The Wild Woman Walker: December 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

".... I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred,

but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature,
a healer of misery,
as a messenger of wonder,
as an architect of peace."
~ Diane Ackerman

"Peace Begins with Me"

On the day I was born, the world was at war. With the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the United States was drawn into that ominous conflict. And at the time of my birth, the following January 30th, it was a time of fear and much anxiety for the future of the world. The hope of "peace on earth", that was proclaimed that first Christmas, seemed to be an impossible dream, as the whole world waged war.

Seventy one years later, the countries of the world are still searching for a way to make that promise of "peace" a reality. World leaders come and go, and the violence and killing, often of innocent people, continue somewhere on the planet, in the name of justice and human rights. When will we learn that the means we use in our quest for "peace" determine the end? Violent methods will only bring more violence and hatred, never that "peace" that our hearts long for.

So at this time of reflection, at the end of the year, when we celebrate several major religious holidays, I think about the hope that was proclaimed that first Christmas - "Peace on Earth, good will to all." While I would love to make all conflict among people cease on the planet, and, that is my prayer, I know as long as the people of earth continue to think competitively and perceive someone who is different, as a person to be feared, war and violence will always be with us. If we keep believing that there is not enough of that "good" for everyone, we will forever see fighting for our needs as necessary to our survival.

It is time for all people everywhere to begin to practice a "new" philosophy of life and truth. And it must begin in each person's heart, the only place where the truth can possibly take root and grow. As we nurture that growth of "new" belief, with love and compassion for ourselves and others, we can finally know another way of being and relating to one another.

It's not like I am suggesting something that has never been thought of before. Great teachers like Gandhi, Mandela, Jesus and Buddha, as well as many others wise souls, have professed this ancient wisdom all throughout the ages. But when we hear that talk of peace, we discuss and write and sing about it. Sadly, that idea of "peace" seems to stay in our head, where our brain finally says to us, "It's a nice idea, but practically speaking, it is not realistic!" So maybe moving those words of "peace" to our hearts, where the truth of our oneness and divinity is recognized and honored, is what is necessary.

That can only be done through an experience of faith and trust in a divine power beyond our personal egoic state. And that requires a quantum leap in consciousness.... that goes way beyond a "them vs. us" mentality to a knowing of our oneness and personal spirituality. Maybe the only part of us that really left the "garden of Eden" is our minds... the thinking part of us that sees ourselves as separate....as a physical form that happens to have a soul.

It's time to remember that we are, in truth, spiritual beings, all "birthed from the ONE CREATOR, and are having a shared human experience. We can choose to suffer, see lack and hurt one another, OR we can finally awaken to that wisdom of oneness that all seekers have known for ages. We, as spiritual beings, are meant to experience "peace", both within and without. Peace is our nature, not this destructive illusion of the need for violence. The choice is ours .... to stay in the lies of darkness or to allow the "birth" of love within our hearts. Our destiny is to finally welcome the "child of Light" to illuminate our way of believing.... to at last know that luminous path to lasting peace on earth is not only possible, it is how things are meant to be. That's the true wonder of the season....the true "peace on earth".

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

"When in doubt..wear red!"

~ Bill Blass

At the Top of the Rainbow

Even on the "other side of the rainbow", you could not find a prettier red than the flowers I encountered at Owen Rose Garden last summer. Red, one of the most vibrant colors of the spectrum, is said to catch people's attention more than any other color. Since several studies have indicated that the color red carries the strongest reaction of all the colors, scientists have repeatedly recommended the color red for warning signals, labels and signs.

Not only is red used in communicating a warning and possible danger , but also red is said to be the color of passion, love, and courage. What would Valentine's day be without those red hearts?! Even nature makes use of red to alert us when fruit ripens, announcing its readiness to be harvested.

If you are experiencing a lack of energy or need a boost of confidence, take a walk past some scenes of red. When you are feeling tired, you might want to "stir your blood" and wear some red. Know that by wearing red you may also be giving others the message that you're dynamic and confident. So be ready to assume leadership!

Okay, how does red affect us so dramatically? Red has the longest wavelength in that visible spectrum we call a rainbow, and that puts red at the top of the spectrum of light that is visible to the human eye. That's right next to the longer wavelengths of infrared light, that is not visible for us to see. Watch out...at the top of the rainbow, things are hot...and exciting ... and very vibrant!

With all of this going for the color red, you might think that nothing could improve its vibrational effect. But on my winter walks this December, the intense nature of red, highlighted with a touch of green and framed beautifully by sparkling white, upped the vibrancy of that color for me. It's red that takes your breath away....it's a color that says "Stop, you can't miss me!"

