So fellow travelers, when I reach the edge of emotional resilience nature is the sanctuary which brings my energy back to center.
In general, I proactively make healing time in nature a regular part of my routine, even if it’s just the daily walk times with our dog. Since our return from the early October trip to Acadia, my creative focus has been in total disarray just like the trip’s blog entry which remains in narrative limbo. Like the haze from wildfires, there is a peripheral anxiety which permeates my days and a growing awareness that this energy I am feeling is far larger than my own. It comes in unrelenting waves so persistent I have been pushed to seek a more powerful arsenal of coping practices. That quest has led me to profound discoveries about myself, which in turn have brought me to a place of clarity about what’s happening in the world around me as well. This awareness has not quite coalesced into description yet, but a moment on a long hike created an experience which reflects what it feels like.
Trekking along a path, my dog and I rounded a corner and there, illuminated by a ray of sunlight, was a tiny red angel standing perfectly upright among the fallen leaves. Feelings quickly flowed into these words
This one chose to stand
small but fiery bright lit by
compassion and love
The world is changing; there are multiple narratives playing out. We are alive in this crucial turning point for a reason. That reason differs for each of us and none of us can say what is true for anyone but our own self. Yet collectives are made of individuals so the choices we each make matter more than we give ourselves credit for. There is power inherent in every act of kindness and compassion, in each word spoken to raise awareness of injustice and each hand extended in peace. The power of many individual actions builds into a wave which can overcome fear and hatred with the unstoppable force of unified Love.
I’ve only surfed a handful of times, but if the tide is changing and surf’s up, I’m willing to ride the waves.
Walk gently on the path my friends and let Love Light the way