Beneath My Feet

These precious little ones were eager to find their home in the ocean. They hatched  just hours before our arrival at the sea turtle release camp. We were thrilled to help protect them from predators.The tiny turtles need to crawl a good 15 meters across land to water, for their reptilian brains to acquire a memory of the beach location. Amazingly, if they survive 30 years until adulthood, they migrate back to this very spot to lay their eggs. Sadly, only one in a hundred survive.  Each species on the planet is born with instincts for survival. But, I believe we humans are also specially gifted intuition -- the  inner guidance system that helps with decisions along life's path. Unlike the brain, which logically sorts pros and cons, our intuition lives in the area of our heart. Follow that. Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.2020. ...  "may you long swim free and return safely home!"

During a brief clearing from the rain, I took an opportunity to take trash to the bins in the alley. It was also an opportunity to wear my fancy boots! Testing the puddles, I noticed how even the smallest step sent waves outward. (Yay physics!) I thought about how the rain generally keeps us indoors. Similarly, with the current pandemic, we've adapted to isolating indoors. It's astounding that a microscopic virus can create ripples with massive global effects. Most of us have slowed our pace and found time to go "inward" and reflect. Perhaps the challenges, like gray clouds, are revealing that  "everyone needs a little rain to grow." 

We love Bali, Indonesia and have visited several times. It is a magical island steeped in culture and Hindu rituals such as these small offerings, placed every day .... often on the ground.  The offerings are said to be  "a sacred form of gratitude for what is, and a wish for peace and abundance in the world."  So lovely!  As visitors, you will immediately notice the smiles and hearts of the gentle people who focus on beauty and not rushing, and cherishing any process, no matter how mundane.  Ubud, Bali Indonesia. 2018. They are palm or banana leaf baskets filled with flowers, small bits of food and occasionally burning incense

Late in the day, shadows fall long. Upon noticing this, my friend and I stopped to play in them. It is interesting how our shadows extend and meet us where we stand on the earth. In a recent interview, I heard Paulo Coelho say, "embrace your shadows".  Something about that phrase rung true. I wondered what it meant to me.... perhaps, to embrace our imperfections, and remember that the source of all shadows is the light that surrounds us. Go play! With Dee in Ashworth Park, Saskatoon, 2018.

I'm attracted to the spiral motif in design. This ancient geometry, both natural and human-made, seems to carry some special magic or wisdom. Perhaps it is a symbol of life's journey, the sun's energy, water, or natural cycles. Does is have any special meaning for you? Loved this spirally pathway - Vallarta Botanical Gardens, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 2019