Words to Live By

Not long ago I had the opportunity to hike to this magnificent waterfall. I was awed by the Earth's incredible power and beauty.

I've heard indigenous elders declare that Earth Mother is not a resource. She is the source of all life.

The Earth graces all Her creatures with everything we need in order to flourish. Her sunlight, Her water, Her food, Her air...She shares Herself with all Her beings.

The elders speak of asking the Earth’s permission before you take from Her, taking only what you need, and offering a word of thanks for all we receive.

Powerful words to live by...

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Invitation

While wandering a few weeks ago, I was captivated by these wetlands at sunset. So beautiful...

A young woman stopped a few minutes later, equally entranced by the scene. She shared that she was grateful to be outdoors. She added that many of her friends rarely have time to get outside, and only experience nature as a photograph on their screen savers.

Her comment struck me deeply. A part of me was saddened by the reminder of our disconnection from the Earth.

Then a thought popped into my mind. Maybe nature photographs are Earth’s ongoing invitation to join Her. Perhaps our screen savers are like the sirens of old, calling us, enticing us…reminding us that we are always welcome to be with Her.

She is always there, waiting for us. I love that…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

Wild Earth

I love the wildness of Earth. I love Her raw nature, so beautiful and unpredictable. We humans expend a lot of time and energy trying to manage and tame the Earth. But Her wild nature is still very much alive.

One rainy morning last week, I hiked through a beautiful forest along the Salmon River. I encountered no one.

The river was mesmerizing…roaring, pounding, and fiercely untamed. My heart beat faster as I felt the thrill of raw Earth...stunningly beautiful. I had no thoughts of yesterday and no thoughts of tomorrow. I could have stayed forever.

With wild Earth, I felt fully alive...

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)