The other day I was admiring the view, open sky, ocean beyond, the verdant earthy profusion after the recent rains, and as I was appreciating how magnificent it all is, a distant hawk caught my sight.
I looked at this free flyer, and I wanted it to approach closer.
Then I thought this bird has excellent eyesight, and can see me perfectly well;
and as soon as that thought entered, he flew right over me, close enough
to completely gaze at one another.
I mean it really made me laugh, for here was awareness and instantaneous connection at its best.
The bird has come before, especially when it senses I am comfortably
locked into contentment, and just silently glides along,
performing an in tune rhythmic dance replicating how I feel.
Another example of this bond we have with nature and the elements is
I went for a swim today. The ocean was cold, it is only February,
so the summer has not had time to warm this watery vastness,
but I am drawn into the oceans embrace, for I can fully let go,
and it will still uphold me.
At one point, after several minutes of acclimating,
(the body seems to regulate the temperature differentiation, up to a certain point, before one actually begins to numb completely and I guess eventually lose consciousness).
So about midway in my frolic I rest, by floating on my back.
It is a very interesting state for sometimes I become so relaxed,
for a second I forget where I am.
You can’t do that too long in the ocean, just merge;
or else no one would ever see me again, so it is brief enough
to be assimilated, yet short enough to come back easily into form.
This inner journey is a favorite past-time of mine, when I swim.
In the beginning you are surrounded, immersed in the sea,
the blue crystal clear sky above, the sun radiating its warmth,
and then you close your eyes.
Each breath is one of suspended comfort.
It is fascinating that because we are about 75% water, we seem to adapt so instinctively with this element.
Fire is not compatible with our bodies, at least not in close proximity;
other then that we can use its properties for our purposes,
or take nourishment from the Suns radiance.
However Earth is interesting, for if you are planting flowers lets say,
there is a definite simple joy in digging in this fertile dirt,
and having the satisfaction of watching how nature will reward you
with abundant beauty, for your smallest of efforts.
Gardening brings out the child in me.
You’re sitting in the Earth, its ok to get your clothes dirt-y,
your hands covered, I mean you’re not exactly thinking,
oh but what about my manicure.
You know if you lie down on this earth, and you realize in acceptance
this is eventually what one will return to,
there is actually a profound rest in knowing that,
for one understands from this dirt we have been made,
and eventually after the whole drama folds up, back to the Earth we will go.
Basically it all comes down to simplicity.
Having this breath, such a gift, for this time.
To enjoy, to explore, to be struck by wonder, to admire; to be fascinated
by ones own discovery, paying attention to ones own inner terrain,
the clarity of brilliance, the texture of the soil in your fields.
Is it rich for the seeds to grow of your own choosing?
Are there weeds to remove, and fruit trees to plant?
This Life is our garden,
and personally I welcome the song and swift wing of the feathered ones,
the whales, dolphins, and all the creatures
under Father Sun
and upon Mother Earth.