And if you feel that you need any other colors, just feast your eyes on the snowy white...it contains all the colors of the spectrum!

In order to fare well in this world of ours balance is needed. Too much red and passionate feelings may begin to render us too emotional; too little red and that motivation and energy may not be there when you need it. Nature, being all about the wisdom of balance, frames that energetic red with its cooling complement, green. Our human eyes do a balancing of energies, when viewing both of these colors together and your brain stays relaxed, while your body is being energized!

Anish Kapoor has written, "Red is the colour of the interior of our bodies. In a way, it's inside-out red." Maybe that's the real reason that we feel so alive around the color red. It reflects back to us the very life force that pulses through us. It reminds us that we are fully alive, and that is especially beneficial when we need some encouragement. Red is our cheerleader, our coach, and mother all stirred up in one color. Bill Blass has said. "Red is the ultimate cure for sadness", and I do agree.

If you find your self love needs a jump start... try nuzzling up to a fragrant red rose and see how that feels. More poetry of love has included the imagery of red roses than any other flower, and there must be a reason for that! Could it be that heart-thumping color that wraps its "arms" around you saying "I love you" ? After all, it was Robert Browning who wrote, "My love is like a red, red rose."

So how about it? Did you get your hug from "red" today?

"A Walk in the Snow" ~ December, 2013

"Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder -- no matter how old you became and how much you'd seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered."

~ Candace Bushnell, Lipstick Jungle

" A Walk Through Some White Wisdom"

I wasn't the only one who woke up that Friday morning and looked outside and saw great possibilities for the day. Just about every kid in the Willlamette Valley area was probably scrambling that very moment, looking for their boots and gloves and sled in anticipation of a grand adventure. The whole landscape was transformed into a winter wonderland that discouraged the usual normal nonsense of serious work and instead invited everyone to play. For those of us who had captured the vision of that offering, we saw this white surprise as an opportunity for some serious frivolity. I couldn't get myself together soon enough to test out those possibilities for fun that I was imagining. All the challenges in my life that I was presently dealing with, that normally kept me in bed until late morning, were covered by a blanket of white. No sadness over a broken relationship, no worries about a major car bill, no problem of any kind could undo my enthusiasm for getting outside to that opportunity for pure joy.

In my hike in the snow, I sensed a stillness... a quiet that indicated a slowing down of the usual frantic pace of the world. Very few foolish people dared to venture out in their cars on the roads that were hidden beneath 6 inches of crystalline snow. And those that did were moving with cautious slowness. All the imperfections of the landscape were transformed into a timeless image that looked more like a painting by Currier and Ives than my hometown of Eugene.

The magic of this cold, white landscape landscape seemed to warm everyone's heart, nurturing an atmosphere of community and connection. Never in all my neighborhood walks have I had such fun talking with everyone I met. Even this little dog, wearing his boots and coat, was beside himself with this invitation for winter amusement.

Everyone I stopped to talk with smiled, as they shared their surprise of this unexpected playtime in the snow. There were no complaints from those who embraced that adventure that brought forth memories from past of fun in the snow. Because everything looked new and perfect in the sparking, white snow, we all felt the energy of that idea of perfection. We romped and trudged through the cold, white layer of snow like we were kids, who knew no limits.

While I hiked about 6 challenging miles that day, I remembered the winter of 1954, when I was 11 years old. I had woken up to a similar magical morning one day in the beginning of January, and was having an incredible amount of fun playing in the snow. In the midst of that winter wonderland, and with my childhood belief in unlimited possibilities, I made a wish that it would snow until my birthday on January 30th. Incredibly, it did! And I had even more fun playing in the snow for a month, thinking that it was all for me! I smiled as I thought of that time and realized that I was now feeling the same about my present snow adventure as I had so many years ago.

I met a couple who had just moved here from Alaska. Needless to say, they felt right at home with the unusual winter weather that were having. They sailed smoothly along the snow covered path, while I breathlessly struggled up that snowy hill. Wisdom is about choosing appropriate transportation! And I added a pair of skis to my wish list for Christmas!

The birds also made themselves more visible that day on my trek in the snow. With a covering of white hiding his source of food, this starling really appreciated the food put out in this bird feeding station. Mmmmm.. juicy fruit in the middle of a snow storm! Not a bad breakfast! When someone shares and is generous, everyone benefits. This bird got a great breakfast and I got a good photo, thanks to one person's generosity!

