Snow

"In the city, we see millions of lives represented 

in the windows, doors, and many floors of each building.

We see excitement and the glories of civilization.

But no matter how much those who follow Tao may enjoy the city,

they understand the need for retreat into nature.

In the countryside, they find the nurturing quality of freedom.

They can see new possibilities 

and can wander without societal impositions.

In the past, pioneers saw the open prairies

and were filled with dreams of dominating nature

with the glories of man.

Now we know different:

We must preserve the wilds for our own survival.

We need time to lie fallow.

If you cannot leave the city,

just find a little quiet time each day 

to withdraw into yourself.

If you are able to walk in fields or in the hills,

so much the better."

365 Tao: Daily Meditations by Deng Ming-Dao

Into the "the countryside" we wandered to enjoy the first real snowfall of the season here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Of course, those of you who follow this blog knows this countryside is actually a 130 acre dog park. It is a place that allows humans to BE with nature and experience "new possibilities," thus BEingness and rejuvenation happens.

Walking down the arroyo in the quiet, such quiet provided by this snowfall overnight, one cannot help but feel the connection with Tao. We were not the first out into the arroyo but even the footprints left in the snow did not blunt the ever presence of Tao.

A treat for the eager dog!

And a playmate appears ready to romp with Shasta.

"Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day

for shelter for the homeless,

let me not ignore the pet without a home;

As I ask protection for those in areas

of turmoil and unrest,

let me not forget endangered species of life;

When I pray that the hungry be fed,

let me be mindful

that all[sentient BEings]have need of sustenance;

As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted

by fire, flood, earthquake, storm or drought,

let me remember that this includes every living thing;

In seeking miracle cures for human disease,

may I also speak for the well-being of the planet [her]self.

Let the words of my mouth,

the meditation of my heart 

and the actions of my life be as one,

that I may live each day in harmony

with Mother Earth . . . .

Jennie Frost Butler

And as we live each day in harmony may we also 

Cross Quarter Day

Today, Imbolic, or Candlemas Day, is halfway between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. For some in cycle with the Seasons, it marks not only the beginning of Spring but marks the return of the light, mirroring the transformation within us from an inner contemplative focus towards one of outer manifestation.

"I who am the beauty of the green earth

and the white moon among the stars 

and mysteries of the waters,

I call upon your soul to arise 

and come unto Me [aka Tao]. 

For I am the soul of nature

that gives life to the universe.

From Me [aka Tao] all things proceed 

and unto Me [aka Tao] they must return.

Let My [aka Tao] worship be in the heart that rejoices,

for behold - 

all acts of love 

and pleasure are My [aka Tao] rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength, 

power and compassion,

honor and humility.

mirth and reverence 

within you.

And you who seek to know Me [aka Tao], 

know that your seeking and hearing will avail you not,

unless you know the Mystery [aka Tao]:

for if that which you seek, 

you find not within yourself,

you will never find it without.

For behold, 

I [aka Tao] have been with you from the beginning,

and I [aka Tao] am that which is attained at the end of desire.

Doreen Valiente 

As we herald this beginning of Spring, may we each