Friday, April 1, 2011

Earth and Heart Entwined

To be of the Earth is to know
the restlessness of being a seed  
the darkness of being planted
the struggle toward the light
the joy of bursting and bearing fruit
the love of being food for someone
the scattering of your seeds
the decay of the seasons
the mystery of death
and the miracle of birth
 ~John Soos
 
 
The Gospel of Thomas reminds me: If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you."     
               
I had just returned home from being with my dying father when I received the news that my friend Gene was in his final days at a local Hospice House. My shadowed heart felt sad and heavy, blocking the sunlight of my spirit.  Dialogue with myself and my higher self, opens me to what is within. Writing helps me to release and renew.  And so I write:
 
From the window that looks out into my garden the earth teaches. It just happened to be one of those days you want to be outside. All was a glow in warm, sunny golden light. Glancing at the side yard lawn; it is completely covered with at least 100 or more blackbirds grazing in the grass. I ask "what does it mean? What is the message?"   
 
No need for loud drum rolls! Nature's touch is gentle and I hear her whispers. I am humbled by the simplicity. In the garden surrounding the birds; flowers are bursting forth their magnificence, plants are spreading roots and dropping seeds, blossoms are sprouting on the fruit trees and the air is filled with the fragrance of a splendid spring day. The earth calls us to approach with reverence as she shares her secrets of release and renewal.
 
Easter is upon us and is the season of release and renewal. As plants emerge from the earth, we move towards our spirit. The cycle of life brings us to what never dies.  Awakened to this earth where God is ever present.
 
When overwhelmed by the emotional burdens of difficult circumstances (especially the death of those close to us) it is hard to believe that God or goodness can accompany us here. When not understanding, open the heart to the earth's lessons and be fed and allow it to speak to you.
 
I decide to stop what I am doing and I move towards the beach which is two blocks from my home. I feel pulled as I allow this inner calling to bring me to the water's edge. I look around and take a deep breath in. I never get tired of the beauty. My heart is filled with gratitude that I listened to the way God spoke to me through the birds and nature. The earth feeds my soul.  I settle into my chair and close my eyes as I sink into the earth with a sigh of relief. This is no place to read, write or think. There are no thoughts as I descend into my chair as I feel my tired body.  Once again I look out at the sea and I fall into its spell. With every breath I become open and empty as I release my mind.  My bare feet find its way into the sand as my toes dig in and the warmth covers my skin with a feeling of connection.  I listen to the sound of the wind against the leaves on the trees and the wave's crash against the shore with its own rhythm.  I feel at home here.
 
This earth and all that inhabits it, like the sand, the rocks, the trees, the flowers, fish and birds, are our companions in the dance of life.  We sometimes forget this and as human beings we are too busy with our private agendas and believe that we must fight for what we need.
 
 There are many sacred places of power where I have traveled; like Mt. Shasta, Hawaii, Sedona and even my lake front property in Northern Ontario. Yet if you just stand still on the ground where you are and open yourself to all possibilities, you can feel the earth's healing energy and hear ancient wisdom.
 
Now is the time to look at whether you are allowing yourself to receive the extraordinary gift of feeling 'at home' wherever you are. The earth is always present and when we return to the heart, we receive the gift of life that feeds our soul.
 
If you feel that life is overwhelming, take your shoes off and feel your toes in the sand or just go out and hug a tree. While you are at it, see the word earth written in your minds' eye. Take the letter 'h' and move it in front of the 'e'. Now what do you see? ♥

This story was published in Transformational Magazine's April 2011 issue: