“May there be peace in the North; May there be peace in the South; May there be peace in the West; May there be peace in the East. May there be peace throughout the whole world.” ~ Druid Blessing It’s only a month ago the Autumn Equinox arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere. This has always been a favorite time of the year for me, and many honor the recent Celtic festival of Mabon (September 22) as the balance of light and dark. It is a time of reflection, and honoring our harvests. Peace begins within each of us, and then extends to our neighbors and our world. What other gift could we give ourselves at this >>
Strength in Peace
There is always strength in peace, it is just hidden from the general view, yet it is always seen and felt in the heart of the viewer. We live in extraordinary times. Our world is in the midst of many changes, beginning with our level of consciousness. Where can we turn to find peace to soothe us? For me, Mother Nature is a superb tonic. Living surrounded by a forest is something akin to being wrapped in a blanket of green, healing peace. The sound of the nearby waterfall after a hard, soaking rain is therapeutic. Ditto for the chirping of crickets, the croaking of frogs, and the singing of the birds. Oh, and my neighbors one >>
The English Laurel’s Gift
Every day at my home I look outside my big picture window that faces East and overlooks the Plott Balsam mountain range, and gaze upon the very large English Laurel shrub that holds court several feet away. This magnificent evergreen is the gathering place for many birds and animals here in the Nantahala Forest. Cardinals, Towhees, Black-capped Chickadees, Doves, Wrens, Sparrows, Hummingbirds, Brown Thrashers, rabbits, squirrels, the occasional chipmunk, all seek shelter from time to time here, and search for food, too. The bird feeder hangs from the eaves, next to this honored specimen of Nature, and attracts a growing number of feathered friends. In the spring, this lovely bush presents the most delightful gift of sweet smelling, >>
The Time of Comforting
There is always room for more kindness, compassion and comforting in our world. Remembering what it feels like to be comforted by a friend, a family member, our animal families, is what is emerging from today’s dilemnas. A warm, soft blanket to enfold us, a cup of hot tea or hot soup to warm us, a friendly voice on the other end of the telephone to encourage us, a happy smile on a message to bring a smile to us, the soft purring or wagging of the tail by our animal companions, is what lifts us up and helps us to shift in consciousness. The times of struggle tend to bring out the very best in our souls. >>
Blossoms of Peace
On the Eve of Bealtaine on the Celtic calendar, the Greening of the Mountains is in full swing. The winds of change swirl through the newly leafed forests, twirling the boughs like the petticoats of an Appalachian dancer, and raising consciousness. A sea of green for the eyes, and an awakening of the soul. The first blossoms of the Rhododendrons are here, and the flowering on the higher elevations will soon follow. Small wonder that everyone’s hearts bloom brighter at this time of year. After a long winter, now sunshine and bird songs highlight the day, and cool nights are filled with the chorus of frogs and crickets. Nature is filled with the sacred geometry of life, which >>
