The July sun starts to descend in the sky creating a dappling appearance as light reaches through the leaves touching the earth. Waves on the lake take on a shimmer reflecting the annual solar migration into midsummer. A breeze is welcome on hot afternoons. Crickets chirp in the fields. Rose of Sharon and milkweed are in bloom. All signs are stirring up the ancient notion that it is nearly time to go.
A thought about the cycle of seasons came to awareness after a day out at sea on a whale watch. These magnificent beasts respond to many indicators that it’s time to swim on. Water temperature, sunlight and the movement of their food source tells them to be ready for change. As the birds start to flock together, the notion becomes more forceful internally.
Without a basis in science, more a reaction to nature, it seems for years upon years, humans evolved around a migration cycle. Although it’s common now to be fixed, there’s still the memory of movement, not as a result of war or famine, natural disaster or plague, but to simply follow the sun. Should the sensation come along of restlessness, wonder if it’s not instinct asserting itself over domestication. Always the transition to fall is marked by a disturbance in the body manifested as migraine and mal de mar. It’s gotten milder over time. Still, the discomfort starts to appear in a sudden difficulty in sleeping. Little fluctuations start the desire to go.
The whereof it is the great unknown.
January 4 it is. By my side, forsythia blossoms are bright yellow on their cut stems. All the pruning late December. I saved stems and hoped for this gift. Pure yellow tender flowers that no bee will visit. Some buds have three flowers! Little four petaled stars. No fragrance comes forth. Out the window, all is piles of melting snow.
Today, I made a little owl beeswax candle. It’s so lovely to have these charmers around the house. This one has someone’s name on it. The person is kind inside and out. She gives and is happy with just that. This token of thanks will hopefully be accepted. I am grateful for attention freely given.
If this is all too painful to contemplate, consider alternative forms of meditation. Here is an example of mediation off the cushion. Start by taking out the most neglected houseplant, bring it to the table during a quiet time of day and examine it closely. Focus your eyes on the plant and take in its shape and color. Hold the potted plant between your hands and form a connection. Understand what the plant needs for care and begin to groom it. Trim off the dried leaves, prune back the unruly branches and tend it with care. Lightly cultivate the soil. Prepare a pot of warm water with plant food and give it a nourishing drink. Pour the water in slowly and watch the soil absorb the moisture. Take a damp cloth and dust each leaf or petal on both sides. Take your time and wash off the branches and stems as well. This may require a long swab to reach under and over. Tend the plant. When you have completed this task, give the plant a fine mist of warm water. Place the plant back in its surroundings, or ask it at the end of the cleansing, where it wants to be? Does it need more light, moisture or warmth? Give it all your attention until the task is complete. Practice grooming one plant each week. There is no start or end time, it is just done when it is done.
LuceStellare 