All posts by Joyce

Grateful for the Earth

Respect and care for our planet is every day.  With each breath pure nature sustains us at the most fundamental and genuine level of being.

Every Day is Earth Day.

Thank you Mother Nature for your gracious, overwhelming gifts.

I am forever in gratitude.

 

“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”

-Gaylord Nelson

“And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

-William Shakespeare

“On Earth Day, we celebrate all the gifts the world and nature make available to us. We recognize our complete dependence on its bounty. And we acknowledge the need for good stewardship to preserve its fruits for future generations.”

-John Hoeven

“When you become scientifically literate, I claim, you become an environmentalist.”

-Bill Nye

These Trees

Carmel at the Santa Lucia Preserve, an idyllic retreat among lichen dripping oaks, green slopes, vistas, birds, deer, and coyote. The alive ecosystem of the coastal environment is present in a vital way to this tired body.  Yesterday’s wedding already a fading memory. The Barn, the view of the mountains for the ceremony, the relaxed vibe, all a part of me now, but I’m present in this moment without reflection on yesterday.

It’s all about the trees here. The way they stand in artistic poses and profound presence. They are peace and calm.

And the quiet! It seems they are thinking deep thoughts, still becoming more. It is a vital pervading mood that permeates – introspective and wise.

I am out with the trees now. Sweet soft breeze. They receive what’s offered with such grace. Later there will be a wild wind and a hot sun, and they will provide respite for some winged ones. They will shelter dozing deer, and yawning coyotes. They will talk to their brethren and commune with the others. Later still they will enjoy a moon bath and stellar sparkling light on their leaves. Their roots will reach deeper into the earth and their crown to the heavens with their hearts wide open to all that is. These trees.

 

 

 

 

Listening to a Deeper Way

“Walking,

I am listening

to a deeper way.

 

Suddenly

all my ancestors

are behind me.

 

Be still, they say,

Watch and listen.

You are the result of the love of thousands.”

-Linda Hogan

“The woods are lovely,

dark and deep,

but I have promises to keep,

and miles to go before I sleep,

and miles to go before I sleep.”

-Robert Frost

 

Werifesteria – Old English – Verb

-to wander longingly through the forest in search of mystery

 

Walking on Clouds

“When there’s snow on the ground

I like to pretend I’m walking on clouds.”

-Takayuki Ikkaku

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or

usher in storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”

-Rabindranath Tagore

“You must not blame me if I do talk to the clouds.”

-Henry David Thoreau