"Sapsucker Search" by Carol E Fairbanks

In the midst of the stillness of the woods, a sapsucker flew hurriedly by and began an earnest search for his food from this tree. All of creation (with the exception of most people) knows that nature provides everything we need. Luckily for us, the animals give us reminders of that true natural harmony that eludes many of us. They demonstrate for us that we all have that instinctive knowing of how to get what we need. It is only in our minds that we have left that "garden of Eden".

But when its snowing and cold, it's nature's signal to slow down and listen. It's time to contemplate the present moment and just "be" for a while. It's a chance to experience yourself as a part of creation... complete within yourself, yet more understood as a part of the grand whole. If you take some time to wait and be still, you won't miss that wonderful new adventure that beckons you. You won't be so busy or tired that when opportunity knocks, you do not hear it. Yes, snow is nature's sign to pay attention by being quiet. This little junco seems to know what to do with this winter day.

So the winter of our lives teaches us the importance of being still at times.... of listening to the wisdom of nature ... of trusting in the goodness of creation. Winter doesn't have to be harsh and unforgiving, if we know how to be in harmony with its gifts. My wonderful walk in the snow reminded me of these simple truths. I wouldn't want the weather to be like this all the time, but for now I am enjoying my winter adventure.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." ~ Anne Bradstreet

Sunday, December 8, 2013

" Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."

~ Emily Dickinson

"Wisdom Out of the Blue"

Who could not notice the vibrant blue on a stellar jay or a blue bird? Color inspires very definite psychological effects and has been shown scientifically to affect both our physical health, as well as our emotional mood. The color blue is associated with peace and tranquility and is demonstrated to have just that same effect on people, as it calms the nervous system and promotes both physical and mental relaxation. In fact, blue has shown to even aid our digestion and metabolism. And further studies have shown that people are more productive when performing tasks in a blue room.

It seems that blue also affects some animals, as well as humans. Mosquitos are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color. And the owl, an ancient symbol of wisdom, is the only bird that can see the color blue. So why does the color blue affect us so?

While there are many studies that have been done to explore the answer to this question, I believe that there is a logical and simpler explanation for its effect. The color of the water and sky, blue, is a constant in our lives. It's a phenomenon that we not only expect daily, but also we seek it out when we want to vacation and remove stress from our sometimes harried psyches. Just gazing at a placid lake or walking along the ocean shore, with its never ending, rolling waves, makes us feel better. Looking at a blue sky has found to produce endorphin chemicals that are calming to our bodily systems. Even a gazing at a photograph will do the trick! Since the sky and all bodies of water are always there, we have learned to place our assurance in those earthly elements, and with a deep, unshaken trust in those areas of natural blue beauty, we feel greater peace within.

And, as hope grows in our hearts, we experience an inner security and greater confidence in ourselves. We relax, as we learn to rely on the manifestations of blue to guide and support us through those difficult times. Because one can only have lasting hope in the presence of truth, seeking out those experiences which personify that truth are imperative. And where is such truth personified better than in that constant, natural beauty of water and sky? Places, like Crater Lake, give energy and form to our growing sense of hope. Why wouldn't we want to vacation in the midst of the beauty of blue?

The Native Americans, that lived near Crater Lake long ago, believed that this pristine site was sacred and that their gods lived there. In fact, in many cultures, blue has always been perceived as the color of the spirit, devotion and religious study. Research has shown that the color blue enhances contemplation and prayer. In India, paintings of the god, Krishna often depict him as having blue skin. In Iran, blue, blue-green and green are sacred colors, that symbolize paradise. Early Christians chose blue to symbolize God, the Father, and today, the church often uses light blue to symbolize the Virgin Mary. And Mary, often depicted wearing light blue, is the embodiment of love, patience and compassion. Considering that symbology, the benefits of blue seem to come from a wisdom of a higher level of intelligence and indicate a more spiritual perspective.

But blue is not just one expression of color ...it has many variations, all of them affecting us just a little differently. While lighter shades of blue seem to suggest unconditional love and compassion, darker shades of blue, especially indigo, convey a feeling of the night sky and darkness, which are metaphors for going inward to the subconscious to glean insights and understandings. And brilliant blues, rather than being calming, can be quite dynamic and dramatic, expressing exhilaration. And some dark shades, as well as an overuse of blue, can come across as cold and uncaring... maybe even creating a feeling of sadness and melancholia.

