Nature Time

Thanks to a colleague who is preaching for me this Sunday and thanks to my parents' offer of their RV, we are taking the weekend to get some nature time.

There are horses across the pasture from our location and a creek that flows on the back of the property. I found a perfect place to hang my hammock and got permission from the neighbors to use their tree while we are here. The set up requires using one tree on their property and one tree on my parent's property. I look forward to some hammock time later today.

We took off yesterday evening into the woods, on a trail that is part of the RV park property.  We had barely gotten into the woods when a LOUD thunder clap boomed through the skies. Instead of being brave and continuing on, we turned back and headed back down. We had seen some fern; the bubbling, babbling brook; and yellow trillium. On our walk back, we saw two bunnies and other wildflowers. I noticed that the blackberry bushes are flowering on the side of the road. Note to self: come back later this summer. 

It is 57 degrees Fahrenheit this morning. It feels wonderful. Birds are singing and chirping all around. The horses are roaming around in the pasture.

After breakfast we will take off and explore some trails today. We have hiked several in the area in the past, so I don't know where we will end up today. It doesn't matter. Just being in nature and creation is the point.

Yesterday, the trail had steps leading up into the green canopy and woods. I used that photo for the Bamboo Encounter Facebook page Saturday quote today: "Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill." ~John Muir

I asked this question on the Bamboo Encounter post: "Where or how will you find rest today?"

I am looking forward to resting in Creation today and the rest of this weekend.  I started my weekend off yesterday morning on my Sabbath day with a sunrise at Chester Frost Park. It was restful, peaceful, and beautiful.  I saw geese with their babies, a heart in the wood, but mainly enjoyed the sunrise.

Whatever your adventure today or in the days to come, if there is some nature time in your future, may it be restful and connect you with the Creator. Time in nature, for me, is a spiritual practice that besides rest, offers renewal and healing.  I recognize that not everyone connects in or with nature. It's all good. I can also connect in cathedrals with stained glass windows. Our unique created beings are what they are. We live into them.

The adventurous journey continues, 

Rev. Deb

Listening to a bird

Yesterday morning as I was outside drinking my morning coffee, a bird caught my attention. It was fairly loud and had a unique "call". As I listened to it, it would call out and then wait. In the silence, I heard another bird (or birds) off in the distance respond. Then the bird close to me would repeat its message. This "call and response" continued for a bit and caused me to reflect.

I wrote a short post about it on my Instagram and Facebook pages, including a photo of the bird and a short video clip.

I decided to share it here, on my blog, as a way of keeping my writing together, though much of it is on Instagram and Facebook. Such is life.  

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This bird first came close by, on the lamp post. Its loud call startled me. I haven't had much coffee. It flew to the fence post and continued. Its rhythmic call caught my attention (short video clip). As I listened, I recognized that it was a call and response. As this bird stopped and waited, I could hear similar sounds in the distance. Were they saying good morning from different places? Were they offering information on bird food? Were they making plans to join up for a morning exercise fly? I don't speak bird, so I have no clue. I can, however, take from this encounter this: when I call out, I will wait for the response. When the response comes, we have an ongoing conversation.

Oh, it may not always look like that, but it is a good goal. "Wait upon the Lord" comes to mind. Psalm 24:14-- Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart  and wait for the Lord." Same verse in Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying:

Call upon the Beloved,

be strong and trust

in the heart’s courage.

Trust in the power of Love;

the Beloved’s unconditional and

everlasting love for you.

There are many other birds singing and conversing this morning. I heard a woodpecker in the distance. Yet, it was this one bird who connected me with the Holy this morning.

Peace on this day.

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The bird was back today, repeating its message. I didn't hear its friends this morning, but maybe the other sounds were distracting me from hearing them. The road noise and barking dogs in the distance are louder today. That happens some days, doesn't it?! They are other sounds, noises that drown out another sound. If we train ourselves to hear, to listen more closely, maybe we can hear the sounds through the background noise of road traffic and dog barking. 

