It’s been stormy here lately, with a lot of wind and rain. The other day, on a very dark morning in the calm before the next storm, we sat drinking our coffee. Steven commented on a bird in the top of a tree, and how it seemed just huge. Seemed way to big to be any of the usuals. With a closer look in the binoculars I realized it was a bald eagle, and not only one, but 2. The second of the pair is below and slightly to the right. If you look closely you will see it. Amazing to see such large birds, and to observe the heightened state of all the smaller critters when these predators are nearby. The eagle pair sat long enough for me to switch out to our telephoto lens and take a few shots. The photos are blurry in such low light, but we were happy to have been able to observe them for a time.
I have been feeling a little extra sensitive these days, thinking about the state of things in the world, and how such a growing segment of people are sick, unhappy, and without the tools to cope with life. I am so grateful that I’m able to stay tucked in at home when I need to, but I worry about what’s happening to people and what this means for our future. How do we provide the tools needed for kids – and adults alike – to deal with what life throws at them? Why has there been such a breakdown here? What tools do you use when things get rough? What are your thoughts on this?
For myself, I have the ever present resource of my own inner being. I am able, at any time, to go to the center of my being and draw on that stillness, that constant and steady light – the unique spark of life which has my signature. I feel that spark, in the vastness of a larger universe – something very real, and completely outside of the details that we humans can become consumed with. One needs to have a place of stillness to return to, when things become muddled and difficult. One needs to be in touch with that inner spark.
natalie
i always go to dear & close friends when i find myself in a difficult situation. i am a strong extrovert so it is uplifting to share my thoughts with others. just admitting a problem or saying that thing out loud instantly makes me feel better.
sonrie
three things:
1. eagles are such majestic creatures, aren’t they? I love going eagle watching in the winter to see them in action.
2. i too have felt sensitive lately–the anticipation of the holidays, though also the tragedies of senseless violence towards the innocent is a strange combination.
3. “One needs to have a place of stillness to return to, when things become muddled and difficult. One needs to be in touch with that inner spark.” Amen! The greatest need for self-care and knowing how to appropriately and not dysfunctionally self-soothe.
Merry Christmas!
Erin
my heart is in a similar place…. happy solstice to you!
stephanie
!!! Lovely eagle! 🙂
nell
this is a beautiful post and really touched me. i have to say, sometimes things happen to you that are so terrible and leave you so raw that you lose that connection to our inner self. my own family is dealing with our toddler son’s very serious and incurable illness. terrible things can really change you and make it difficult to regain your equilibrium. it is very difficult to retrieve it but what has worked for me is plenty of quiet and stillness, connecting to nature, yoga and self care.
abby
Yes, it’s so true… nature, quiet, stillness – they are all things that are very real and deeply nurturing and very present. Thanks so much for sharing Nell.