I’ve always been partial to the low tide at the beach, for when the ocean recedes for a few hours twice daily for the low tide exposes an expansive beach that becomes a playground of earthly and aquatic delights. The landscape changes, tidal pools form, and a treasure trove of shells, stones, beach glass worn smooth, drift wood, sea weed and other offerings from the ocean appear on the sand, waiting patiently to be claimed once again by the sea, or to be pocketed by a beachcomber who will revere that object with special memories for a long time to come.
Sandy Point at Low Tide ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2014
The solitary swan glides across the azure pool of water, alone. There is no mate at its side. The life of the solitary person is much like the life of the solitary swan, fending and faring for itself, not relying on another in times of need. Sometimes the person, like the swan longs for the support of a mate, but adept at caring for oneself, the solitary person learns that to survive in the world, they must go it alone, against the odds, no matter what.
Solitary Mute Swan ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2014
In solitude, we learn our mettle and our weaknesses. Yet, we gather our strengths the storms that rattle our lives and move through with grace, like the solitary swan. These are the lessons of nature…
No place is more sacred to me than the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge along the northern coast of Massachusetts. It is there in the diverse coastal estuary lands that are part of the Great Marsh, that I find inner peace, happiness and sometimes solace. The ever-changing landscape of the Refuge is woven into the tapestry of my life since childhood, when my entire family, including aunts, uncles and cousins would gather to camp at the southern tip of the Refuge known as Sandy Point.
Salt Pannes at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2014
Throughout the decades of my life, which include two decades of living in Los Angeles, I never ceased to long for Refuge that was part and parcel of the fabric of my existence. It is there I celebrate the abundance that exists in nature and in life. It is there I revel in the colorful palette of water, land and sky and witness the delicate balance of the cycle of life.
In times of trouble in my life, no place has ever filled me with so much comfort as my beloved Refuge, for it is there that I find the answers to the questions in my heart that fail to be answered in any way other than by immersing myself in nature. I may arrive at the refuge sometimes with a heavy heart, but I never leave the Refuge not filled with joy. It is my greatest source of inspiration and it fills my heart with the greatest sense of gratitude imaginable.
Every flower is the perfect reflection of petals of life that unfold on our journey. Nature holds so many lessons for the enquiring mind as we move through our lives. As we take time to appreciate nature, we are in fact taking time to appreciate ourselves and give up our striving, even for a short time, in effort to be one with all of the abundance around us. To walk in nature is to walk in gratitude for life.
Walking in nature takes the spirit back to its primordial existence and reunites the mind, body and soul with the very essence of being. The seeker always finds truth in nature for nature defines the cycle of life in its most basic form. A flower buds, then blossoms and wanes. Its season may be short or long, its existence is fragile, just as our own. We are gifted with nature’s rich abundance all around us. But it is up to us to preserve, protect and give reverence to nature in return for the gifts it gives to each of us.
Rhododendrons at Maudslay~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2014
When I walk along a flower lined path, in the midst of magical forest, I am one with every living thing on that path. My heart harkens, my spirit soars, my mind fills with inspiration. I am blessed.
Walking is an exercise in contemplation for me, whether I walk alone or with a friend, my mind traverses the path in front of me and delves into the deepest thoughts in my mind. I am reminded of the words of Sam Keen on walking in his seminal book, Hymns to an Unknown God: (more…)
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Musing and Rambling
Sometimes I muse and I ramble because I can... I muse about life and things that matter to me...
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