As the season progresses the weather changes, the light becomes dimmer and the pace of life slows. There are fewer people around this coastal town allowing us the opportunity to appreciate what nature has to offer.
Many of the leaves fell off the trees in late summer due to the salt water damage from a tropical storm that came through our state. But some of the trees were not affected. Those leaves that were unaffected by the storm put on an unbelievable show this year. There weren’t a lot but those that changed were the ones tucked away in protected spots or behind a row of trees that took a beating. One of my maple trees was not affected by the storm and the leaves this year were a combination of brilliant red and yellow; red around the outside edge and yellow in the body of the leaf. I’ve never seen anything like it! As I gawked at the wonder of it all, a few leaves fell off the tree reminding me that they were there only for a short time and I was grateful for the opportunity to see them. Then it occurred to me that this noticing or mindfulness develops easily and spontaneously in nature.
Our resident woodchuck is getting fatter on the grasses and flowers in my lawn and he stopped to spend some time with me as I cut a few late season roses earlier this week. He viewed me safely from behind a rock where he could make a quick getaway if he needed to. It was wonderful to have him there and he seemed to listen as I questioned him about his weight gain. He was only about 20 feet away! His presence allowed me to connect with nature in a different way; with a non-human participant. Being with animals, whether it’s a woodchuck, fox, woodpecker, moose, or any other animal creates a profound joy and appreciation. Some of the creatures are truly special.
My husband and I took the morning to walk along a coastal area that is filled with boulders, waves and beautiful views. Today we could see forever and appreciated the water, surf and spray. We chatted as we enjoyed the warmth and movement and we mentioned how lucky we were to be able to enjoy this unusually mild day. We noticed how the space around us created spaciousness to emerge within us; and then quietude and peace. It was a perfectly amazing day.
Nature requires that we are mindful in order to appreciate it. It brings us back to this moment and teaches us about interconnection, selflessness, and impermanence. If we care about what we see, we recognize its fragility, we understand we are an integral part of the greater universe, and that we have a responsibility to maintain and protect it.
“Nature” is what
we see –
The Hill – the
Afternoon –
Squirrel – Eclipse –
the Bumble bee –
Nay – Nature is
Heaven –
Nature is what
we hear –
The Bobolink –
the Sea –
Thunder – the
Cricket –
Nay – Nature is
Harmony –
Nature is what
we know –
Yet have no art
to say –
So impotent our
Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.
~ Emily Dickinson
