An interesting post Ann and has given me pause to think about those questions you posed. In the spiral of life (up or down?) I'm just 5 seasons past the mid-century mark. Spending time in Nature is absolutely life-giving for me. It's my spiritual and mental sustenance. I look forward to the changing of seasons as well - especially as we have not passed mid-August and ease into later Summer and transition to Autumn. That for me is my favourite macro season. Thanks for sharing.
Hmmm… up or down? Great question. I need to ponder that! Autumn is my favorite season too, and I can feel the anticipation growing as it approaches. I’m so nourished by your poetry and images, Neil. I’m looking forward to more of your work as we progress into this beloved time of year.
I don't know if its the flush of a new hobby, since I'm trying to make it a bi-weekly practice to hit the arroyo behind our house on Fridays and Sunday mornings (this morning was jaunt #3 since starting last week). But yes I'm feeling the call nature!
I paused for a moment on my walk this morning in the shade of a tree. The birds still warily flew 20 feet away to be a touch further while keeping an eye out on the massive ape encroaching on their turf. As I meandered through the desert heat I also rustled up a jackrabbit and later a family of quail. During the walk, I noticed that the warmth felt right-not "comfortable" but right. I mean I live 99% of the time in an air conditioned box, this body most likely needs a bit of variety.
Hopefully this lasts, I suspect the more I walk this route, the more I'll see.
Not comfortable but “right” yes! I tell myself a similar story: the extreme humidity is “atmospheric” right?!? Just trying to love each tiny season exactly how it is :)
Spending time in nature is the balm! Wherever I look I see that it's all fleeting and I am small. I can feel the space between our molecule, mine and the plants. There is space within the rocks and moss.
Edgar, thank you! Your poetry is a lantern in the dimly lit hallways and stairways of my memory. And yeah -4 degrees would definitely be a jumpstart for the final push towards morning rounds!
As someone who had a mitral valve repair two years ago I am in awe of ICU nurses. Thank you, Ann for this reflective piece of writing and for your service as a nurse.
The operation was a profound experience for me and certainly made me even more aware of taking advantage of the time I have remaining in this world. Being in, and celebrating Nature is a big part of this.
I’ve never thought of life as a spiral, so that’s a thought-provoking idea. I would say that the spiral for me starts in the centre and becomes wider throughout life, until at death it has expanded to a point where it becomes indistinguishable as a spiral and is absorbed into all that is. Like in this quote from Mr g, by Alan Lightman.
“And the individual atoms, cycled through her body and then cycled through wind and water and soil, cycled through generations and generations of living creatures and minds, will repeat and connect and make a whole out of parts.
Released from their temporary confinement, her atoms slowly spread out and diffused through the atmosphere.”
Glyn, what a glorious chain of ideas! The ever-widening spiral, the atoms dispersed, now we become part of everything… that resonates strongly with me. I’m so glad to hear that you came through your valve surgery well and are now thriving! That’s always the ultimate goal—joy and fullness of Life!
Thanks, Ann. I’m very grateful to be living in a time when these medical procedures can allow to spend more time on the amazing planet. I found this idea of our atoms dispersing to become part of everything rang true after experiencing my mum slowly fade away with Alzheimers. It was as though this once vibrant woman gradually dissolved into something larger than herself. And her love remains.
Oh Glyn, that is a gorgeous, poetic image of her to hold in your memory. A mother’s love is boundless and forever. May you always feel her heart nearby.
That's wonderful, Julie! I'm so pleased to hear it. I'm on the other end of the age scale, at 64, and it was only detected by chance. Amazing skill by the surgeons, with the help of technology, isn't it.
Julie, I hope you and your child are strong and on the road to full recovery now. What an odyssey to get through together. Sending love to you both! ❤️❤️
As a former ICU and ER nurse, this post took me back to many years ago. Now retired and living a slower more aware life, I embrace my time in nature.
For me it’s the beach, but all of nature provides incredible healing properties to the human body- if we allow it. I’ve written a few posts looking at research on the topic.
There’s something we can learn by observing nature. Every leaf has a lesson, and every vast horizon grants us freedom. This is by design.
Once we acknowledge that all of nature comes from beyond us, everything changes, and something miraculous happens.
So much of this speaks to me. When you mentioned life as a spiral I thought of something I once wrote to my husband, “May our love be like a continuously changing spiral.” As you said, it’s something both complete yet never finished.
And the heartbeat! I’ve developed a semi-regular habit of listening to my heartbeat before bed through a stethoscope. It’s a very soothing and reassuring sound.
At the end of last year one of my yoga students passed away after spending three seasons in the hospital with an array of serious health issues. I visited her twice a week for bed yoga, sometimes just a head, hand, or foot massage. She knew the name of every nurse or orderly and always introduced me to them out of clear respect.
This year my own medical appointments and surgeries have made me appreciate every administrator, nurse, technician, and doctor who has helped me.
As for nature, my relationship with the biodiversity of life on this planet deepens and grows intertwined within my own life more every day. It’s everything to me.
Thank you for reading with such deep understanding Darcie. Bed yoga sounds like a beautiful practice for patients with limited mobility. Very cool work you're doing. Thanks for taking the time to be here. 🦋
Spending time in nature, watching the seasons flow, noticing day lengths, the moon, glorying in rain, going out with my dog two times every day in all weather-it’s a treasure to be guarded. Time must be made!
Beautiful Thankyou for your heart felt study of the human frailty ..appreciated the gentle reminder to breath in the backyard and the night sky ..happy full moon in everything x
Nature has always been important to me. As a child I always loved it when we’d drive out to my aunt and uncle’s cabin on a quiet lake an hour away. If we stayed for the weekend I’d always get up early and quietly go outside to hear the loons, see the mist coming off the water, catch the scent of pine and fish, find a few wintergreen berries and eat them and feel the refreshing breeze wafting through the air.
Those are scenes I’ve never forgotten. As I grew older my love of traveling brought me to much of the rest of the world. Although I loved learning about other cultures I was always attuned to the palm trees and sand dunes of the desert, the rolling waves and life within it, dirt roads that went off into forests, the immensity of mountains, the sheer volume of life below us on the ground, the amazing amounts of shade in the color green, the brilliance of fresh snow and the power of lightning. At 75 all of it continues to awe me.
Thomas, what a wonderful Field Guide of the Mind you have! I love seeing the world through your poetic lens and the vivid way that even some of your childhood memories of nature are still so treasured. Thank you so much for reading.
So honored to be one of your readers... and I have to say, I love the phrase "mycelial longing." Like so many here, the natural world has long been a healing force for me, especially now.
So fascinating to read your day in your life as an ICU nurse. Your laser focus attention to your patients’ heartbeat carries through with how you observe nature and the microseasons— with care and intimacy. Yesterday’s morning walk was soothing, observing the waves as thick fog rolled into the bay. Nature is a balm, a salve to weary souls.
An interesting post Ann and has given me pause to think about those questions you posed. In the spiral of life (up or down?) I'm just 5 seasons past the mid-century mark. Spending time in Nature is absolutely life-giving for me. It's my spiritual and mental sustenance. I look forward to the changing of seasons as well - especially as we have not passed mid-August and ease into later Summer and transition to Autumn. That for me is my favourite macro season. Thanks for sharing.
Hmmm… up or down? Great question. I need to ponder that! Autumn is my favorite season too, and I can feel the anticipation growing as it approaches. I’m so nourished by your poetry and images, Neil. I’m looking forward to more of your work as we progress into this beloved time of year.
I don't know if its the flush of a new hobby, since I'm trying to make it a bi-weekly practice to hit the arroyo behind our house on Fridays and Sunday mornings (this morning was jaunt #3 since starting last week). But yes I'm feeling the call nature!
I paused for a moment on my walk this morning in the shade of a tree. The birds still warily flew 20 feet away to be a touch further while keeping an eye out on the massive ape encroaching on their turf. As I meandered through the desert heat I also rustled up a jackrabbit and later a family of quail. During the walk, I noticed that the warmth felt right-not "comfortable" but right. I mean I live 99% of the time in an air conditioned box, this body most likely needs a bit of variety.
Hopefully this lasts, I suspect the more I walk this route, the more I'll see.
Not comfortable but “right” yes! I tell myself a similar story: the extreme humidity is “atmospheric” right?!? Just trying to love each tiny season exactly how it is :)
So generous, Ann, to share this bulletin from your heart with your readers. 💛🌿
Thank you, Elizabeth, for always receiving my letters with love and understanding. 💛🌿
Wow, Ann. This piece is so moving.
Thank you, Matt. I look back on those years with extreme gratitude.
Spending time in nature is the balm! Wherever I look I see that it's all fleeting and I am small. I can feel the space between our molecule, mine and the plants. There is space within the rocks and moss.
Perspective.
❤
Beautifully expressed, Donna! Everything is woven together.
My goodness, what a response! I’m touched to have been part of the process.
To answer your question I used to do a lot of running to be competitive and have lately realised I now need it to be outside and alive.
PS I didn’t go up and down stairs at 0500 but instead would just go outside where it was about -4 Celsius.
Edgar, thank you! Your poetry is a lantern in the dimly lit hallways and stairways of my memory. And yeah -4 degrees would definitely be a jumpstart for the final push towards morning rounds!
As someone who had a mitral valve repair two years ago I am in awe of ICU nurses. Thank you, Ann for this reflective piece of writing and for your service as a nurse.
The operation was a profound experience for me and certainly made me even more aware of taking advantage of the time I have remaining in this world. Being in, and celebrating Nature is a big part of this.
I’ve never thought of life as a spiral, so that’s a thought-provoking idea. I would say that the spiral for me starts in the centre and becomes wider throughout life, until at death it has expanded to a point where it becomes indistinguishable as a spiral and is absorbed into all that is. Like in this quote from Mr g, by Alan Lightman.
