Haven Within

As I watched this beautiful harrier resting in a field, I realized she and I share something. We both find respite in the natural world.

For me, nature is a haven. A place for introspection and rest and rejuvenation to support and inspire me in my everyday life.

As I stood quietly admiring the harrier, I had a thought. Perhaps there’s also a haven deep inside each of us. Our own personal quiet space we can slip into when we breathe deeply and slow our thoughts. A place of rest and rejuvenation and inspiration.

And perhaps the natural world is an outpicturing of that haven, encouraging us to explore the sacred world within.

Something to ponder…inspired by a lovely harrier.

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

The Return

As I stepped on a path yesterday, I noticed that something was different. Emanating from the trees was a symphony of chirps. The tree swallows had returned from their winter migration, and I was thrilled to see them.

As they darted among the trees, their blue iridescent wings shone in the sunlight. I watched them inspect the knotholes looking for the perfect nesting sites, and I thought about the long, arduous journey these little birds make twice a year.

How do they survive that grueling trip?

So many birds migrate, with the driving force being access to food. Along the way they pollinate plants, disperse seeds, keep ecosystems in balance, and recycle nutrients back into the Earth…these small creatures contribute mightily to the health and well-being of us all.

But to me, birds are so much more than their practical contributions to the planet. They inspire and surprise and dazzle, imparting a sense of wonder and freedom.

As I delighted in the flashes of color in the trees, I smiled.

And I say welcome back...

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

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)