One Tiny Feather Lightens the Load

   

   
 






     Sunday morning, my husband and I headed out for a walk in the canyon, decked out in rain gear, from head to toe. The few people we encountered along the trail were all accompanied by a dog or two - in that inclement weather it seemed that, other than ourselves, only those who had to be out, were. We joked about walking our two invisible dogs and the bonus of not having to "scoop the poop".

     We both felt the heavy weight of this emotionally charged day as we would later be meeting our children and grandchildren at Boal Memorial for our annual tradition of decorating of a little Christmas tree, honouring our angels.
     Arriving at the midway mark of our canyon walk, I stopped on the sidewalk atop the dam and gazed down over the railing into the huge volume of water roaring down into the river below. Empty of thought, I became mesmerized. The spell was broken when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tiny, white object drift down beside me. Looking down at my feet, I noticed that a small feather had landed in the very narrow space between myself and the railing.  I instinctively looked up for birds, but there were none. I checked the area around me to see if more had fallen. No, only the one. It had been six months since I last saw this sign from my son, and I was overjoyed to notice this feather, today.

     By late afternoon, the rain had subsided, and by the time we arrived at Boal, the sun even made a brief appearance. After decorating the tree, lighting the candles, and singing some carols, a brilliant sunset became the backdrop for this tranquil forest setting. Later, after enjoying a fabulous family dinner, I reflected on this challenging day and felt overwhelming gratitude for the perfect way it had unfolded. It could not have gone any better.
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Stellar Series of Circumstances

   

     While stepping out for a short break this afternoon, into the warmth of this gorgeous sunny day, a huge wave of gratitude washed through me while reflecting on the beautiful mix of energy I experienced over the past 24 hours. Hosting a family BBQ with four generations at our place last night, then later, after everyone had left and the cleanup had been done, returning to the patio with a glass of wine to take in the summer storm that had just arrived. This morning, during a Walk and Talk session with a client out in the forest, delighting in the surprise of a butterfly's wings lightly brushing  my bare leg. Then, stopping in at a local gift shop with fresh copies of Diary of an Intuitive, since their previous stock had run out. This was followed by an afternoon filled with Tarot card readings at The Oracle, as well as receiving confirmation for the dates of our Iceland trip, now booked for the fall. A stellar series of circumstances, all the way around.
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Photo credit: Don Sutherland

Much Appreciated Distraction

Went for a long walk in the forest this morning.  Made a gratitude list one hundred items long this afternoon.  Efforts to improve my emotional state.  On this fourth Easter without him, it is still gut-wrenchingly difficult.  Speaking with other mothers living with loss, I know I am not alone in feeling this way.  Thank heaven for the dinner invitation we received for later today, where both daughters and their families will be present as well.  A much appreciated distraction.    

Gift from the Heart

While walking along a local trail, I noticed a huge, heart-shaped scar midway up a tree trunk, near the forest's edge.  This heart likely marking the spot where, years ago, a large branch had broken off.  It made me smile. Hearts can be found in the most unlikely places.  It got me thinking about Valentine's Day, which led me to consider how we might celebrate this upcoming ♥ day together, regardless of whether or not we exchange gifts of flowers, chocolate, jewellery, or cards. Perhaps each one of us could take a few minutes to celebrate our innate ♥ energy.  Close our eyes.  Focus on our heart.  Breathe slowly and deeply into our heart chakra.  Feel the space expand.  Visualize the pink energy emanating in all directions, sending waves upon waves of it towards everyone and everything.  This is a Valentine's Day gift which will uplift us all.   We can begin practising now.