It is interesting that the true color of contentment and inspiration is azure. That's the color of the sky when it's at its very best! This also happens to be the color of the vortex of energy that is located in the throat center of the human body. This center, known as the throat chakra, involves the neck, throat, mouth and jaw areas of the body and primarily focuses on communication. This chakra radiates a turquoise blue color, that relates to one-to-one communication, and is especially concerned with using the voice to verbally express one's personal truth. The essence of the 5th chakra in the throat is the principle of connectivity. It likes to create strong, trusting relationships and can enhance our devotion to building and sustaining such bonds. This color blue is idealistic, and it enhances our self expression to communicate our needs and wants. Azure blue inspires us to higher ideals in our life, and my walk at Bandon beach, that glorious day five years ago, certainly did that for me. I had no trouble expressing my overflowing joy that day!

The darker blue of indigo is the color of the third eye chakra, located above the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. It is here that we take command of our lives through the images that we hold in mind. This center is about "seeing" and interpreting what we perceive. As we visualize our dreams, they manifest and become form. That occasional "storm" with its tumultuous waves, that has manifested, can be tamed in the mind. Our thoughts can visualize a calmer version of life. We can see our "troubles" as experiences and grow vigorous and happy, however adverse those experiences may seem.

Within the spectrum of all of the colors, blue is my helper, my rescuer and friend, when I am in need. Through the years, I have built a strong relationship with the color blue, as it nurtures and gives me hope, through both my successes and my challenges. So when I experience a discordant rhythm in my being, I go for a walk on the beach. I hike to a pristine mountain lake and sit for a time, until I feel more hopeful. I languish beside a nurturing waterfall to experience that flow of good within me, while I am rebirthing who I truly am. The gifts of blue seem endless, as they connect the core of my being to the very heartbeat of the universe. The color blue "washes" over me, and it takes away all that is not true.... especially those lies of separation and of not being loved. And then blue, with motherly compassion, enlightens me with the message of its reassuring vibration of oneness and love.

In a world of rainbows, where blue is one of many colors, I know my life requires balance in order to not overdo my experience with blue. Too much might render me rigid and aloof. But, in my heart, I know that my experiences with my wise friend, blue, are actually preparing me for my adventures with those other vibrant colors of the spectrum. It's the true gift of wisdom...out of the blue.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream will always win.... not through strength, but through persistence."

~ Calvert Bullock

" In the Flow of Plenty"

Whether it's December and the volume of water is deafening to listen to, or it's in the middle of the summer, when there has been no rain for weeks, and the amount of water is scant, the falls still keeps going. It doesn't matter if the streams are blessed with lots of water or not, the magical sound of falling water is always heard throughout Silver Falls State Park. Nature is our greatest teacher, always offering her wisdom to inspire us to a greater way of living and being. We, too, can make a choice to be persistent...to keep going no matter what challenges beset us. Water follows the design of natural law, created for the good of all of creation. Too often, we forget that law of goodness and plenty, and look at the lack that has manifested in our life and get discouraged. Our flow of good is stopped by the decision to be out of harmony with that natural law of plenty, and when we stop giving, we stop receiving. With the blockage of that flow of good, we render ourselves out of sync with all of creation and more "lack" inevitably follows.

The consistent movement of the waterfalls mirrors back a lesson of prosperity to us, and maybe, that's the reason why we so love to be near them. Their gentle, yet never ending flow, reminds us of, on a very deep level, the truth of all creation.... a truth that says, when in harmony with spiritual law, "there is always enough"... that by being grateful for everything we have and sharing it with others, we consciously make a choice to be more fully open to the prosperity that the universe always offers.

And if we keep the "flow" going in our minds and in our choices, we can create miracles in our life. We can do wondrous things that some may think is impossible. From the constant current of the south fork of Silver Creek, never stopping, nor pausing to lament its periodic lack of water, a wonderfully impressive gorge was created. That persistent flow of water challenged the hard rock foundation and carved a path that offers spectacular scenery. When I walk the trails of Silver Falls State Park, that follow the route of this daring stream, I am inspired to imitate that persistent flow in my life.

By Middle Falls in the summer ~ 2013

Next to the energy of that falling water, I am inspired to greater confidence...both in my ability to endure and in the support I receive from the universe for my journey. Like the waterfalls, I can keep going...always moving forward, while believing in a benevolent world that we inhabit. If the occasional appearance of lack happens, it is no reason to shut down. I can courageously look within my heart to a greater truth that says there is always enough to for everyone, including me!

So when I need encouragement, I come to the woods. When I crave inspiration to lift me out of my darkness, I stand by a waterfalls. Nature, my sanctuary and comfort, is always there to teach and guide me, as I walk my path through life. What gratitude I feel in this sacred place!