And, suddenly the Earth got quiet.
In a matter of days the volume was turned down on the hum, that over the years, had turned from a low buzz into a deafening roar. As planes, trains, and automobiles slowed their movement, a background sound that had become so part of our existence that it became undetectable, turned off.
Seismologists everywhere have been shocked by how much better they are able to hear the sound of the Earth without having to strain to hear past the sound of activity on earth.
It made me begin to think about what that means for us. What are we hearing better than before?
Maybe you’ve noticed a tuning into parts of your life, a growing awareness that comes from an ability to listen more deeply.
While our community seems to be coming apart at the seams with the loss of so many community gathering places, like restaurants, gyms, shopping centers, there are points of connection that, perhaps, have more depth than that which could have been found out and about before.
There is a honing of our energy. A drawing inward that keeps it from dissipating in all directions. Like a river with banks that has an energetic flow of water versus one without banks where the water flows out slowly in all directions. With fewer directions for our energy to flow, we are honing the flow with an increased intentionality. An intentionality that is derived from the insight that comes with the depth of listening that can only happen when we are truly tuned into the earth, each other, and ourselves. Truly hearing allows us to respond with greater depth and connection.
Hospitals employees are taking pictures of themselves smiling and wearing them around their necks in an effort to make patients feel more connected. Nurses are writing notes about their quarantined patients to share with their family members who cannot see them to help maintain connection when they are unable to be with a sick loved one. Strangers are making notes and art to be delivered to retirement homes to warm the hearts of the elderly.
Neighbors are really seeing each other. Stopping to chat. Getting to know each other's lives as they share their neighborhood space in a greater way than ever before. Birthdays, anniversaries, deaths… they have all become known in a different way. Many times over the last couple of months, we have all stood out in the street sharing a moment of celebration or remembrance. We are hearing each other's hearts.
Look around and see everybody’s patios and yards teaming with life and beauty. Being at home has refocused our connection with the piece of earth that is our day to day home foundation. We know the plants, the soil, and the trees around us in a more familiar way… tuning into their needs and assisting the life to grow as we listen.
Our own family members, who had sometimes become like ships passing in the night, are able to express and hear each other beyond the brief interactions that often made up a day. Children are getting more meaningful time with their parents. Couples are sharing more leisure time and space. Taking the birthday parties, soccer games, and endless array of social obligations out of the mix has kept us from scattering in all directions at top speed, instead, providing space to sink into a slowed sense of time that is quiet. In this quiet we attune to each other's heart and listen.
In this time, you have likely had time to simply be in quiet space with yourself. What have you heard? As you move out of the mind’s rigorous attention to detail required by a busy schedule, can you better hear the yearnings of your heart? The callings of your soul? Sitting reflection, notice what has been draining your energy and what is requesting more of it?
As you listen, use this time to build your banks. When the rush of water returns once again, know that you will have greater intention for the flow and stronger resistance against the drain.
Listen deeply. There is a quiet now that allows you to do so. Hear the heartbeat of your neighbors, the heartbeat of your family members, the heartbeat of the Earth. Go beyond just listening to the heartbeat of your soul, though. Hear it.
FOOD
This week I made the announcement about A.S.K. An Agriculture Supported Kula (sanskrit word for community) my long-time Nutritionist friend, Megan, and I are creating online. It is a weekly online cooking class with farm fresh food that comes from our local CSA. Whether you get a CSA or not, learn about seasonal produce and what you can do with it. Perhaps, even cook along with us! Learn more about the program and how to sign up here!
YOGA
Listening more closely brings you into greater connection with the rhythm of your soul and the rhythm of nature. Your heart beat enters a dance with the heart beat of the Earth. Joining together as one in the dance of life. This week, as you get out and move your body and your heart is pumping, feel your connection to this rhythm.
Here is a meditation I created with that in mind. Use it as a way to connect before moving out into your walk or run. Consider joining the Solo But Not Alone Quarruntine Run happening next week. Read more about it here!
Also, check out my 30 minute yoga for runners. It is really suitable for everybody, but made with runners in mind.
Upcoming Events
May 21st, 2020 - First A.S.K. (Agriculture Supported Kula) cooking class!
Focusing on locally grown, seasonal food - what it is, cooking/storing ideas, and a recipe demonstration. This will be a live Zoom session with opportunities to ask questions and connect in community. First session is free. Follow this link to register and learn more!
September 17th-20th, 2020 - True Nature Retreat More info here (NOTE: Early bird registration has been extended to 5/31/20 to accommodate the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation).
Are you yearning to immerse yourself in the peace and harmony of nature? This three-night magical retreat will connect you in a meaningful way with mother nature, drawing you more deeply into connection with your inner nature.
We are more excited than ever for this retreat as it will likely come at the perfect time for all of us to immerse in community once again. It will be a time to reflect about the unique situation we all currently find ourselves in, both inwardly and in connection with others. We know that our time in nature together will provide a beautiful space to process and heal.
Nestled in the heart of a beautiful Oregon forest, next to a babbling creek, we will gather for meditation, yoga, guided forest bathing, crystal sound bowl healing, and fireside gatherings.
You will join with nature and connect in spirit with those around you, while still enjoying space to retreat and tend to the needs of your soul. Each day we will wake and gather for morning meditation and invigorating (yet suitable for all levels) yoga. Following breakfast, we will feed our spirit with nature! Moving through the forest in a meaningful way will allow you to fully absorb the magic and access a true state of inner harmony. Lunch will be a collective effort with the guidance of Katrina, a passionate Nutritionist and food-lover. Afternoons will be open for you to nourish yourself with whatever appeals to you. Hiking, enjoying the creek's swimming hole, visiting with friends, relaxing in the hot tub, reading in a hammock... all options in this lovely setting. Late afternoon, we will gather for restorative yoga and sound bath, followed by dinner. Before heading to bed, we will circle around the fire to reflect and enjoy.
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