Kathy and I went to the farm yesterday and shared Thanksgiving with Kathy’s niece. We took advantage of a nice day for a walk to the old house and down to a slough on the property. Along the way, we came across a doe. She was skittish and it took time and effort to get a picture. It is hunting season in Alberta so that might be part of the skittishness, but, also this doe has a young one. We did not see the spring fawn, but the mother would stand, watch us, and, then take off, probably reassuring herself the fawn was safe and she served as a distraction.
It reminded me of Parker Palmer‘s book,The Hidden Wholeness. He compared the soul to a shy animal. Last Friday, during professional development, after a reference to the spiritual nature of life, I pointed out to a person spirituality is personal and private tentatively shared with our self first and, afterwards, with those we are closest to. I persisted and hope I left food for thought.
As Kathy and I walked, the deer reappeared several times and, despite attempts at being quiet and still, the deer remained shy and reluctant.
I sit quietly, with occasional great stillness, and my spirit, like the deer, runs for cover. In the midst of strangers and intruders, what else could be expected at moments of vulnerability like the hunting season or when we look to protect that which is closest to us.
Quiet and still
Camouflaged and vigilant
Remains in safe haven
Hidden from view
Protects the important
Distracts the intruders
Returns to its child.
I sit
Wait patiently
Soul peeks shyly
Moves tentatively
Waits for safety
Reveals itself in that moment
A dance repeated.
Look closely. The poplar and the spruce in the foreground frame her in the background.
Teacher as Transformer 
I see her! Oh what a joy!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you.
What a beautiful way to describe our inner ‘awakening’, the stirrings which deepen our inmost thoughts and require answers!
Thank you Melody.
Sweet… so still, your writing… the soul waits patiently…
It is certainly within these moments we capture its essence…!
Thank you Carolyn
The insight that our spirituality is shared with our self first, and tentatively, is really helpful. Thank you for that.
You are welcome David. I think spirituality is an ongoing, evolving journey in life.
impressive sir
Thank you fro the kind words.
there is always are relationship of reality and art,you welcome
“I pointed out to a person spirituality is personal and private tentatively shared with our self first and, afterwards, with those we are closest to. I persisted and hope I left food for thought.”
I think that is great food for thought. It’s unfortunate you had to persist to be heard (if you ever were heard). Thanks for sharing and for the photos.
Nancy
Your blog is too sweet, hence I am nominating your blog for Super Sweet Blogging Award ! You can check it from http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/super-sweet-blogging-award/
God bless. Keep Smiling
Thank you. I will have to get on my awards in the next day or two.
🙂
Thank you for following my blog.
You are welcome. I really appreciate the excellent pictures you post with the text.
Pingback: Be Alive « Teacher as Transformer
Awesome – lovely to think , imagine and feel 😀
Great thoughts !
Thank you for the kind words. They are appreciated. It was a lovely fall day for a walk and to observe nature’s gifts.