Coyote Encounter

What a glorious day for a run.  This morning, as I headed out the door towards the trail head of a sparsely-populated path leading into the canyon, I considered Saturday's run, when I ended up forgoing this route which I have run hundreds of times before. 
On that day, while approaching this path, I noticed a four-legged animal standing a short distance away, along the roadside.  At first, I thought it was a dog, a husky cross perhaps, but I stopped in my tracks when I realized I was staring at a coyote.   We sized each other up - me wondering what his intentions were, and he possibly wondering the same about me.  My first close encounter with such an animal was happening a 1/2 block from my home. 
As I moved closer, he retreated into the forest, whereupon I lost sight of him.  Hoping to get another glimpse, I wandered along the road, peering through the trees, but he was nowhere to be seen.  Unsure of what typical coyote behavior might be, I weighed my options - backtrack to the path and continue running into the canyon, or change to a less desirable, urban route?   I decided to stick to my original plan and ran back to the trail head.  However, as I started down the path, the animal crossed directly in front of me.  He then positioned himself at the edge of the forest, watching me. Perhaps we were just equally curious, but I turned around and finished my run along the neighbourhood sidewalks instead.  
I later learned that I need not have, and now know that if we ever run into each other again, we can both peacefully carry on our way.

Lighter Days

Yet another storm blew in yesterday, with high winds, cold temperatures, and torrential rains - a dismal welcome for Spring's long awaited arrival.  Now this morning, as I gaze out one of our home's full glass walls, I am overjoyed to see the sun shining upon the towering cedars of the nearby forest and am reassured that the lighter days are indeed on their way.  And not a moment too soon.

Reconnecting

Attending a funeral at Boal Memorial last Tuesday.  For the mother of one of Mike and Kelly's good friends.  First time back in that chapel since Michael's service.  So many familiar faces.  Seeing Kelly's family, along with numerous young men and women experiencing that great loss last year.  Personally finding great comfort in reconnecting with them all.  Despite the sad circumstances.  Then later, flowers in hand, walking up the pathway into the forest alone.  Towards the two plaques positioned side by side on the wall.  Surprised and thoroughly heartened by the sight of so many of Kelly and Mike's friends already there. Followed by many more joining in.  Recounting stories.  Some tears. And laughter.  Punctuated by quiet reflection.  All acutely feeling loss. Then one young woman reaching down to the ground.  Picking up a penny lying beside a pot of flowers.  Directly in front of the plaques. Holding up the coin to show me.  The two of us shaking our heads in amazement.  Sharing a smile.  Recognizing and appreciating the ongoing marvels.

Spa Time

A friend and I recently spending time together at an outdoor spa in the woods.  One year after our inaugural visit.  Luxuriating in three hours of pure relaxation.  Coexisting in silence.  Mindfully moving from one experience to another.  Enjoying a predominantly meditative state. Fully embracing the sensation of being, rather than doing.  Soaking in the pools.  Reposing in steam and sauna. Reclining in deck chairs beside the stone fire pit, bundled up in white terry robes.  Tears of gratitude rolling down my cheeks while reflecting on the abundance in my life. Later, some of sadness while lounging near the forest's edge.  Emotions mirroring the weather.  Billowing clouds, cool breezes, sunny breaks, and rain showers.  Observing a marked difference between this year's visit and last.  This time around achieving a much deeper sense of contentment and bliss.

Phenomenal Perspective

Being out in nature.  Numerous opportunities for gaining wisdom there. One particularly memorable experience occurring a month after my mother's passing.  Strolling alongside a stream, inviting her to please continue sending signs.  A few steps later, looking across into the forest, focusing on the most distant point.  Hearing, "Just because you cannot see it does not mean it does not exist."  A phrase filled with double negatives, but the message quite clear.  Pointing out that based solely on what I could see, the forest ended at that furthest visible point. However, the whole of my being understanding it continued much further.  Having walked there many times before.  Comprehending the existence of more.  An entire world flourishing beyond what my eyes were perceiving.  The spirit world together with Mother Nature communicating a reassuring perspective on death.  Bestowing awareness regarding the ongoing existence of my mother's essence, despite leaving the physical realm.  Phenomenal.  

Sun's Kiss

The two of us ambling along through the forest yesterday afternoon. Close to the river's edge.  Silently enjoying the unhurried pace.  Bundled up in down vest and gloves.  Approaching a clearing in the trees. Slowing down even further.  My face instinctively angling itself towards the sun.  Like the potted plant on the kitchen sill.   Keen to absorb the maximum available warmth and light.  Continuing to walk with eyes closed.  Lost in the moment.  Deeply appreciating this kiss of life.