Meet your wild neighborsI frequently use this blog to write about the living creatures in my garden. Butterflies (here) bees (here) birds, and of course the lovely plants (here).
So when I recently discovered a quote about the creatures around me that stopped me in my tracks, I read it over and over, 10 or 15 times. I wrote it down. I typed it up. I shared it with friends. I was late to an appointment, but I didn't mind. The quote brought me clarity and meaning to an intangible feeling inside. And it made me remember the important things. |
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"Learning the names of our many wild neighbors is an exercise in perspective and empathy, transforming the outdoors from a pastoral backdrop into a world of parallel societies inhabited by diverse creatures, each with it's own character and career."
--Ferris Jabr |
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Not only does this quote make me realize how important the natural world is for the general well being of all people, it shocked me into remembering how important nature; plants, flowers, creatures big and small are to me now, and throughout my life since childhood.
The modern me wants to be a hip urban curator of all things beautiful, fabulous, modern, trendy - the gadgets and gizmos.... but in my heart I know I will always be the little girl playing in the woods along the Mississippi River, learning the character and career of my many wild neighbors.
I am so lucky for what I do in my life, being a florist and a gardener. I have the daily opportunity to literally get my hands dirty doing something I love so strongly and having the connection rooted in my earliest memories.
Today, I encourage you, set aside the cellphone or ipad (after you've finished reading this of course!) Let Alexa do the house work (I wish) Don your parka and go outside - if even for a few minutes.
Listen to the birds- yes, they are out there in the cold, see the sunlight glistening on the snow and ice, notice the seed heads from last year's bounty and the dormant buds on the tree branches ready for the coming spring. Feel the awe of being part of something larger than yourself and be inspired by the childlike wonder as you remember yourself before the demands of modern life and all of it's technology.
After coming back inside, notice to yourself- do you feel any better for having had that natural connection? I hope that you do. Keep that beautiful moment in your heart, remember often to make new natural connections and to meet your wild neighbors, and most importantly, have a beautiful day.
**web photo |
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