Walking is part of my daily routine. I love starting my day with a walk in the woods or by the water. Today I chose to challenge myself by walking a trail that is a loop of ups and downs. It is not well travelled and I wondered if it would be too much for me. I am conscious of wanting to keep my balance as I hike and I looked for a walking stick to support me. I poked around the undergrowth, and there it was, the perfect size! Off I went.
[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]The time with him was both tender and tough.[/pullquote]
It has been several days since I have walked on the trails. I just returned from a trip to visit my father in Winnipeg. I was happy to spend time with him, and it did mean that I missed out on my regular walks. I also noticed my energy was low when I returned. It was an emotional time communicating and spending time with him. He is almost 95 years old, and this visit in particular, I noticed how frail he is. I am realizing that extra care is needed to communicate and plan. Everything takes longer, as we walk to a garden patio or get into the car for a drive. He misses my mother, and his tears are close to the surface.
I am also aware of how little writing I did when I was away. I am eager to maintain my writing schedule, yet while I was with my father, I did not have the time or the energy to create. In the past, I would shame myself because of my ‘lack of discipline’. I have realized that this approach doesn’t work for me. I want to write from a place of ease and joy, not guilt or pressure to ‘get it done’. As I walked, I thought about what has shifted for me, and why I no longer punish myself if I skip a writing day.
A Two-tiered Process
I am fascinated by the ‘two-tiered process’ of writing that is happening for me as I work on my book. What do I mean by this?
I choose a topic to write about; next thing I know, I am being asked to live out the truth of what I am saying as I write.
Recently I have been writing about the idea of Acceptance in life. What does it look like to accept one’s circumstances, rather than resist and rebel against life’s events?
That is what I noticed this morning. I felt discouraged about my progress as an author. I was sad as I realized the changes in my father’s energy and health. I faced the reality of loss and grief. I was struggling with my emotions and my state of mind.
As I walked along the trail, I reminded myself that I was being asked to accept my situation in life. Instead of being upset and resentful, I could choose to be gentle with myself. I could be a kind, loving observer of my experience. I acknowledged the reality of my full schedule while I was away, and I saw the reasons why I was not able to write as regularly as I usually do. That is how it was. There was nothing to shame myself about. I acknowledged that my dad was doing the best he can at his stage of life. He often wishes he could do more, and I want to encourage him to accept himself just where he is. One of the ways I can do this is by being patient and loving when I am with him.
As I walked, I was surrounded by tall trees and the path was bordered by wild flowers and ferns. There was beauty and lush green everywhere! I enjoyed the uphill climb and I felt grateful for my healthy body and strong legs. My heart was light and my emotions shifted from gloom to gladness.
Then I saw them. A cluster of white feathers along the path. I stopped and took a deep breath. Feathers have been a special symbol for me for many years. I have a collection of feathers, with a story to go with each one. They show up at significant times for me, and I treasure them.
I picked up several white feathers and then saw a brown one along the edge of the path. I knew the feathers were a gift for me today. Nature’s abundance had shown up for me in an unexpected way. I walked with a light step and a smile on my face as I carried home a bouquet of feathers.
I got home and arranged the feathers in a pottery vase. I chose to do some research on the meaning of ‘finding a feather’. I was curious what it might mean.
Here is what I learned
‘Angels will often align feathers on your path at just the right time to offer validation, comfort or to encourage you that you are on the right track.’
‘A white feather is a reminder to keep the faith, that you are supported and protected by angels.’
What a timely message for me as I was feeling discouraged about my writing journey!
‘A brown feather signifies grounding, home life and stability. It has an energy of respect, grounded positivity and a balance between physical and spiritual.’
This reminded me of the respect I show to my father, and the fact that the feathers showed up for me with their spiritual message as I was physically walking on the trail. The synchronicity of all of this is a gift to me today.
Oh yes, there is one more exciting ‘coincidence’! I read that the Feather symbolizes ‘Lightness‘. This is my Word for this year, and so it is even more meaningful to receive the gift of the Feathers in the Forest.
[question]What fun I have had writing about today’s experience. I am encouraged and supported in my life and I am excited to share this with you.
I wonder what clues you find in your life to show you that you are on the path you are meant to be? It may be another symbol or object that resonates with you.
I would love to hear what that might be for you. Together let’s celebrate the partnership we can have with nature and each other as we walk the trails of our life.[/question]
0 Comments