Does Your Own Soul Need Comforting?

 Grove

every breath -

a blessing

every step -

a thankyou

gladness to the heart

To quote from Mary Oliver's poem  Such Singing in the Wild Branches, this grove is one of those magical places / once you've been there, you're there forever / Listen, everyone has a chance / Are there trees near you and does your own soul need comforting? / Quick then - open the door and fly on your heavy feet; / the song may already be drifting away. 

We come to this magical place every day, my two dogs and I. And with every breath, I feel blessed and with every step I take, I silently sing, thankyouthankyouthankyou, with my eyes and my heart. 

KLM Park is a quiet wonder in the midst of a busy suburban area. An oasis surrounded by homes, unnaturally manicured yards, asphalt and concrete. As we make our daily pilgrimage to this sacred spot, I consider botanist/poet, Robin Wall-Kimmerer's observation; paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open hearts. 

                        

Even though thanksgiving should be celebrated everyday, it seems the talk of comfort food and family get-togethers brings our focus to the 4th Thursday in November and our thoughts travel to the bounty we have and are about to share with those we hold dear. 

This year, let's softly cradle those emotions, sprinkling them like breadcrumbs wherever we go. A caring word costs nothing yet is worth everything. Let's leave our heavy feet behind and find our lightness by being kind.