A Gift from the Tree

I was standing in the kitchen (again) watching the great gusts of yesterday blow the trees about in the backyard when I saw something fall from the silver maple. Walking out to investigate, I discovered this empty nest. It is so delicate that it likely would not have survived being sniffed by the dog--or hopped on by one of the many resident bunnies. I love how the inside grasses are spiraled around. The middle section is woven, and the outside is a most wonderful array of twigs. What it would be to be able to sculpt like the birds!

heart feather

This feather is stuck in a small vase in the kitchen on a shelf above the sink. I am in the kitchen numerous times each day and never give it a second glance. Perhaps because it is summer and I have a different kind of time to notice things, or maybe because with a kitchen renovation project on the horizon I am more tuned in to the kitchen, today, I tuned in. And, I found a perfect heart on the end of that feather. When I was growing up I often heard the expression: 'Pretty is as pretty does'--this was only said at times when my prettiness was quite in question. Today, I am reframing that just slightly to 'Beauty is as beauty sees'. My mind is quick to assign labels to the objects in my line of sight--sink, vase, feather, kitchen, window. I want to practice seeing beyond the label to what is really present to be seen. For it is in those moments that a heart at the end of a feather is truly visible. Who knows where my eyes might take me if I can let go the labels and trust my vision. 

Beginner's Mind

In mindfulness practice there is a concept called 'beginner's mind'. The premise is that when the mind is striving to be present in the given moment, there is much that creeps in to distract. Beginner's mind offers an opportunity to start fresh with the next breath--the next moment. I find myself today starting anew on these pages--beginning again in this season of moments. A sunrise is an oft used metaphor for new beginnings. Last week I had the opportunity to experience this beautiful sunrise over Harris Creek near St. Michael's Maryland. While they often occur too early for my taste, there is a humble magnificence that serves to remind me that no matter what was happening in the last moment, I can choose in this one to be(gin) again.

Beyond Z

I find that I am a bit at loose ends today as the last letter of the alphabet was posted yesterday. I am considering the snow, which has once again covered the ground, as a metaphor for the blank canvas that is today. May spring soon push forth!

Alphabet of the Ordinary: Z

                          promising summer
                          flowers when sown deep beneath
                          bouquets springing forth

Alphabet of the Ordinary: Y

many miles of string

awaiting transformation

purls of wisdom knit

Alphabet of the Ordinary: X

           joining two or more
           diverse elements to blend
           baking harmony