What [the Buddha] saw was that life is the permanent experience of suffering. This suffering is primarily occasioned by the ego’s desire to control – to control the environment, to control others, to control in proportion to our losses. The only path through and beyond this suffering, according to the Buddha, is the relinquishment of the desire to control, to let be, to go with the wisdom implicit in the transience of nature. This release is the proper cure for neurosis, for then one is not split off from nature, including ourselves, who are a part of nature. Such a relinquishment does not render one a slave to loss, but rather a participant in the act of letting go. Only letting go can bring peace and serenity […] None of us will likely attain Buddhahood, but we need not be eternal victims either. — James Hollis, Swamplands of the Soul: New Life in Dismal Places

Opening reflection chosen and read by Amy W.

For a while I stood at the edge of the ankle-deep invitation to enter fully.  A large pool of leftover rain separated me from what I wanted to see close-up.  She called to me–a tree shaped as a woman posed in dance, holding up a world of viriditas–like Atlas only different.  I took off my shoes, walked toward her through the water, now and then wondering what else made way for my toes.  Playful, refreshing, this joy right in front of me.  And such a welcome symbol for healing in this time of heavy lifting. 

Photos and reflection by Amy W.

As I walked that Saturday morning I made my way over to one of the observation decks looking out over the marshes and the causeway. As I scanned the view from south to north I was overcome with a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of this place from Archer & Anna Huntington! They could not have known how much joy and wonder to so many people their generosity would bring down through the years! From Brookgreen Gardens all the way to the beach and the ocean- “Thank you, Archer & Anna!”and THANKS BE TO GOD!!

Reflection by Kay P.

Let it be/ Let it go

Changing one small word can change the meaning of a small sentence. Let it be is passive and simply requires acceptance. Let it go is active and most likely will result in change.  By letting the Seabeach Amaranth plant go we are allowing it to grow and change supporting a healthy ecosystem. If we let go of past prejudices and open our hearts to new ways of thinking we can create change to allow a more just society for all. May we find the courage to let go and move forward.

Photos and reflection by Denise P.

I began my walk overwhelmed by the joy and beauty I encountered…

Breathing in deeply of the sweet smelling jasmine,

Trying to catch a photo of the large, scurrying ghost crab,

Delighting in the bright red cardinal in the primordial swamp,

Centering on the magnificence of the lone lotus.

My thoughts turned to the abundance and generosity of nature. I want to be hopeful that these difficult times may provide a catalyst for us as human beings to begin to turn toward a mindset and culture of abundance, rather than one of scarcity. All we need is here…

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.