May we have ears to hear, to truly listen-- to all that speaks, internally and externally.

Rev. Deb

Tree Roots

When I was walking with Cliff (our dog) the other day at Chester Frost Park, I noticed some very big roots on top of the ground in front of a tree. I stopped to check them out. There was a large root in front of the tree and another behind. Another tree was nearby. I remembered what I had read (and recently seen again) in Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees about trees and their root system.

Not remembering all of it, I wanted to go back to the book and see what I could find. 

Wohlleben writes that the roots "are the most important part of a tree." (82) A tree's "brain" is likely located in the roots, a storage mechanism that knows what is going on in around its environment. Wohlleben notes that "it is now an accepted fact that the root network is in charge of all chemical activity in the tree." (82)

I find this fascinating about root tips: 

"When a root feels its way forward in the ground, it is aware of stimuli. The researchers measured electrical signals that led to changes in behavior after they were processed in a "transition zone." If the root encounters toxic substances, impenetrable stones, or saturated soil, it analyzes the situation and transmits the necessary adjustments to the growing tip. The root tip changes direction as a result of this communication and steers the growing root around the critical areas." (83)

This explanation makes sense for what I've seen in nature. For example, the roots in the photo are above ground very likely because they are so close to the embankment and the roots needed to be on top of the ground because there wasn't much soil beneath them. How interesting! 

Finding roots above ground is interesting, admittedly. But that isn't what awes me the most. It's how trees communicate with one another and support one another through the roots that intrigues me most.

Wohlleben offers additional information about the roots on roadsides:

"If you look at roadside embankments, you might be able to see how trees connect with each other through their root systems. On these slopes, rain often washes away the soil, leaving the underground networks exposed. Scientists in the Harz mountains in Germany have discovered that this reality is the case of interdependence, and most individual trees of the same species growing in the same stand are connected to each other through their root systems." (3)

Trees value community and help one another in community. Their roots play a vital role in this, as water and other nourishment are passed along through the roots. "Every tree [...] is valuable to the community and worth keeping around for as long as possible." (4)

Community, for trees, extends to trees of other kinds. They connect with one another at the root level, very likely if they are close in proximity to each other.

"Tree roots extend a long way, more than twice the spread of the crown. So the root systems of neighboring trees inevitably intersect and grow into one another--though there are always some exceptions." (10)

As I reflect on the tree in the photo and the readings from Wohlleben, once again I learn from nature. Since nature is God's first book (as Creator God first "wrote" creation), it makes sense that we can learn about the character of the Creator, ourselves, and how to live from nature. We can see the Creator in creation. We can see ourselves, as we are created in the image of the Creator. 

This time I am reminded by nature that I am not alone. That I am connected to others who will provide nourishment when needed. I am in community. My own roots extend further out than my canopy-- twice the spread, I am reminded. Therefore, I am connected with others far and wide. I am also reminded that if the soil gives way from the embankment or if there are obstacles along the way, the roots are resilient. They will continue to find their way, they will continue to grow.

I've shared from my "Advice from a Tree" nature journal in the past, but it seems appropriate to share again here since I've been writing about trees lately.

Here is the poem by Ilan Shamir in the "Advice from a Tree" nature journal:

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!

Spirit of Trees Website

As you reflect on tree roots from the photos and the readings, I invite your thoughts in the comments. 

We are all on this adventurous journey together. May we support one another along the way.

Rev. Deb

[Photos are mine. Taken at Chester Frost Park, 4/30/22]

 

A Walk Around the Avondale Lake (aka the "duck pond")

I grew up spending lots of time in Avondale Estates in Georgia because that's where my grandmother Meemo lived in her 1940s home. My mom and my aunt were raise there and both of them graduated from Avondale High School.

When I visited Meemo, we would either walk the short distance from her home on Kensington Road to the lake/pond or we might drive there if we were already "out and about". 

