The Power of the Present: the Simple Things
Visiting the World of Nature can bring anyone into the Sacred Dimension of the Present Moment
Many of us are struggling through this elongated time of social isolation, experiencing fears about the future as well as triggers of wounding from our past. Even with the many shamanic tools in my toolbox, coupled with mindfulness and more attention to self-care, I am not immune to the collective and personal struggles that are affecting us all in varying ways.
Whenever I notice my thoughts beginning to circle around the uncertainty of this time, I go outside to feed the birds and to talk with Nature. When this happens, I leave the worlds of the past and the future behind and become part of the present world around us. I can always return to those two other places, but I find the present is what truly keeps me going. It has become a daily practice that I find is incredibly uplifting for me.
When I do pay attention to the events in Nature, I notice the occurrences that I wouldn't ordinarily notice - and I'm grateful! Last week, a merlin appeared in our backyard. Having never seen one before in my life, I had to look up this small falcon on a bird app. We are also being occasionally visited by a bright blue indigo bunting from time to time. This, along with the many goldfinches, sparrows, robins, red-wing blackbirds and chipmunks visiting our yard have given me great peace during these times.
Years ago, when I was very ill and bed bound, needing a wheelchair to mobilize, I made friends with the creatures visiting outside my window. I remember one year, I sat in witness of a sugar maple and its lovely changes of the seasons: the bare arms in winter, the buds in spring, the full green leaves in summer and the tricolored leaves of bright red, orange and yellow in autumn. For me, that maple tree became a symbol of change as well as steadfastness as it was rooted so well in the land I lived upon. When I moved from there, I said a heartfelt goodbye to that tree, and cried in gratitude for its silent teachings that kept me going during one of the darkest times of my life. I will always remember it like a dear friend.
When my 19 year-old cat, Daisy, had to be euthanized due to an irreversible illness, the grief was magnified for me during my own illness. I did not know if I would live through it, and the death of this dear friend brought home to me how life is so delicate and fleeting. It also brought up for me how I might also die before the age of 40. I learned from those times that life does not promise any solid guarantees, no real sight to the end of where the road is going and that everything really is temporary, despite how we might think them to be. I learned that, despite the way things appeared, my only strength was to surrender and trust. It sounds easy as I write, but I promise you that it was not easy.
Since my cat's nickname was "Sweet Pea," my mother thoughtfully planted sweet peas in that same garden where she was buried. One day, after waking up from a good rest, I looked out the window in awe: the sweet peas had bloomed, but with many colors, not just the usual one. I found this miraculous! The fuchsias, whites and delicate pinks were a wonderful surprise to my monotonous days of illness. It was as if Daisy's spirit was saying hello, knowing that my day would be brightened by the beautiful array of colors!
They may seem like "small" moments, but to me, they were simple moments that were very moving and powerful. I will forever remember those simple moments that moved me through dark times.
It's important to ask ourselves what is really important now and what can bring you back into the present moment. For me, it has always been stepping into the world of nature: the dimension of the present moment. But what works for me, may not be your present moment medicine. I ask you to think about what brings you into the beautiful moments of Now that leave the past and future behind.
