Attentiveness.

[Mika]

One of the blessings in my life that has happened ever since seeing Avatar, and I think because I have returned to praying more, is a better attentiveness to all the gifts and bounties of Nature around.

Over the last few months I have had some experiences of experiencing connections to Nature in remarkable ways. A heightend awareness of sights, scents and sounds, but as well encounter with animals that I have not had before. It started in the spring when I began going out for long walks in our city parks. The ususal of course is water birds, Canada Geese, ducks and pelicans. The first new experience was one of seeing a Muskrat for the first time and even having it come close up on the shore. The most profound was actually seeing a Beaver (which in the city in a non-occurance), just six feet away from me on the walking path. I ended up sitting down on the side of the path and soaking in and meditating in communication with the Beaver for over 1/2 an hour as it went about its work of collecting a branch and chewing it down (I assume to take to its den). Beavers are Canada's National Animal symbol, and other than pictures I had never been close, let alone that close in my whole life. But even simpler but as equally exquisite is birds, they seem to be abundantly singing and gathering in our trees these days throughout the day, with morning being seranaded with an abundance of musical sounds. One time it was as though a whole symphony was gathered and playing right above our front yard. Even this morning a family of Robins, with one red breasted male in particular was only a few inches away, cocking its head and hopping into the berry bushes around our front deck. Another robin experience was the day of my Dad's 70th birthday as I was setting up in the back yard and seemed to be watching all my busy antics.

I can't say that I've ever felt so close or connected before, but I assume its always been there, I just had never taken the time to be attentive and notice!

[rasomaso]

I saw couple of jackrabbits yesterday, they were hilarious!

[josie20]

*thumbs up for awesome post*

That's really cool, Mika. I also pay much more attention to nature. I've grown very fond of trees. I've gotten to the point where seeing an animal get hurt or killed really bothers me(even insects ). I feel like I've always had some sort of special connection with animals, like they trust me or something. The other day I saw a white-tail fox cross the road as I was driving home from work. That was really cool.

[Human No More]

Sounds nice... Unfortunately, there's nothing like that here

[Fkeu'itan]

Very nice post Mika.

I would have to say I feel the same as Josie. I pay a lot more attention to the intricacies and interactions that nature has to offer. Something that seemed simple or pointless at first glance, becomes a lot more interesting if you actually take a few seconds out to actually see it. Things as simple as textures, colours, sounds are all really quite fascinating when you actually stop and think what is making them.

The rustle of the trees is thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of leaves being caressed gently by the wind.
The dawn chorus, a smorgasboard of different species all coming together to produce a beautiful and unique melody.
The deep and mighty roar of a river is masses of water all flowing in one direction, yet drop making it's own path within it. Cutting the very earth as it goes.

It may sound all hippie-like and crazy but when you really slow down and think in this ever quickening world of ours, you can find beauty and power in the simplest of things.

[Autumnshire]

Love what you said, Mika, Fkeu'itan.

I have always been somewhat connected, in some way - would make the effort to get out into the forest as much as I could, and just sit there... would much rather sit there than, say, go to a party and mingle with rowdy humans.
Hmm weirdly though, I have found it more and more difficult to 'connect' as this year went on - I'd go to the forest and sit, but not feel connected at all. Just felt like I was a stranger, or an annoyance more than anything, like I didn't belong. That was scary, because I'm always felt like I belong in a place like that. I guess it was just lots of different stresses. Now I'm in the US and am still facing stresses, but hopefully I'll be able to calm down a bit and enjoy what I'm here to do. You're right guys, it is all about just slowing down, taking the time to appreciate what's around you, and realising how important everything is to the grander scheme of things so to speak - whether it be in an ecosystem way, in a spiritual way; in whatever way(s) you like to think of. And when you think about the intricate workings of even the littlest bug or moss, and appreciate why it's there and what it's doing, the world just seems... incredible! Difficult to fathom And and and Mika I like what you said about connections with animals and such. So little people take the time to appreciate that sort of thing. I really really like what you said. It's great how much you See when you really open your eyes. It feels good to notice things that you might not have before; to truly appreciate them, and feel bonded to the natural world around you.

