In my recent reading, I came across this poem by Mary Oliver. I had not read it before, but found it spoke to me in deep ways.
The other day, on Facebook, I came across a Welsh saying: “Dwi wedi dod yn ôl at fy nghoed.” It means returning to my senses/regaining mental equilibrium or more literally I returnto my trees. I understand this as coming back to my roots and being mindful and present for each sentient and non-sentient being I encounter. The word Druid means oak-knower and the Druids lived in harmony and oneness in nature.
Where do I feel most comfortable? The word comfort comes from com meaning surround and fort meaning strength. In other words, living mindfully in the world has ethical implications. In Greek, ethos means character and also how music influences morals, emotions, and behavior.
As I listen to each of the other kingdoms, what music do I hear? How does the music influence and inform who I am, what I say, and what I do? How am I aware of the music and sounds I hear in these kingdoms?
Consider the other kingdoms. The
trees, for example, with their mellow-sounding
titles: oak, aspen, willow.
Or the snow, for which the peoples of the north
have dozens of words to describe its
different arrivals. Or the creatures, with their
thick fur, their shy and wordless gaze. Their
infallible sense of what their lives
are meant to be. Thus the world
grows rich, grows wild, and you too,
grow rich, grow sweetly wild, as you too
were born to be.
I took this picture several years in Jasper National Park. Kathy and I had gone for an early drive and hike. We parked and took pictures. As I turned, I thought I saw something move and walked towards the movement. The cow elk sat and chewed her cud. She was aware of us and, as I approached, I heard the soft sounds she made in completing the digestive process.
We pointed her out to others and cautioned them to be careful and quiet as they approached her. After all, we are strangers in those other kingdoms.
Teacher as Transformer 
Magnificent Mary.
Thank you Cindy.
I wonder if she was a vegetarian.
That might be. It is an interesting question.
A wonderful and timely post, Ivon. I’m weary from the antics of my government and wish I could gift them trees. All of us here in the states would benefit from all that nature offers. Grateful for this.
TThank you Carrie. If we could plant a tree for each person in government, we could reverse global warming.
Oh Ivon…so true. A lively thought to hold and contemplate. Thank you.
You are welcome Carrie.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
THE KING OF ALL CREATION IS PLEASED BY YOUR GENTLENESS.
Thank you Jonathan.
You are very welcome!
Thank you, Ivan, for that Welsh saying. I had not heard it before – but returning to the trees, in whatever sense we take it, looks to be our, and more especially, the planet’s salvation.
You are welcome Tish. Returning to what anchors us is essential to both.
Ah, so beautifully said ❤
Thank you Patrice.
Beautifully written and perfectly inspirational! I so enjoyed this post, nature is what sustains me in this life, especially the trees, and wildlife.
Thank you Cheryl.
Beautiful…
Thank you Bette
“Dwi wedi dod yn ôl at fy nghoed.” would LOVE the pronunciation of that. THANK YOU for such naturally beautiful post
Welsh is a very complex language, so I would not even venture a guess. RN thank you for joining me on this journey.