In the night when all is still, my own hands touch to heal my injured rib and caress the womb that continues to give new life, new possibilities long after my years of physical giving birth are past.
A friend calls, and inside I know going together to Grower's Market will be another blessing for us both, where we can converse with these amazing farmers and crafts people who give life to our community. He buys seedlings for our awesome garden, I buy produce for the week ahead.
Then I take a new friend Diane to a neighborhood potluck, where we both feel the camaraderie, the warmth, the shared stories that give us our sense of belonging to this tribe of intelligent, awakening people who have chosen Ashland as home too. We share good food and friendship as we gather and get to know one another better. Another new beginning for the two of us, too.
Returning home, my body needs a rest while Marina quietly helps clean and organize my fridge and kitchen. I need her help, and gratefully welcome it. After a snack, I take another nap and share a simple meal with another dear friend. He takes off for an hour to help Tanja check out and buy a lovely red bike from one of his friends, just the perfect gift for herself right now, so she too can gather strength over the summer and enjoy that freedom only a bicycle can bring. One generous heart lending a helping hand to another. One conscious choice at a time, that is how we'll change this planet.
As the evening grows cool, we drive to Emigrant Lake . As we walk, soaking up an amazing sunset and a brisk lakeside breeze, spontaneously I find my left arm free again to reach skyward, the tension in my ribs dissolving. Miracles often happen quietly, sometimes suddenly when least expected! We begin to envision with shared enthusiasm the possibility of a short camping trip along the Rogue River. We've both been showing up fully for what is important, being patient and giving spaciousness to the situation of my injury, already healing faster than I'd dared hope. A chance to vacation is indeed coming true! Fun and enjoying the nature spirits is part of honoring our deepening connection to being in alignment with nature's gifts. We go our separate ways, honoring too these gentle ties that bind us to the bigger picture. May we all find simple ways to nourish our hearts, minds, bodies and souls as summer arrives with a bang of hot weather, then a short reprieve.
I offer a special blessing to Lara and Meagan as they celebrate their common birthday tomorrow; it's been a year for new adventures, big transitions and growth for both of them, and we've all shared in the joy of Meagan's marriage to Jaime this spring! Time to warm up, wake up, and begin this new day! What will you choose to do with your precious life this summer?