[Empty Glass]

I love all the comparisons to music being made in this thread; I was thinking about this sort of analogy recently myself. When people listen, nature becomes one great symphony, and every member of the orchestra - every stream, every insect, every plant and breath of wind - has its own part to play, and all those parts fit together into a composition that has never had an end, composed by someone or something far greater than ourselves. It's a beautiful piece, but only if you listen!

Spoiler: Negative rant of mine 

Last week I saw people on a popular hiking trail with headphones over their ears, listening to whatever was on their iPods. This bugged me; why, I asked in my mind, would you go out into nature with such an unnatural thing always allowed to steal your attention? You may have put your body in a beautiful place...but how about your mind as well? Sigh...there's probably something to say here about disconnection between humans and nature.

[Fkeu'itan]

Spoiler: Negative rant of mine 

Last week I saw people on a popular hiking trail with headphones over their ears, listening to whatever was on their iPods. This bugged me; why, I asked in my mind, would you go out into nature with such an unnatural thing always allowed to steal your attention? You may have put your body in a beautiful place...but how about your mind as well? Sigh...there's probably something to say here about disconnection between humans and nature.

I happen to be one of those people, unfortunately.

Whenever I go out for a walk, i'm always listening to music. What I find is it enhances the experience even more, it adds a further sense of mystery and enchantment. It's not really a distraction thing.

What I listen to isn't some loud, brash rock-pop or anything. That has a time and a place. What I tend to listen to adds an atmoshpheric vibe to everything. Perhaps it's just the way I react to music (it's extremely powerful for getting at raw emotion) but that's how I feel.

[Autumnshire]

Mmm I often listen to music too. It just helps to get my mind out of the crazy business of the human world and into a calmer, more relaxed headspace. *Then*, depending on where I am, I'll take out my headphones and sit like that for a while taking everything in. It really does depend on my mood though, where I am and who's around.

[Empty Glass]

Originally Posted by Fkeu'itan

I happen to be one of those people, unfortunately.

Whenever I go out for a walk, i'm always listening to music. What I find is it enhances the experience even more, it adds a further sense of mystery and enchantment. It's not really a distraction thing.

What I listen to isn't some loud, brash rock-pop or anything. That has a time and a place. What I tend to listen to adds an atmoshpheric vibe to everything. Perhaps it's just the way I react to music (it's extremely powerful for getting at raw emotion) but that's how I feel.

Ah, I'm sorry if I sounded too judgmental! I don't really want to be like that!

I do know what you mean about adding to the enchantment of your surroundings. Often when I'm out in a natural place, there might be something with an atmospheric vibe playing in my head.

I suppose the people that I saw looked like they were listening to brash rock-pop or rap. (Ugh, being judgmental again...) They, plus the mobile phones some of them were using to send text messages while they were hiking, just seemed so out of place and context to me, that place being Yosemite National Park, which is one of the most beautifully natural/naturally beautiful places I've seen.

I dunno, perhaps it's all just me...meh.

[Empty Glass]

Originally Posted by Autumnshire

Mmm I often listen to music too. It just helps to get my mind out of the crazy business of the human world and into a calmer, more relaxed headspace. *Then*, depending on where I am, I'll take out my headphones and sit like that for a while taking everything in. It really does depend on my mood though, where I am and who's around.

Same with you, I hope I didn't sound too judgmental and offend. I should have thought a bit more before ranting, 'cause I can certainly understand how that helps.

[Mika]

I'm so glad that others have had as wonderful experiences as well!

This morning seems to have been replete with good signs for our vacation, an abundance of wildlife in my yard this morning.

As I sat on our deck saying morning prayers a whole family, flock, of robins came and perched on the railing for a bit, and then seemed to be swooping and dancing all around the trees. It was amazing! Then a little later a squirrel was busy about our backyard!

Nature, the Divine's embodiement of Beauty and Peace!

[Human No More]

I know the feeling about listening to music... I listen to things too, I find that the right music for your mood and surroundings can really help

[Fkeu'itan]

It's cool Empty Glass. No offence taken.

I know what you mean though, those kind of people who when they're out in wonderful surroundings, just mope about with their head down trudging along... Sure, I do that sometimes when i'm in the city but when i'm out in the woods or wherever, i'm always head-up, taking it all in.

The music just tends to add a little something, a magic to everything.

[Sempu]

Mika, your postings have always revealed to me your attentiveness. It's one of the words I would have used to describe you. Thank you for demonstrating your centeredness also. It is inspirational.