“And the individual atoms, cycled through her body and then cycled through wind and water and soil, cycled through generations and generations of living creatures and minds, will repeat and connect and make a whole out of parts.
Released from their temporary confinement, her atoms slowly spread out and diffused through the atmosphere.”
Glyn, what a glorious chain of ideas! The ever-widening spiral, the atoms dispersed, now we become part of everything… that resonates strongly with me. I’m so glad to hear that you came through your valve surgery well and are now thriving! That’s always the ultimate goal—joy and fullness of Life!
Thanks, Ann. I’m very grateful to be living in a time when these medical procedures can allow to spend more time on the amazing planet. I found this idea of our atoms dispersing to become part of everything rang true after experiencing my mum slowly fade away with Alzheimers. It was as though this once vibrant woman gradually dissolved into something larger than herself. And her love remains.
Oh Glyn, that is a gorgeous, poetic image of her to hold in your memory. A mother’s love is boundless and forever. May you always feel her heart nearby.
Oh wow! My baby had this same repair a few months ago. Mitral valve repair. I’m so so glad you got to have yours. It literally saved my baby’s life.
That's wonderful, Julie! I'm so pleased to hear it. I'm on the other end of the age scale, at 64, and it was only detected by chance. Amazing skill by the surgeons, with the help of technology, isn't it.
Julie, I hope you and your child are strong and on the road to full recovery now. What an odyssey to get through together. Sending love to you both! ❤️❤️
What a beautiful piece of sharing! Thank you for this wonderful post! Plenty for me to ponder here.
Thank you, Jason, for always encouraging writers to share their truths. ☀️
As a former ICU and ER nurse, this post took me back to many years ago. Now retired and living a slower more aware life, I embrace my time in nature.
For me it’s the beach, but all of nature provides incredible healing properties to the human body- if we allow it. I’ve written a few posts looking at research on the topic.
There’s something we can learn by observing nature. Every leaf has a lesson, and every vast horizon grants us freedom. This is by design.
Once we acknowledge that all of nature comes from beyond us, everything changes, and something miraculous happens.
Beautifully said, Mary Ann! I'm so glad you're enjoying your Beach Life....ahhh! Peace.🕊️
So much of this speaks to me. When you mentioned life as a spiral I thought of something I once wrote to my husband, “May our love be like a continuously changing spiral.” As you said, it’s something both complete yet never finished.
And the heartbeat! I’ve developed a semi-regular habit of listening to my heartbeat before bed through a stethoscope. It’s a very soothing and reassuring sound.
At the end of last year one of my yoga students passed away after spending three seasons in the hospital with an array of serious health issues. I visited her twice a week for bed yoga, sometimes just a head, hand, or foot massage. She knew the name of every nurse or orderly and always introduced me to them out of clear respect.
This year my own medical appointments and surgeries have made me appreciate every administrator, nurse, technician, and doctor who has helped me.
As for nature, my relationship with the biodiversity of life on this planet deepens and grows intertwined within my own life more every day. It’s everything to me.
Thank you for reading with such deep understanding Darcie. Bed yoga sounds like a beautiful practice for patients with limited mobility. Very cool work you're doing. Thanks for taking the time to be here. 🦋
Spending time in nature, watching the seasons flow, noticing day lengths, the moon, glorying in rain, going out with my dog two times every day in all weather-it’s a treasure to be guarded. Time must be made!
So true, Susan!
Beautiful Thankyou for your heart felt study of the human frailty ..appreciated the gentle reminder to breath in the backyard and the night sky ..happy full moon in everything x
Thank you, Gyan! 🌿
Nature has always been important to me. As a child I always loved it when we’d drive out to my aunt and uncle’s cabin on a quiet lake an hour away. If we stayed for the weekend I’d always get up early and quietly go outside to hear the loons, see the mist coming off the water, catch the scent of pine and fish, find a few wintergreen berries and eat them and feel the refreshing breeze wafting through the air.
Those are scenes I’ve never forgotten. As I grew older my love of traveling brought me to much of the rest of the world. Although I loved learning about other cultures I was always attuned to the palm trees and sand dunes of the desert, the rolling waves and life within it, dirt roads that went off into forests, the immensity of mountains, the sheer volume of life below us on the ground, the amazing amounts of shade in the color green, the brilliance of fresh snow and the power of lightning. At 75 all of it continues to awe me.
Thomas, what a wonderful Field Guide of the Mind you have! I love seeing the world through your poetic lens and the vivid way that even some of your childhood memories of nature are still so treasured. Thank you so much for reading.
Beautiful piece of writing!!
So honored to be one of your readers... and I have to say, I love the phrase "mycelial longing." Like so many here, the natural world has long been a healing force for me, especially now.
Thank you, truly. 🍄🟫
So fascinating to read your day in your life as an ICU nurse. Your laser focus attention to your patients’ heartbeat carries through with how you observe nature and the microseasons— with care and intimacy. Yesterday’s morning walk was soothing, observing the waves as thick fog rolled into the bay. Nature is a balm, a salve to weary souls.
Nature is always good medicine—you are so right, Stella.