath and wandered on…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Messengers

Over the past few weeks, I've been seeing doves everywhere. They've been appearing in my yard each morning, and also while I wander.

In many traditions, animals are viewed as messengers, bringing wisdom from other realms. Out of curiosity, I researched the meaning of dove sightings.

One of the more well-known meanings is an urging to take a few breaths, let go of the turmoil surrounding you and find peace within. In our chaotic world, that meaning certainly resonates.

But as I read further, another meaning caught my attention. Doves are a reminder that in order to soar, you must know when to lift your wings so the wind can take you to new heights.

A bird must be an active participant in order to take flight. If he doesn’t lift his wings, he remains exactly where he is.

So where in my life am I standing still, wings at my side, yet expecting the wind to lift me? Where am I wanting change, but not doing my part in order for the change to take hold?

Something to ponder…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)