LISTENING TO THE NATURAL WORLD

I hope everyone has been out and walking in the unusually warm weather we have been having? Now might be a great time to explore the nature trails at Clinton Lake or revisit the Baker Wetlands. These natural surroundings lift our spirits and remind us how essential these natural places are to our mental and physical health. Did you ever immerse yourself in a natural space and ask for advice from the creatures that live there? That is what the author of this poem did. She offers a different perspective that is refreshing and insightful. Here is the poem written by, Joanna Macy, from the book, “Earth Prayers From Around The World”, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon:

We hear you, fellow creatures. We know we are wrecking the world and are afraid. What we have unleashed has such momentum now, we don’t know how to turn it around. Don’t leave us alone, we need your help. You need us too for your own survival. Are there powers that you can share with us?

“I, lichen, work slowly, very slowly. Time is my friend. That is what I give you; patience for the long haul and perseverance.”

“It is a dark time. As the deep diving- trout I offer you my fearlessness of the dark.”

“I lion, give you my roar, the voice to speak out and be heard.”

“I am a caterpillar. The leaves I eat taste bitter now. But dimly I sense a great change coming. What I offer you, humans, is my willingness to dissolve and transform. I do that without knowing what the end-result will be, so I share with you my courage too.”

EARTH STEWARD ACTION: This week try to find a natural setting and listen for what God’s creatures might be saying to you. Share with others.

SOURCE: From the book, “Earth Prayers From Around The World: 365 Prayers, Poems, And Invocations For Honoring The Earth” edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon, page--(author-Joanna Macy, page 280).