Natural Rhythm

While wandering yesterday, I spotted this magnificent hawk hunting for food.

With a powerful burst of energy, he lifted his wings and soared over the field, scanning for prey. I could feel the intensity of his movements. Then he returned to his perch and rested. Over and over, he repeated the cycle of taking flight and returning to rest.

As I continued to wander, I had a thought. The hawk was operating in an easy rhythm…hunt, rest, hunt, rest. Animals know how to pace themselves. They live in concert with the natural rhythms of the Earth.

I suspect my encounter with the hawk was a reminder to pace myself. Expend energy, then take some moments to rest. I realized that it’s in those resting moments that reflecting happens about the lessons I’m learning and what I’m being guided to do next. I suspect it’s the recipe for living an examined life.

I’m grateful for the reminder from the beautiful hawk...

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

Support

While watching a group of ducks the other day, I saw a ruckus erupt. After much squawking and quacking, this mallard moved himself to another part of the lake.

He preened for a while and eventually returned to his duck tribe. They greeted him with what I suspect were apologies, and the group swam off together.

I smiled as I realized that we have some things in common with the duck world. Like the ducks, we sometimes become overwhelmed and irritated with each other, and go off on our own to recover. Our tribe always welcomes us back.

Our families and communities are not perfect, but they help us foray through human complications and the challenges of life. They love and accept us in spite of our missteps and our quirks.

Ram Dass once said, ‘We’re all just walking each other home.’

I'm very grateful for the support…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

Harmony

After watching the news yesterday morning, I felt discouraged about all the disharmony on our planet. As I often do, I headed out into nature to calm my overwhelm.

While wandering, I spotted these two flickers on a bridge. They drew close together, parted, and then drew close again. Over and over. In their movements, they appeared to be dancing. So much grace and harmony.

Then I had a realization. Yes, there is discord in our world, but there is also harmony. But harmonious events aren't considered newsworthy.

I realized I witness harmony all the time. The couple taking a walk and holding hands, the man smiling and holding the door for a stranger, children playing together in the park…so many harmonious interactions.

I’ve heard it said that if you focus on something, it will grow and expand. I suspect it’s time to focus on harmony.

I’m grateful to the flickers for the inspiration…

(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)