School Prayer

In the name of the daybreak
and the eyelids of morning
and the wayfaring moon
and the night when it departs,

I swear I will not dishonor
my soul with hatred,
but offer myself humbly
as a guardian of nature,
as a healer of misery,
as a messenger of wonder,
as an architect of peace.

In the name of the sun and its mirrors
and the day that embraces it
and the cloud veils drawn over it
and the uttermost night
and the male and the female
and the plants bursting with seed
and the crowning seasons
of the firefly and the apple,

I will honor all life
—wherever and in whatever form
it may dwell—on Earth my home,
and in the mansions of the stars.
“School Prayer” by Diane Ackerman. Text as published in I Praise My Destroyer: Poems (Vintage, 2000).

Opening reflection chosen and read by Nancy L.

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Focusing on the simplicity of God’s creations in my pine cone as I walked. Nature helped me release so much emotion from the complexity of all my thoughts and feelings.

The earth so alive with fish and frogs and cobwebs holding what ever blew their way. As we need to be kind to all of nature, we need also to be kind to the fellow travelers along our paths as well. Tears and laughter, returning to a balance of hope, faith and focus on the positive. So grateful for this time outside in nature.

Photo and reflection by Mary W.

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Today’s meditation helped me to move forward, even if only a small step, away from my own anger and hate resulting from the recent events in Orlando. As I walked through Huntington Beach SP enjoying wooded trails, marshes and living creatures of all kinds my anger began to seem so useless. Wouldn’t the world be better served if I could humbly honor all living things and the humanity in each and every one of us. My goal is now to leave the anger behind and move forward in love and service to others. 

Photos and reflection by Denise P. _________________________________________________________________

As I was ending my walk, I happened on a path from Atalaya to the beach, “I didn’t know this was here!” Such a metaphor, and paradox—the path here all along inviting us to be present to it, and yet we make the path by walking. The path was encircled by wildly growing wax myrtle. I took out my camera. The initial view invited me in. I walked a few steps onto the path and noticed an opening in the distant bushes. The view opened up and invited me out. Changing the angle of view made all the difference, in the photo, and as a nudge for my seeing.

Photo and reflection by Amy W. (from June 4th walk at Huntington)

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After the very difficult week following the Orlando massacre, I entered into my walk focused on peace and love… “honoring all life—wherever and in whatever form it may dwell”. Early in the walk I noticed the dense tree stands and the shadows they cast — but through this density — some illuminating light made its way to the earth. The dark and the light danced and merged– one not possible without the other. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I stood on the marsh overlook the wondrous breeze — so gentle and slightly cool — felt like a healing breeze. I closed my eyes and felt the healing envelop me — perhaps the breeze could take away just a bit of the hatred and fear in the world. Please… I pray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toward the end of the walk I walked with fellow walkers along the marshy area filled with wildlife. My spirit filled with hope and joy — seeing and hearing nature in all its wonder… big green bullfrogs camouflaged in the green soupy water, birds and cicadas singing a symphony, glorious spider webs, duck families, and more. I had to smile widely and think life is such a wonder…

Very mixed emotions today…

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.