“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” William Shakespeare
Where do you find love in your life? Is your only source other people or do you look beyond and find it reflected elsewhere?
We all need to experience love. In every spiritual journey, love is the key element. We learn about it through many experiences; sometimes in secondary experiences through which others have expressed their love.
Art Touches the Heart and Soul
A few weeks ago, as I walked through the entrance of an amazing garden, Wamboldtopia, I felt transported into another dimension, one which brought the ancient spiritual energy of the past into the present. The energy of this place touched me because of the natural beauty, especially the bright red and iridescent lavender of blooming azaleas and the lush green of many kinds of plants. But this garden was created by a wonderful artist, Damaris Pierce, to create a natural home for much of her art work. As I wondered down the paths, I found elfish houses, graceful sculptured women, and the face of a Green Man, and through these, Damaris’ spirit and love of nature touched me.
Only a love deeply connected to nature would create this energy. But that is what an artist does—connect with that inner source of spirituality, even if they don’t call it that. That is why we feel uplifted after walking in the natural beauty of nature or through an art gallery where the art reveals the depth of artists’ souls. When the two are combined, we cannot help but feel the love of Spirit visiting us through those creations.
Through Nature’s Creatures We Receive Love
Other encounters with nature can also activate our own loving source and bring it to the surface. As I ate lunch today with the back door open to my deck, an older Siamese cat approached. I had seen her in the neighborhood before and attempted to pet her, but she ran. This time, I talked to her through the door with warm words. Slowly I moved onto the deck, and she began to give me those double messages cats love to give: you can pet me, no you can’t. I sat on the steps and waited. She moved closer and allowed me to pet her, then suddenly she jumped into my lap and started rubbing me with her head. For a few moments, we were lovingly connected.
I am so grateful when I can connect with the creative energy of the Universe, for it is the very source of life. We are all products of nature, all “kin,” as Shakespeare reminds us. When I hear the birds in the morning, I am reminded how glad I am to be alive. I am filled with laughter when the local turkey gobbler performs his dance for me. I am inspired and irritated sometimes by the community of crows that negotiate in the trees outside my writing room. Each is a part of life that reminds me I am part of the dance of life.
We Are All A Part of Love
It is this reminder that we are a part of nature too that can be a powerful healer lifting us out of depression or disappointment or loss, reminding us that we are more than just this life on this planet. That is why it is so important that we make time to connect each day with that loving, healing, positive energy. We are part of the Spirit that creates all life and that love will never deserts us.
© 2012 Georganne Spruce
Related Articles: Emerson’s Nature: A River Reading, Native Pride, Finding God in Nature
ZQT4PQ5ZN7F5
Awakening to the Dance 