Miraculous

He caught me by surprise as he landed right above me…a beautiful barred owl. He sat for a long while, quietly watching me. One of nature’s miraculous creations.

And as I stood mesmerized, I had a thought. Miracles are everywhere. We just have to look.

An acorn that transforms into a mighty oak tree, a helpless hatchling that grows into a powerful eagle, a child’s first steps, a brilliant sunset, towering mountains…how are these not miracles?

Albert Einstein once mused, ‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.’

Gazing at the owl, I smiled, grateful for the miraculous experience…

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

Eternal Springtime

Not long ago I met a little boy standing near a pond. He yelled, 'Hi!' and greeted me like an old friend.

In his two-year-old way, he shared his enthusiasm for spring, jabbering and pointing to birds and ducks and flowers. My time with him and his mother was delightful.

As I continued wandering, I had a thought about springtime. Maybe spring is more than just a season. Maybe it’s actually a state of consciousness...the ability to see life as fresh and new and exciting, with surprises everywhere.

Perhaps our weary adult eyes have lost touch with this consciousness, while young children can easily access it.

Imagine experiencing every day as eternal spring…I love that idea.

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

Natural Love

How vulnerable she looked standing at the edge of a pond…a picture of innocence. And knowing that this lovely wood duck would soon be parenting new baby ducks, I smiled and wished her well.

As I watched her, I thought about all the amazing beings in the natural world. Animals, plants, trees, and stones…they fascinate and inspire me. A beautiful reminder that this world is an incredible place.

In their innocence and vulnerability, nature beings emanate unconditional love, the ultimate gift from the Spirit of the Earth. I feel that love each time I wander.

Naturalist John Muir once mused, ‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.’

I wholeheartedly agree…

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