Awe is more than an emotion; it is a way of understanding, insight into a meaning greater than ourselves. The beginning of awe is wonder, and the beginning of wisdom is awe. —  Abraham Joshua Heschel

Today’s walk became more a listening to a destination calling me.  The waters along the entrance causeway to the park were filled with more varieties of birds than I had ever seen at one time.  It was the United Nations of birds:  ducks of all kinds, spoonbills, egrets, ibis, heron, gulls, anhingas, swans, even white pelicans!  They would float or fly, then settle back into the current that gently rocked them.  Or stand on the rocks along the side bank watching, waiting for a spot of lunch.  Or just taking in the view themselves—they were part of it, as we were, committing to just being there, together, giving space to one another, drinking in the sun.  This was a gift, a healing balm.

   — Photos and reflection by Amy W.

There was an incredible variety of birds today at the causeway, with a fantastic sky as the background for this beauty and aliveness… the multitude of birds being “in the moment” and sharing the plenty of the pond. Enough for all…

 – Photos and reflection by Nancy L.