Hanging by a Thread

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be."

Anne Frank

On a spiritual quest, I walked silently in a private wooded area.  I found myself surrounded by rustling leaves, singing birds, scampering animals, and the rich fragrance of nature.  My personal concerns seemed to evaporate in the hot rays of the sun. The gentle breeze cloaked me in solitude.

A passion for trees has been within me since childhood.  I really don't have a favorite tree as I am really quite drawn to the intricacies of sprawling branches or gnarly root systems.  So I was enthralled  wandering through the woods.

Eventually, I sat at the foot of a tree, leaning back against the age old bark of the trunk.  I placed my hands on the exposed roots and could feel myself blending energies with the tree and all of nature. 

Breathing in the magical elements of the enchanted woods, I happened to glance down to a spider that was seemingly suspended in mid air.  Impossible I thought, so I slid down to the rich earth for a closer look. 

Upon inspection, I could barely see a strand of gauze hanging from a leafy stalk, but delicately attached to the spider.   The illusion of the bug being totally disconnected, triggered deeper thoughts and lessons to be learned from nature.

We all experience times of extreme loneliness or despair thinking that we are invisible and unsupported.  I do not think this is true thinking.  I believe that the divine is always connected to us even though we may be unaware, like the spider hanging by a thread.  Like this bug, we may think that no one is caring for us nor learning from us.  The truth, however, is that divine is always looking over us, seen or unseen and others are always learning from us whether they voice it or not.

This lesson was given to me in the woods over 18 years ago, but it is one I carry close to my heart.  I know when isolation is seeping in, it is time for a walk in nature.  It is there I feel reconnected and walk in the presence of the divine.

 

The Best Remedy

The best remedy for those who are

afraid, lonely, or unhappy

is to go outside,

somewhere they can be quite alone

with the heavens, nature, and God.

Because only then does one feel

that all is as it should be and

that God wishes to see people

happy amidst the simple

beauty of nature.

Anne Frank

1929 ~ 1945

A storm passed through last night, bringing thunder, lightning, and plentiful rain.  It also brought Trudy our Tuxedo cat and Hannah our Golden Retriever into my bedroom.  I felt like Noah in the Ark!  It is cloudy today, but the temperatures have dropped considerably.   Much to my liking, it is now sweatshirt or sweater weather.

Seasons change just like our lives, and it is vitally important that we make healthy choices along the way.  Transitioning is a given no matter what our age or circumstances and the more gracefully we flow with the ebbs and tides, the better off we will be. 

When we find lack in our life, we can feel better by reaching out to others.  By giving instead of receiving, our sense of purpose, self-esteem, and attitude begin to soar.  Schools, nursing homes, and hospitals easily embrace volunteers who can sing, or read, or bring in a trained pet, or just to visit.  A local library may be needing help or perhaps a new mother could use a little encouragement.   Bring your neighbor some muffins or cookies or offer a ride to a community event.  The opportunities are endless, and when we feel compassion, we begin to feel connected again. 

To receive everything,

one must open

one's hands and give.

Taisen Deshimaru

Fall is a perfect time to meet friends at a park or take a neighbor on a walk.  Everything in nature will reach out to us and the presence of God in all things will fill us with hope, love and praise.