Belonging In Nature

"Nature is a mirror, inspiring us, teaching us, and deepening our 

sense of belonging in the world."

Madisyn Taylor

We are naturally drawn to nature whether we see a tiny bird perched in a tree or a sly fox scampering across the road. Unfortunately, we utilize the delight found in nature on neighborhood walks or on the weekend get-a-way. But nature is always present, waiting for us to notice the depth, beauty and peace awaiting us.

Nature can be experienced in the rush of white-water rafting or meditating outside in a garden. There is magic in the stars and moon and brilliant wonder in illuminating sunshine or the grace of the setting sun. There is inspiration in the unfolding of the budded flower or the ripening of the fruit hanging from its vine.

There is inspiration waiting throughout nature. Birds protect and feed their babies in a nest and mama bears settle their cubs in a disclosed cave. Hummingbirds illustrate patience and control while caterpillars shed to unfold into the flight of the butterfly. And humans, they exchange tenderness caring for all aspects of nature discovering deep connection.

 

Notice Silent Change

"Change can enter our lives silently, and this change can be 

just as important as change we have worked hard for."

Madisyn Taylor

We are making many adjustments in our lives involving family, career, and friends.     And these of course are added to the challenges we already have erupting in our daily experiences.  Unexpected emotions may be stacking up.

If we are sheltered at home, we might be bonding with our pets more or developing a fondness for a non-rushed morning routine.  Change may be as silent as finding the first gray hair on your head or realizing the body is in dire need of loving touch.  Change invades, welcomed or not.

The degrees of change are endless from wearing masks to losing loved ones.  O

ur reactions may be more severe under the growing pressure of not knowing what comes next.  Let's be gentle with our lovely selves as things are far from normal. Start fresh every morning and begin to make some silent changes of our own.

A Gift In Itself

 

 

When offering comfort to somebody,

their only real need is to have you

be in the present moment with them.

 

Madyson Taylor

DAILY OM

 

 

We handicap our selves when we think we need to have words of wisdom and exceptional problem solving abilities when a friend or family member struggles.  We self-impose the inference that we are incapable to help for the lack of tools or fear of being too involved.

 

In reality, when a person is suffering, they feel truly alone in their challenge.  They crave the presence of someone to witness the struggle.  No matter how skilled we may be,  a hurting person may need comfort rather than answers.  If we spoon feed resolutions, we are not helping a person  find their way.  They need their own personal imprint on what to do next.  We do not want to be co-dependent or become responsible for their choices.

 

We can sit by a person's side, quietly listening.  Instead of asking, "What can I do to help," we can kindly offer what we feel we can reasonably do.   We can offer to make phone calls, to straighten the home, pick up some groceries or promise to visit again soon.  Instead of avoiding a person in need, we can drop a card into the mail, deliver some flowers or  bring a batch of favorite cookies.  It is beneficial to visit often and for shorter periods of time. 

 

If we cannot appropriately sit and hug a person, mentally extend love, prayers, and light in hopes of adding to their comfort.  Maintain eye contact with heart felt compassion. Remember, just being present is a gift in itself!