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Copyright © 1997 by Linda Luke
All rights reserved. Inquiries should be addressed to
Twelve Star Publishing, P.O. Box 123, Jefferson, MD 21755
Last year, the butterflies were later than usual making
their appearance, but finally showed in exceptional abundance.
I dearly love watching them flit about or alight gracefully on
the purple coneflowers or yellow cosmos. I've always wished to
cup one in my hand and share a moment, but to my disappointment,
the precious creatures invariably flutter away, "pushed"
by my loving but objective-oriented energy. One special day, however,
I stood still, quieted my inner energy, and silently invited a
butterfly to visit with me. I consciously changed my energy from
a state of projection to one of reception. At last, the butterfly
came to me, intentionally flitting about my head and shoulders,
gleefully frolicking all around me. I knew we had communicated
by unseen energies. I was amazed and exquisitely delighted!
I never tire of Nature's inspiration. I continuously marvel
at the interconnectedness of the energies: earth, nature, human.
In my yard I've created a sanctuary where I can immerse myself
in this interconnectedness. Walking through my gardens, I indulge
myself in the pulsating movement of bumblebees, butterflies, and
bright yellow goldfinches amongst the wildflowers. I am comforted
in the cradle of our homemade pond, fringed with tapestries of
sedum, drifts of iris, and tufts of ornamental grasses. As I approach,
the bullfrogs leap into the pond with a satisfying plopping sound,
sending gently rolling ripples across the waters surface. Dragonflies,
with their uncanny aerodynamic designs, painted with every iridescent
hue, dart skillfully about.
Beyond the yard, my spirit soars as my eyes trace the view
of a valley deftly braided by soft green hills. I am deeply touched
by all of this - the visual beauty, and the clean, green aromas,
the pulsing hum of life. I am particularly affected by the subconscious
awareness that what is before me sustains all of us on this planet.
But there is more. There is this energy exchange. One need only
stand still, become fully open and receptive - become awareness.
I can sense an individual plant's energy, and I am aware
that it can sense mine. If I visit my garden in a brusque, troubled,
or preoccupied way I exude a powerful negative energy that pushes
on my plants. If I am angry, resentful or impatient with the work
to be done, it hurts the plants immunological energy and invites
insects and disease. This is also true for me and my own health.
Without intention, I glean none of the beneficial energy from
the garden, and hence open myself to pain and disease resulting
from stress. When I visit the garden mindfully, a most extraordinary
communication happens. Each element of nature sends forth a unique
ripple of energy that can be received as an infusion to heal,
heighten, or clarify. Conversely, my own loving energy supports
and encourages the plants and creatures in their endeavors. I
know this to be true because I have seen a plant on the very edge
of death reverse its condition with only the aid of benevolence;
with no change in its environmental conditions.
As a professional landscaper, I have worked on private
estates where the owners care deeply about their property - even
if they lack gardening skills - their plants prosper. Likewise,
I have worked for other owners who are unconnected and uncaring
about their property, using the plants for appearance purposes
only. Despite my best efforts and fine environmental conditions
the plants fail to thrive and are beset by insects and disease.
In his book, The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich
Nhat Hahn writes:
I thought about conference rooms where people argue and debate, where angry and reproachful words are hurled back and forth. If one placed flowers and plants in such rooms, chances are they would cease to grow.I thought about the garden tended by a monk living in mindfulness. His flowers are always fresh and green, nourished by the peace and joy which flow from his mindfulness.
Later the same day of my experience with the butterfly,
I was seated with my family at a table surrounded on three sides
by tall windows. I somehow sensed a presence outside at the farthest
edge of our property. Searching, I finally saw a hummingbird lift
off a delphinium and whiz up to a branch of the dogwood tree,
at that distance looking more like an insect than a hummingbird.
I excitedly described what I saw to my family. While they looked,
I quieted my energy, silently and deeply greeted the hummingbird,
and invited it to visit with us. All of a sudden, like magic,
the hummingbird flew towards us across the great distance, directly
to the kitchen window. Dead center of the glass it hovered, peering
intently at us for at least 10 seconds! Then, as quickly and deliberately,
it flew straight out of the yard, as if satisfied with the encounter.
We were stunned. We all felt an extraordinary event had occurred
- we had communicated by some unseen form of energy. I was infused,
as if by a bolt of lightening, and thrilled with a heightened
sense of cosmic interconnectedness.
I believe the ability to have intentional energy exchanges
(non-physical, and non-mental) with all aspects of nature, including
other humans, is an evolutionary skill that will ensure the healthful
development of our race and this planet as an interconnected whole.
I would love to hear about your experiences in this subtle dimension
of exchange so that we may collectively explore this "new"
frontier. Please feel free to write me, the Village Gardener,
at 12807 Boxwood Lane, Union Bridge, MD. 21791. (301) 898-0003
Nature Be.
.