Curious Mule Deer Watching
Blog day! The first of this calendar year!
Early this morning as I snuggled under the covers feeling gratitude for waking again from a good rest and for Life, I began to think about this first post of the new year and what has inspired me, nourishing my deep knowing that despite appearances to the contrary, a new world is emerging as the world we know continues to devolve and dissolve.
Then as I began to move about, building the morning fire, caring for my wrist injured in a fall, and preparing a mug of warm lemon water I felt tears begin to well up, not only in my eyes but in my whole being. Grief.
Grief for the horrors and suffering not just of we humans but of all Life. Grief for the grasp that systems of separation continue to hold over us. Grief …
I give my grief and its tears a place rather than attempting to shoo it away or deny its validity. For sure these times warrant grief. Grief for the suffering. Grief for the loss. Grief for the unimaginable perpetration of violence. And, yes, grief for the simple acts of letting go that we are invited into in this time – beliefs, habits, people, places, things that no longer serve who we each Be. It’s a lot for sure.
After a bit, the grief passes, ending its visit – for now. By simply giving it a place and my attention for a few moments in time I invite the return of light and the many paths of possibility opening in what is emergent as we begin this new cycle within the many cycles of Life.
And that brings me to what I want to share this day … So, take a moment and breathe with me – a slow deep inhale, inspiration; a gentle pause, then a gentle blowing the breath out, exhalation. Continue as we pivot to another inspiration, that of being stimulated to do or to feel something …
Inspiration. Many folks embrace a word for the year. Perhaps ‘inspiration’ will be mine. It certainly has been a focus as I’ve eased into the new year. Inspiration nourishes.
Each and every day I’m inspired by the beauty of ‘place’, of the Life that surrounds and breathes with me here in these sacred mountains. Whether I’m being watched by curious mule deer or I’m delighting in watching goldfinches flit about, I’m inspired. Simply gazing at the peaks that rise above these woods inspires me to take another breath. And another. And to step more deeply into aligning my life, my choices with All Life.
I’m inspired by activists like my friend Rivera Sun who each day demonstrate their commitments to peace, to justice, to kindness, to nonviolence, and to feeding our brothers and sisters. I’m inspired by the venerable Buddhist monks Walk for Peace from my hometown in Texas to our nation’s capital. Mile upon meditative mile each day they walk in peace, for the sake of peace. All in their own ways with their own unique expressions are calling forth a more beautiful world. My inspired heart joins them in the call.
I’m inspired by the many community leaders and builders here in my community and across the San Luis Valley.
And I’m both inspired and called to action by my young friends at Earth Regeneration Alliance and by the online community, The Living Commons that they launched this week. Here’s their brief year end/year beginning summary that just might inspire you as well.
Inspiration. What inspiring encounters have you experienced in this first week of the new year?
Inspiration. Let’s breathe together and BE Inspired!
Sacred Sangres