I was invited to a friend’s home last week, who recently had a pond with a waterfall installed in her backyard. She said it was there but a few days, when frogs started appearing: first a couple, then eight, then a dozen and now tadpoles! It was such a joy to watch these little creatures make huge leaps from rocks into the water, often keeping us in their sight, as we were watching them. With the background rhythmic splash of the water on the rocks, the whole scene was truly delightful.
One of the opportunities of summer is to get outside and be in nature. We spend so much time indoors, particularly in the winter, focused on the busyness of our lives, we get disconnected from the earth. But much of what we truly need and what nourishes our souls, can be found walking amongst tall trees or lounging in their shade, gazing at the glory of the night sky, or in the sound of water falling onto rocks.
As happened with the pond, spending time in nature allows us to commune with our fellow earth dwellers without having to look far, experiencing their way of life—the light touch of the butterfly, the graceful deer leaping through the woods, the fish navigating through seaweed and around submerged rocks.
We shift into a different sense of ourselves walking in the woods, moving through water. We experience comfort in the nurturing embrace of Mother Earth. We can delight our senses, tuning into the subtle sights, sounds, smells and touch as well as the stillness. We can rely on the support of the earth beneath our feet—always there to ground us in our being. We are reminded that we are a small part of vast universe and given a larger perspective to live from.
Rock Solid
I hold you in my presence,Awareness at it’s best
No thinking, planning, doing
Just watching you at rest.
What have you got to teach me
Many moons you hold within
A history of being
That’s all, nothing to win.
The stillness is so peaceful
No where to go, nothing to do
You claim your place on solid ground
With nothing to prove.
You give to me so generous
A stillness I receive
Reflecting in my eyes
A restful way to be.
How easy to trip over
Step around and miss the view
Surrounded my such riches
Sacred through and through.
©2011 DEI Music
Dear Diane:
Thank you for staying in touch with me. I loved your story about the pond and the frogs. Last night at 4 AM I stepped outside onto my deck to save a butterfly I found fluttering next to my computer. I could not believe my eyes. I was looking down at two beautiful deer who were eating my prized hostas, but I did not care. The sight was magical! I wispered to them and they just stood and listened. I told them not to fear my being there and they understood. These are the special moments that enrich our lives.
The last time we met was at the wellness show in Terrytown in April a month after my husband had passed away. I did one more show in May, a fundraiser at the Burke Rehabilitation Center in Mamaroneck NY and retired my business after that. On Friday it will be 20 week since Klaus passed on to his new life and I still have a hard time dealing with this loss. I know it will take time to heal and I must go on to fulfil my obligations on this plane. Please, stay in touch and let me know what you are doing.
Thanks for being here. Ingrid
What a beautiful story, Ingrid. I wish you well on your journey–seems animal spirits are wanting to accompany you–The very best to you.
Hi Diane
What a nice story. It just so happens that right prior to reading your e mail I was just sitting on my back deck which faces a nice pond and I was listening to the frogs outside. I think they are bull frogs and I imagine it may be a mating call but I just love listening to them. Although in their world their may be a lot of “action” going on -I find it so relaxing to listen to them–often it is later at night while I am stargazing –another favorite thing. I read Ingrids’ response also could relate. While cleaning up my uncles house the other day I was a bit hesitant to grab the Daddy Longlegs that was climbing up the wall–but I had to set it free -so I grabbed his tiny leg–(thought it would break off ) and set him down on the ledge of the deck outside–at first he didn’t move and I felt like maybe it was not such a good deed–then he scurried off along the deck to do whatever it is they do-it was a time out moment in the middle of a lot of clean up on a hot day and made me smile. Thanks for reminding me about the little things.
Ingrid if you happen. to read this I am sorry to hear about your loss. Nice article Diane as usual.