GRATEFULNESS IN NATURE
Dear Friends
This year, our year 2020 is almost ended; even though on reflection it has been in the process of ending since its beginning; that the ending was inherent in its beginning since its beginning was a result of the last year ending. And as this year ends, a New Year will arise and move through the same process and passage of time and change for the length of a year!
On reflection this process of change is the nature of all things and is reflected in Nature!
Our stress and pain is when we fail to see, appreciate and work with the changing nature of all things.
The Buddha was born under a Tree, he was later Enlightened under a Tree; he then spent the rest of his life living and teachings in the forest under the trees, and finally he died lying between two trees.
The Forest Meditation Masters, remind us to spend time in Nature and to Look, Listen and Learn from Nature; as Nature is teaching the Truth of things – the Dhamma – all the time.
This year 2020 has been a most challenging and interesting for us all. It certainly has been a year for Nature as there has been a great reduction in the usual travel and business of things. Maybe we can learn something from this; about ourselves and also what is important and imperative for us all as we share life on this planet.
Our Relationship to Life is founded on our Relationship to Nature.
Let’s look, listen and learn from Nature so we may fully live and be alive to Life.
May the New Year 2021 be lived Mindfully and Kind-fully for us all, with great Wisdom and Gratefulness gleaned from this passing year 2020.
I offer my short poem below for your reflection.
Kind Regards
John B.
GRATEFULNESS IN NATURE
Of trees and rocks and bush and bird;
Of wild things seen and beautiful sounds heard;
My heart sings but a grateful song;
Nature, the Good and the Beautiful can’t be wrong!