My memories of that place were that it was always a peaceful place to visit. I remembered the swings, the ducks, the turtles. 

My aunt got married there in the 70s.

Yesterday I wanted to visit before leaving town from my week long CEU (continuing education) course in Spiritual Direction at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.

I got there, parked, got out and took a deep breath in. There were people sitting on the benches and walking with their dogs. The sun was out and there was a nice breeze.

I began my walk, slowly around the water. The path is crushed gravel these days, with paving stones to mark the path. As I began my walk, I noticed a fish at the edge of the water and a couple of turtles. I would see many more turtles on the edges.

The path offered both shade and sun.

More than that, it offered me the opportunity to give thanks for the many times I had been there before, to reflect on memories with my grandmother and my aunt's wedding (okay-- all I really remember is picking up plastic champagne corks with my younger aunt-- we had fun with that). 

As I slowly walked around the water, I allowed memories and a week full of learning and experiences to settle into my heart, mind, soul, and body.

As I came to the first swing on the right, it struck me that these swings were still there. Oh, my. I remembered these swings. Then, I noticed that the small child being held was waving at me. I stopped and waved back. The woman said to the child in English first-- say hello. Then in Spanish, the same. So I asked if the child spoke Spanish (in Spanish). What followed was a lovely (for me) conversation in Spanish with the woman about the pond and how I learned Spanish and other things. I got to speak my 2nd language, my heart language. She told me she is there daily. I told her that I live out of town, but I had come to remember. I spoke with the child too, smiling and gesturing and speaking Spanish and English. This 10 month old is bilingual, as is her sibling. I walked away from this conversation fuller than I was when I began my walk, which was very full.

As I continued my walk, there were flowers and turtles. I saw a woman fishing at the "top" of the path. As I came around the other side, a gentleman was swinging in another of the swings, taking a break from his bike ride. Just beyond him was a woman with a dog sitting on a bench. As I approached them, the dog started coming toward me to be petted or to get attention, it seemed. Since I wasn't sure, I hesitated. Then the woman asked if I would please pet her dog because otherwise he would be upset that he was ignored. He was a puppy with gorgeous blue eyes. I stopped to give the dog attention, knowing that Cliff might smell another dog on me when I got home and think I had dog-cheated on him. I spoke with this woman briefly about the pond, dogs, and seminary. It was a good conversation. As I left that conversation, I walked away once again fuller.

I was struck how peaceful and calm I was, how beautiful the day and conversations were. My week in spiritual direction had really drawn me nearer to the heart of God and work had been done in me.

As I finished up my walk, I came upon the third swing. I sat in it for a few moments, swinging, remembering, resting. I knew the next leg of the journey would entail traffic. I wanted to savor the peaceful and calm atmosphere of the environment at the lake/pond.

I took a moment to offer thanks for the place, for the experience, and for all the memories.

I offered thanks for my previous visit to Avondale during the week, as I had the joy and pleasure of having dinner Wednesday evening with a camp friend and her family and got to just hang out in Avondale with them in their home. 

Being back in Avondale Estates, even just briefly, was a gift for me. 

I took quite a few pictures during my walk. I made a TikTok "video" of the walk. I will share both the photos and the "video" for you, in case you would like to enjoy the nature too.

Nature, as I have mentioned many times, is my go-to for spiritual connection with the Creator. It soothes my soul, it opens up space for me to listen, to hear, to respond, etc.

Interestingly, so does antiquated spaces, such as cathedrals and stained glass windows. That might not surprise you (or me) once you (and I) realize that I am a both/and person. I've been living into the both/and for many years. I am getting more adept to holding the paradoxical tension of the two spaces, no matter what those "both" / "and" things might be. Better, mind you; not perfected. There is always room for learning and for growth.

The journey continues to be an adventure.

