If you speak of a portrait, most people would probably assume you are referring to a painting or photograph of a person.

What if one referred to a painting or photograph of a tree or a river as a portrait? Personally, I love that perspective! Did you know that there are rivers on our planet that have been given the same legal rights as a person? For example, the Whanganui in New Zealand, Rio Atrato in Colombia, and the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India were all granted legal rights in 2017.  By 2019, all rivers in Bangladesh had been given legal rights.

If you believe, as I do, that Mother Earth is a sentient, living being, then all art created of her likeness is a portrait. And since the energy of Grace is present in all of Nature, then a living being’s portrait is one of Grace.

Perhaps that is why since childhood I have gravitated to being amidst forests and sources of water: the presence of Grace. I feel closer to God in Nature, and my spirit is renewed when surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of a scenic mountain range and the sound of rushing water from a nearby creek or waterfall. Or a coastal marsh and the sighting of a Blue Heron or a dolphin.  And there is nothing like the taste of water from a cold, clear, spring.

Helping humans to tap into our personal connection with God is a gift from Mother Earth, every day.  It is a personal invitation issued to all. And I thankfully and humbly accept this kindness.

 

Featured fine art photograph “Grace in the Clouds” by Teri Leigh Teed.