The Very Best Neighbors

The Very Best Neighbors

I know I may have said it before-I have some of the very best neighbors-some with feathers some with fur, antlers, shells, claws and paws and even antenna. Some courteous-some cautious- some curious-some ruthless -and I love them all. I talk to them and tell them so and can come to the point of tears as the day draws near for the last hummingbird sighting. It carries the same weight as taking down the Christmas tree-or the last ocean swim of the season.

It all came to me while sitting under the dogwood tree …that we all belong to the same family – we’re all made from the same fragments of stardust. I wonder what bit of life energy has called the goldfinch to be a bird – and yellow of all colors! And that old box turtle staring at me with those tiny red eyes how did he come to be who he is? There’s a baby bunny who has become a regular and a host of birds that I love so dearly. I have to admit sometimes I get a little miffed at the red-tailed hawks whose screech unnerves any peace at the bird feeder. When you sit in the sun, under a tree, and breathe in slow-you can feel it-you can feel your oneness with all living things. It is a deep and wonderful feeling-a nirvana of sorts.

Who should spend their days needing to be ruler of the earth and sky? As we level the playing field we become stewards perhaps- helping where we can- fresh food and water and a safe place to land. No dominion - no capture - no province - no harm- just a shared existence under the same firmament – all of us just visitors for such a short stay.

This is a reality that I find so much comfort in. I breathe so much easier when I’m outdoors and I can hear the song of the birds. My shoulders drop, my breathing slows, my consciousness shifts. It is an inner call toward peace and belonging. I feel a kinship as we grow to trust each other more with each passing day – a diverse and beautiful family of creation.

There are days I feel the world coming apart at the seams – many of the truths I hold dear disappearing- and I find the backyard sanctuary calling my name- ‘come rest here- this is what it is all about-we are all just waiting for the world to remember our solidarity - with all of creation – including each other.’ It’s not that I am retreating – I’m just reaching toward a greater consciousness and a more hopeful future. It’s time for all of us to breathe in peace.