Tranquility

Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘Heaven is under our feet as well as over our head.’ I thought about that as I watched this little Douglas squirrel happily munching on a pinecone. Not a care in the world…

While the everyday world appears to be upside down, the natural world remains upright and steady. Eggs hatching, trees sprouting leaves, flowers blooming…reassurance that nature is always there, offering hope and comfort and inspiration.

As the squirrel disappeared into the forest, I closed my eyes and inhaled the tranquility of the moment. And I imagined peace and harmony across the planet.

My dream for all beings…

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

Intuition

I suspect it’s not easy to build a nest. An intricate design, perfectly beak-crafted to hold precious new life.

To me, it seemed a daunting task…no manuals, or building plans, or advice lines. I thought about that as I watched this beautiful barn swallow gather nesting material bit by bit.

Like all animals, he relied on and fully trusted his instincts, guidance from the Spirit of the Earth.

We, too, are gifted with powerful intuition. A kind of internal compass, designed to advise us and guide us in the right direction.

As I stood watching the lovely bird, I had a wondering. How often do I disregard my own intuition, deferring to the thoughts and opinions and ideas of others?

A worthy investigation...inspired by a beautiful bird.

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

Unexpected

His distinctive cry echoed across the wetlands… a beautiful yellow-headed blackbird. He surprised me as he landed on a cattail. A rare treat, seeing this migratory bird up close.

As I watched him, I realized nature continually surprises me. I suspect it’s one of the reasons I return again and again.

In that moment, I recognized that it’s in nature that I let down my guard, allowing surprise and change and the unexpected to wash over me without resistance.

And I thought about how differently I operate in the everyday world…cautious, careful, and wary of change.

Perhaps it’s time to loosen my grip and begin to flow with life, embracing the unexpected. Not easy, I suspect, but well worth the effort.

Grateful for the inspiration, I wandered on…

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