No Worries

I grinned as I watched this frog floating in a pond, hanging out on a hot summer day. No worries, no cares, simply enjoying his time in the water.

I suspect he wasn’t obsessing about undone frog chores, or upcoming work projects, or family squabbles. And he probably didn’t even have a ‘To Do’ list.

Just hanging out. I found myself envious of the frog’s ability to trust that he is completely cared for by the Earth. No need to grasp or struggle or worry or fret. All is well.

I was inspired...

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

Pure Love

I noticed this beautiful deer close to the trail a few days ago. As she calmly foraged for lunch, she appeared a bit too comfortable with my presence. I was glad she was living safely on a wildlife refuge. As she bounded off into a field, I wished her well.

I thought about the lovely doe as I continued my walk. What a picture of innocence. I felt protective of her, which is how I feel about all the beings in the natural world…plants, trees, animals, and stones.

Perhaps the Earth has given us Her nature beings to keep us company and to offer models of in-the-moment living. But I suspect there's a more important reason for the offering. Our nature companions emanate unconditional love, which is the ultimate gift from the Spirit of the Earth.

Perhaps that’s what draws me to the natural world…that feeling of pure love and acceptance from such a deep-hearted place.

John Muir once said, ‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.’

I concur…

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

Moment to Moment

He captured my heart, this juvenile pileated woodpecker. Sporting iridescent orange hair, this charming bird briefly perched on a log and appeared to smile. I could feel his delight and joy. His whole life ahead of him…unmapped and filled with endless possibilities.

Animals don’t plan their lives. They live moment to moment, allowing each day to gracefully unfold. I envy that.

As I watched the young woodpecker, I pondered. Do I want to live a well-planned, safe, and predictable life? Or, could I live moment to moment like the woodpecker?

Perhaps if I loosened my grip on the steering wheel of life, I could have a moment-to-moment existence. And maybe there would be openings for mystery, and spontaneous adventures, and exciting surprises.

I like that idea...

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