Rev. Deb

Qi-gong with Karen-- a new practice for me

Coming into Residency 3 for the Spiritual Direction program here at Columbia Theological Seminary, there were some things that I expected to learn, such as discernment. That was the theme for the week and the focus of our readings and videos as we came into this week. I knew that I would be learning more about the practice of spiritual direction in resources and hands-on real time experience.  What I didn't know is that our body connection would be the practice of Qi-gong. 

I have much to process going forward and I'm not sure what I'll share and not share. However, I do want to share a bit about this Tai Chi Qi-Gong with Karen Soo. We did the video below every morning. Today, we have evaluations prior to last session. I decided to do the practice on my own prior to my evaluation time.

Karen moves at a slow pace, enough to follow her well.  There are song birds in the background. If that bothers you, turn off the sound. But, the sound of song birds has a calming effect on us as we recognize that if birds are singing, they feel safe and secure. That's cool!

Doing these exercises, breath work and stretching are a large part of it.  You breathe in (inhale) and breathe out (exhale) in a rhythm. As you work through this, it is calming.

I learned that this has much to do with the autonomic nervous system and the polyvagal theory. I look forward to reading Deb Dana's book Anchored to learn more.

Going back to Karen and this Qi-gong practice, my goal is to see how it becomes a part of my practices and how that draws me nearer to the heart of God.

If you'd like to learn more about Qi-gong, check this out: Qi-gong: What you need to know.

I invite you to try Karen's video. If you do, I invite you to share your experience in the comments. Also, I'm open to more conversation.

Right now, I need to head to my assessment meeting. :)

Life continues to be an adventurous journey. 

Rev. Debra

Beauty of the weeds!

I have already shared a quote from the chapter "Nature's Perspective" in our book for class The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making by Elizabeth Liebert in my recent post about the pine tree.

For someone who connects well with Creator through nature, it's a great chapter. There are many things I can write about.

A few things about weeds. Dandelions are considered weeds. For me, they aren't a weed, but a beautiful wildflower, growing up on their own, where they wish to grow. (I wrote about them recently.)  Some weeds have flowering and others remain leafy green. 

At our home we have weeds in our garden area, on our patio, in our bricks, in our yard. For the most part, weeds are something you pull up, you get rid of, right?!

But, wait!

What if we were to see the beauty in the weeds? The dandelion for example, in its yellow form, is bright yellow and throws off much brightness. It can be cheery and joyful. In the ball or blowy flower stage, there is beauty in the round ball and how light hits the opaqueness of the seeds. In the weeds of greenery, there can be a certain lushness and sense of life.

There is a poem by Mary Oliver on page 136 entitled "Praying". This poem caused me to reflect on the beauty of the weeds.  It comes from her book Thirst. I invite you to read through this poem slowly, taking note of what stands out to you.

Praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention. then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which 
another voice may speak.

As I read this poem, the "weeds in a vacant lot" caught my attention. We had just walked by a house (not vacant) with a lot FULL of weeds on our way to dinner on Monday night. There was some yard art (a peacock) and some political signs. The yard was maybe about 8 inches to a foot high in places of greenery, with some flowers. Though overgrown, it had its beauty. Can God, Creator, the Divine REALLY be present in the weeds?  Can we be grateful to God, Creator, the Divine for all that we see in nature? Can we allow what IS there to help us better see and know God, Creator, the Divine?

Other words that standout to me are: doorway, thanks, silence, and another voice.

Though this lot isn't vacant, I couldn't help but put it together with Mary Oliver's poem.

Maybe the next time you see a bunch of weeds, you will pay attention to them and in the silence that you offer, another voice may speak.

Who knew that weeds could draw us nearer to the heart of God, right?!

It's possible. Especially when we are open to it and/or actively present to the God possibilities around us.

It may not be the weeds that get your attention. It may be the small  stones or the blue iris.  It could be the pine tree or the blue bird. Whatever gets your attention in nature, may it be an opportunity to gaze, to listen to the Holy.

May you find the presence of the Divine in unexpected places!

Rev. Deb