Sometimes we forget that we share our planet with all the creatures that fill the space we call home.
When you are removed from an environment where you are reminded of these creatures and their presence frequently, it happens easier than when you are in the wild or on a hilltop surrounded by beauty and presence of these beings.
I often walk to clear my head. It is also in my view the ideal speed to travel at, because it makes you mindful of the environments you are passing.
Sometimes I would pick up a stone or a feather. Sometimes a branch off a tree that had broken from the wind or even some lavender or some grass-seeds as I walk along the pathways of wherever I am.
I try and be mindful of what I am touching and give respect to whatever it is, picturing where it came from and how it got to be where it is. I also try to visualise it as a part of my environment that I share life with and by showing respect; it blesses me with connection through understanding and a reverence for life in general.
Today, I played golf with my father who is quite a mean golfer. I was sure to loose and prepared myself mentally. Along the second hole my ball landed next to a feather. I picked it up, held it in my hand and thought about how it got there. Then I thought about the birds of the world and how they bring so much joy to my life wherever I am. Immediately I was filled with a caring, knowing feeling of being in touch with my surroundings and the birds. I imagined how they saw their world and envisioned it through the eyes of a bird. I flew up and looked at the golf course, I flew up and looked at where I was standing in relation to all around me and I felt happy that I could be in the sun and experience the fresh air and the very life breath that surged through my lungs and through my veins.
Then, without though, I asked the birds to be with me while I played my game of golf with my dad whom I haven’t seen in many months and without expectation I continued. Every hole became clear to me and I knew where I had to put the ball to have an enjoyable game, and so it was. I enjoyed every minute of it as the feather stuck out of my golf bag to remind me of the birds that share our world. I gave thanks for having them around with their song and for sharing life with them and by the end of the day; dad looked at me, beaming a broad smile back at him, saying; “So you have been practicing?”… “No dad. I had special help….” My ball flew like a bird….
By
Harry