The Peace of Wild Things — by Wendell Berry
When despair of the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the last sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in the beauty of the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief, I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day, blind stars waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Chosen and read by Denise P.
My intention for my walk this morning was to be open to what comes, greeting it with kindness, gentleness, and compassion.
Not far along the path was an overlook, the marsh beyond. From the path I glimpsed a tall heron standing far off, half-hidden in the reeds. I wanted a closer look. I chose to not walk the incline up to the wooden viewing platform. Instead, I crawled next to it through a narrow opening in the brush to get right to the water’s edge. I thought I was going to get a clearer view of the heron, but instead saw two trumpeter swans about five feet from me, feeding in the shade of the reeds. I wondered, “What else do I miss that is right before me? What else don’t I know is there until I venture close, bend down, get my shoes wet?”
As I walked on, the view across the water was too bright to take in, the sun too strong. So I stood at the water’s edge again, this time just feeling the sun on my face. Resting in grace, free.
Across the path, a copse of juvenile live oaks raised up from the ground like garden eels, each trunk different in size, shape. I walked closer and stood in what seemed to be a center, encircled by the trees. I had never noticed this configuration of trees before, but it reminded me of the ancient standing stones in Scotland, and how I stood in the center of those testaments too.
On the walk back, as I reached that wooden platform, I climbed up. I watched as the heron, standing at the same place I initially spotted him, turn his head to the right. Following his beak line I beheld the swan couple, gliding up the channel. We watched them stop, bend in synchrony to feed, and then raise up, necks together, forming for a moment the outline of a heart. Likely the heron turned just to notice the movement of the swans, unaware as I was of what would unfold. Did he experience my delight, so practiced as he is to greet what comes? Did he know today how he would be my guide?
Photos and reflection by Amy W.
As I walked today I was renewed by the variety of nature. From the trees with vines wrapped around them, a reminder that all living things are interconnected. Turning the corner away from the dark and cold, the sun hit my face and lifted my spirits. The red berries against the green leaves brought forth a feeling of joy and Christmas. Everything I needed in that present moment was given to me freely. How grateful I felt to be in such a place.
Photo and reflection by Mary W.
I walked today focused on peace, unity and “oneness” in the world. The terror in Paris and Mali, and the discourse about turning away refugees were heavy on my heart. How can I “hold” and recognize this terror and fear without being overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness and extreme grief, while at the same time be hopeful about peace and unity in the hearts of individuals and the world?
Holding It All
Fear, terror, evil — Love, kindness, unity… It all fits.
Swans feeding, calm waters, swaying reeds — Mud, darkness, the unknown… It all fits.
Seed pods dancing in the wind — Pods trapped on thorny bushes… It all fits.
Ocean roaring, unseen, reminder of storms and destruction — Pond at gentle peace… It all fits.
Diamonds glistening on water, sun on my face — Mosquitos in November… It all fits.
Joyous berries against blue sky — Vines entangling… It all fits.
Warm sun on my back — Walking into my shadow… It all fits.
Holding it all, with gentleness.
Living love, kindness, compassion.
Praying for peace, unity, oneness.
Photos and reflection by Nancy L.
My intention today was to find beauty despite all the sadness of the week. I kept the last line of the poem with me as I walked. “For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free”. As I wandered down a very shaded path I was struck by moments of beautiful morning light shining in through the trees. It left me with a sense of hope for what might be if we continue to find the light and a sense of peace, at least for a brief period.
Photo and reflection by Denise P.
walkinginwonderhcfm 