July already. We’ve been in Georgia for only two months, but it seems like a lifetime ago that we left the northeast. Odd how time flows. Interesting that I have relaxed so easily into the comfortable lap of Georgia after 25 years away. How good and right it feels to be here. Life strengthens me. How can I reciprocate?
Perhaps I can reciprocate by paying attention to the sadness on a stranger’s face, the cricket concerto each night, the breath on a horse’s muzzle, the kindness offered by another, the loneliness of the person next to me, the song birds’ faithful music, the stress in a friend’s voice, my intuition whispering words of wisdom.
Then I can respond with a kind word or loving touch, a prayer of thanks to the cherry tree offering its fruit, time in a busy schedule for a friend in need, imagining health for someone ill, imagining love in a relationship gone stale, extending goodwill towards those who anger me, stopping to watch the frogs motionless in the pond, giving an unexpected gift, breathing calm to a crazy driver, going with the flow when my agenda is interrupted, singing a love song, dancing a jig, offering peace to a world in turmoil.
My interactions with the world impact it. I can strengthen the life around me or I will disturb it. The choice is mine in each moment. I have a responsibility to become aware of the moments and act with intention and love.
How are you strengthening the life around you? I would love to hear.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Carla, What a thoughtful post — and a beautiful photo to accompany it. Have you read, The Woman Who Watches Over the World, by Linda Hogan. I particularly like this passage from her book, “Religions have searched for the location of the soul inside the human. The poet Rilke said that “what is within us surrounds us,” We create the world from ourselves, he means, and our perception of it. But for the Native mind, the world creates and gives birth to us and our spirits, along with all the rest. The soul resides in the world around us, it shares itself with us. We breathe its breath. We are blessed by its light.” Hogan is of Native American ancestry. Good post — barbara
Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. I love your quote. Thank you for taking the time to share with my readers and me.
Wanted you to know I’m still here and reading. I love this pic, love you, miss you and Karen terribly.
I love the fluff spiral– like a little galaxy.
Just sitting here taking in your wise words, breathing in awareness and kindness.
Hi Carla,
Today, early morning, I traveled with my Lakoda through the woods with our friends Kathryn and Mosby, where each moment was a blessing, sunshine and cool breezes. In our gardens, I fed all my flowers and veggies, and thanked each one for its generosity. Kissed my day lillies…they are so beautiful…and then into the house to finish a job….mudded, sanded the walls, and cleaned it with bleach water to prep for the priming. Instead of getting annoyed with the water getting all over me, I stripped down, turned up the music real loud, (locked the door) and had a grand time without the burden of clothing. It was unlike me to be a nudist for the work session, but I found laughter and joy in labor that would normally aggravate me, and I didn’t splatter my clothes with bleach. What a great day it’s been. Sending you love. I love your words and lovely photos.
Thank you, friends! I love you all.
Cara, I got a kick out of you dancing around your house nude. You go girl! Livin’ and Lovin’ life. You do it so well. Hello to Thomas and Lakoda!
Carla,
I have enjoyed your pics and your words.
May your life go well,
Alan