Dwell among beauties – R Carson
Dear Friends,
April offered renewal of the spirit with the celebrations of Easter, Passover, Ramadhan, Navaratri, all honoring a time of turning inward for reflection. Even the death of Pope Francis is a renewal, as his soul returns home to his God source. The growing protests around the world are a renewal of the collective human spirit against the rise of global tyranny and oligarchy.
Mother Nature’s renewal, at least here in Northern California, came with a flurry of blossoming colors, and the hillsides have stayed green thanks to occasional rains. I truly believe the words of Rachel Carson because I live them, and my ministry is offering engagement and communion with the beauties and mysteries of the earth for those needing reconnection and regeneration in these dark times.
Except for my weekly hike with my friend Susan, my daily walks are solo. I don’t say “alone” because I’m accompanied by all the elements, and our more than human relatives; the squirrels, birds, trees… This is how I stay sane, engaged and connected in this upside down world, how I balance reading Substack headlines with my morning coffee.
One hike we took this month was on the Matt Davis trail that runs from Stinson Beach to the Pantoll parking lot on Mount Tamalpais. It’s a very popular trail with fantastic views, (if you’re not hiking in the fog as we were – see pics below) and crowded on a weekend. It was indeed crowded this day. It felt like an international byway as we encountered folks speaking many foreign languages, often times in large noisy groups. The beauties and mysteries of the earth can draw us humans together, if we respect and cherish how she nurtures us.
Click on any image for gallery view. All image ©LjWinston
So, how to be among the beauties and mysteries?
I encourage us first, to get outside. Experience the awe and wonder of nature. Be grateful for this blue-green pearl circling the sun in the vastness of space. Second, I invite us to be actively patient and lovingly vigilant as the interconnected systems of commerce, finance, law, and government crumble around us. I attended my first protest April 5. I use the word “protest” loosely, because it felt like a family gathering (of thousands) with everyone taking photos of each other’s unique protest signs. There were speakers and some music, but the sound system was lacking. No apparent opposition was visible and I only saw one motorcycle cop. We were all enjoying the sunny spring weather together. I will attend more protests, hoping they coalesce around one central theme that unites all of us. Third, think for yourself. Don’t believe everything you read, see or hear. The lines between reality and fantasy, truth and fiction have blurred, especially on social media. Fourth, hold close your most beloved family, friends and community.
To quote from the little book “Savage Grace” Living Resiliently in the Dark Night of the Globe, by Andrew Harvey and Carolyn Baker 2017, written during the practice round of the current dictator-in-chief and a good re-read now.
“There is a great and holy secret, the ancient Hindu texts concerning the Kali Yuga offer us. That is that in many paradoxical ways Kali Yuga is the best age to live in for two reasons: one, the shattering of all illusion can, if you let it reveal reality in all its terrible and amazing splendor, liberate you finally; two in Kali Yuga, the grace pouring down to help human beings endure is greater and more resplendent than in any other age.”
Ways to practice and live:
Reconnection – with Self, Other and Earth
Resistance – take a stand for transparency and integrity
Resilience – cultivate and fine-tune this life skill in the midst of turmoil
Regeneration – create islands of sanity, rugged compassion, and dignified defiance in the sea of chaos. Live passionate, purposeful, inspired lives, even in terminal disaster.
Reality – Embrace simplicity and uncertainty. Each day may be our last, and we must live it with passion, surrender, curiosity and a commitment to demonstrating love in action.
Thank you to everyone who signed up to receive my blog. Feel free to share it. This will also be posted on Substack without multiple photographs. Also, if you, or anyone you know, are in need of a spiritual guide, end-of-life doula, wedding or memorial officiant, please reach out.
Peace, love and blessings,
Rev. Lisa
Spiritual Guide
End-of-Life Doula, Interfaith Chaplain/Minister
Contemplative Photographer
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Spirit-Infused Healing Photography Books at Blurb
“Photography is my love language. Teaching people to see Beauty-as-Medicine is my Ministry.” Rev. Lisa