Heart

There she sat, a beautiful mourning dove resting on a branch. Another dove, out of sight, was softly cooing. I’ve read that mourning doves were named for their sound…a haunting cry that stirs deep-hearted memories and offers natural comfort.

I suspect animals have purpose, just like we humans do. And perhaps the doves’ cry is meant to evoke powerful emotion, reminding us that a human heart is tender, and requires careful attention.

Listening to the primal call of a dove that morning, I realized my heart is my most prized possession.

How grateful I am for the awareness…

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Pause

There he was, out for an early morning hop…a lovely rabbit.

When he spotted me, he immediately froze. At first glance, freezing seemed like a poor defense, but I remembered something I had read. Assuming a posture of stillness makes the rabbit virtually invisible to its animal predators.

As I watched him, I had a thought. The rabbit was in pause mode, quietly assessing his situation before taking any action.

And I had a wondering. In the hurry-up human world, how often do I pause to listen and reflect before acting? I’ve heard it said that it’s within the pause that true wisdom can arise...wisdom to guide the next right action. Pausing…

Something to ponder…inspired by a beautiful rabbit.

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Moment

Spring in the natural world…a flurry of activity punctuated by periods of quiet time. As I watched this lovely wood duck resting at the edge of a pond, I had a wondering.

Does she remember last year…laying eggs, experiencing the thrill of new life, and devotedly parenting her baby ducks? Or is each year a fresh experience, guided by her pristine moment-to-moment intuition?

Living in the moment…no thoughts of the past or anticipation of the future. I suspect animals naturally do that and perhaps serve as a model for us.

A simple idea, but far from easy.

I smiled at the beautiful duck, grateful for the reminder that it’s possible…

(Photo Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)