Lately I have been thinking a lot about this little rhyme:
“A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?”
Sometimes I have so many thoughts running through my head, yet when I sit down to write my thoughts out, I can’t seem to get the words out. I have been wondering if maybe it’s time to turn inward and do more listening within…more attentive perception of the messages I need to be hearing right now.
Sometime life can feel like a bit too much, it’s energy rises and rises till it fills all the way up to the top of your head…clouding every possible chance at clarity you might have. Whenever I feel that way, I start cleaning my house and surroundings, endlessly purging anything and everything I think I no longer need…making a desperate attempt at cleansing my space from this icky suffocating feeling. Not only does this thought apply to the physical world, but the internal (self) world as well. Taking the time to go within and cleanse out all the things (judgements, thoughts, preconceived notions on how things ought to be or not be) in there that are no longer needed.
As room opens up, a renewed sense of well being and intuitive perception seems to always follow. Right now seems to be a good time for this kind of work…preparing for the great winter’s rest, a slower paced life, silence, gratitude, and celebration of life.
Things seem kinda crazy and hectic out there and stressful and out of balance. I know whenever I feel that way, I need to stop what I am doing and listen…just like that wise old owl. Even though I feel like I have put a lot of energy into this this year so far, I know that this process is endless. And there’s no better place to do this inner listening then surrounded by nature with those I love most…
…shining gratitude for all that I see.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh Jules, I am SO happy to hear this. It may take a bit for the eczema to go away completely. There may be quite a bit of healing in the gut to be done…the skin comes last. I would LOVE to get your bread recipe. Please do email me it if you can…or post it here, whichever is easier. Thanks so much!
Lisa
Lisa, I also want to tell you the difference we are seeing with the Gluten Free lifestyle. I can't remember when last we chatted (two or three weeks ago), but we went full on into it. After maybe ten days, we are starting to see a difference. My older son's eczema has largely faded, though not yet entirely. I also notice a difference in my own skin as well as a "lighter" feeling in general ~ amazing! I did find/modify a GF bread recipe that works quite well for us and is delicious. It freezes well, too, unlike the spelt bread I used to make. I'd be happy to share if you would like (I remember you saying you had yet to find a good one). Anyhow, thanks so much for all the inspiration you provide…truly, you are effecting change for others. Wonderful!
xo Jules
Ah hah! What is it with us and syncronicities?! I love when that happens. It just amplifies the message…and what better message is there then nature and it's wisdom, right?!
Lisa
I just always find that when I take the time to go and sit in nature, or walk in it while my children romp (and shout and be crazy) I "get" something. Nature just holds a kind of peace and knowledge that I feel like us humans lost somewhere along the line. It's good to know that no one has to venture too far to get outside for a bit.
Lisa
That makes me happy to hear. Autumn, even with it's spiraling energy is so fresh isn't it?!
Lisa
I didn't even think about that! The pics do go with the words. I love when that happens. It makes me feel like they were meant to be together. And those old covered bridges from way back when…I just love them!
Lisa
It's always nice to know others are feeling the crazy energy as well….and I'm not the only one whose head is spinning. Lots of deep breaths required!
Lisa
I remember reading this poem to my oldest eleven years ago. It's funny to think how these words have grown with me over the years. It was one I never heard as a child, but it stuck with me as a mother.
Lisa
I try so very hard to be present wherever I am in a given day, but then it seems just as I get the rhythm down…something gives, and it goes all over again. I know flexibility is key. Trying desperately to make sense of it all, but thinking that words may not be the way I'm gonna figure it out. We'll see.
Lisa
Lisa…You'll never guess, although I'm sure you'll smile and nod your head and think, Yeah, I'm not surprised, but I stopped by for a visit today ~ the first in a long while as life has been so very full. And would you believe, that is the very nursery rhyme we are working with this week for my Kinder boy! And I love it! I also love your photos, beautiful.
xo Jules
So very wise indeed, thank you for this.
I love the shoots from the covered bridge too
Reading this post was like breathing the fresh, crisp air of an autumn morning.
The shots from within the barn are amazing. Your pictures flow so nicely with your narrative and I can so easily hear the rustling of leaves (*my favorite sound*).
I hear you, all that you've said. I understand. I feel the same way.
Lisa, What a beautiful, wise, poem. Listening is the best sense we have. XOXO
Lisa, your post deeply touched me today. My life has been spinning a lot faster than I like and sometimes I feel like I am just barely hanging on. I am trying to clean out both internal and external,but having a little trouble with both right now. xx