Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Forget not that the Earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair. – Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
I have always been someone who was sensitively attuned to nature. Some of my fondest memories of a child were eagerly going to Gunnamatta Bay to collect shells that would emerge on the seashore. It was as though I had found hidden treasure in these intricate jewels. I experienced an overwhelming sense of joy being among the heavenly sites of the universe.
Something would resonate with me every time I would see the Blue Triangle Butterfly. I was especially captivated by the metallic turquoise colour, how it glittered in the light. Nature called me to come closer and explore the hidden jewels of the universe.
But living in a technology-focused era, my connection to the earth had dwindled, and as I grew older the cares of life crept in and my childlike wonder subsided. Most of my days were spent indoors than outdoors. Work replaced play and a myriad of responsibilities weighed me down like a boulder. I took a more serious approach to life and those simple pleasures which I enjoyed as a child I viewed as being naive and whimsical.
It seemed like everyone wanted a piece of me and I was being pulled in a million directions. I felt like a robot just going on automatic. While I was consumed with the demands of life I lost sight of the two loves of my life; spending time in nature and writing. I felt like part of me was dying.
I knew to come back to myself things had to change. To start this process I went into my bedroom put on a Native American instrumental CD and lit my favourite candle. I inhaled the rich perfume of cashmere wood, and candied chestnuts, then opened my journal with pen poised and let the words flow feeling a release. The pen’s rhythm scratching the page was in unison with my racing heart.
Writing provided an outlet to express what was truly going on within me. It provided a freedom of thought from the cage that I felt trapped in. I set aside time each day to pursue writing, which stimulated my mind and unleashed creative juices.
Then one evening when I had writers block I walked through a national park to seek inspiration. Putting one foot in front of the other caused my brain to fall into a meditative state, allowing my body and mind to relax and drift away.
At first, nothing seemed to be going on, but as I looked closely all manner of riches began to reveal themselves. I left the world behind to create new worlds within, which slowly coaxed my subconscious to reveal inner secrets. I realised that true beauty was hidden from the superficial observer.
The moon was casting its pale glow, kissing me like a lover. Mist mingled with the trees giving moss just enough moisture to creep over the surface. The wind whispered to me through the cool night air, which I inhaled deeply. I lifted my face towards the sky, letting the light and shadow dance across my skin. Its tenderness gave me goosebumps and I yielded to its magic. I was reminded of the scripture in Psalm 19:1, ‘The heavens are telling of the greatness of God and the great open spaces above show the work of His hands.’
When I arrived home I quickly jotted down all the fresh thoughts and images. I knew if I didn’t do it right away I would lose the flow and rhythm. Walking in nature created visual pictures for me to include in my writing.
Filling a blank page with the breath of my heart or feeling the romance of the earth beneath my feet has brought me solace during times of despair. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, ‘A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows’.
Some days I return to my childhood beach. As I hold a seashell to my ear I hear the soothing sound of ocean waves lapping up onto the beach, knowing I am in safe in my Creator’s hands.
