My Morning Medicine

The healing power of rocks and water

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What do you see when you look at this picture? Some scruffy-looking rocks, water, and trees?

I see my favorite sit-spot on the edge of the Pond, absent the snow that’s been covering it for months.

You can’t imagine how excited I got, seeing those rocks reappear. They are so beautiful.

I’ve witnessed many things from these rocks. A Black Snake sunning himself on my sit-spot, Swans gracefully sliding across the Pond, a Bobcat crossing the ice, and a playful Otter right beside me, on a summer day.

This morning, intent on finishing two posts I’m working on, and, oh, I’m supposed to be writing my book, I made the executive decision to go for a walk instead. I headed northeast through the woods, towards the Pond. I was missing her and wanted some time to reflect on some things.

I heard the half-thawed Pond rushing into the Stream and walked over to listen and watch.

I know it’s not Niagara Falls or a waterfall in Hawaii, but I see so much beauty in the entanglement of the brush with the rocks and the water rushing over them.

The beautiful earth tones mixed with a few errant ice crystals mesmerized me, and I stood for the longest time just listening, thinking how there are sound instruments now that mimic this sound, but this is the real deal.

I felt my heart expanding. My vision seems clearer. I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

Nature Heals.

I always think of you when I’m out on my walks and having one of these priceless Nature moments.

And so, eventually, my phone gets turned on to take some photos.

I want everyone to be able to walk out their door and have these moments. The least I can do is share mine with my words and my pictures.

The Joy I feel is palpable, and I want to bottle it up for you.

The stream is rushing again. Most but not all of the snow is melted. We had another six inches plus over the weekend, and there’s more on the way tonight.

It’s Kapha Season, remember? Rather than getting annoyed at the back-and-forth of the weather or running away from it, I’ve been in observation mode. Watching what the elements and the natural world are doing. And how it’s changing from day to day.

Just like we are.

I was able to maneuver over onto a beautiful big boulder sitting in the stream and carefully brought my phone out again (for you, of course!)

I thought maybe you would like to hear as well as see what the Stream had to say today:

She’s on the move, rushing over the rocks, finding her way around any obstacles.

I have been a rockhound all of my life. I sleep with rocks. I meditate with them. I use them for healing. Most days, I have one or two in my pockets - especially if I venture out into the world of humans. :)

But who knew (certainly not me) that Otters were rockhounds, too! I recently saw this meme on Instagram, and I’m still smiling at it:

Are you kidding me???

I wish I had known this the day I saw the Otter in the Pond. He swam away before I could snap a pic of him (or her!)

Maybe it’s the reason I’ve pulled the Otter card many times. We’re both rockhounds, after all.

Here’s what Kim Krans writes about Otter in “The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guidebook”:

Otter

Unobstructed Joy, Playfulness, Contentment

Perhaps the most joyful creature within the Animal Spirit deck, the Otter represents absolute bliss. Otter energy is the playfulness of a child, available to us at any age. They have a giddiness and reverence for life itself, without the presence of doubt, worry, or skepticism. Imagine yourself with a little more Otter energy. What would life look like? What would it take to bring you there? The Otter card begs these questions, and wants to transport us to that precious place as soon as possible. The celebration awaits.

When in Balance: Full of love, needs nothing

When Out of Balance: gloomy, sighs, makes silly excuses

To Bring Into Balance: dance party or celebration

—Kim Krans, “The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guidebook”

What a perfect note to end on. I hope you’ve had an Otter kind of day.

Much Love,
Barbara

P.S. Stay tuned this weekend when I hope to share something special with you!

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