I am sitting here on my back deck in Maine, while the forceful breeze surrounds me. It is not harsh and co-mingles with the sun’s warming rays. Now and again a discarded cherry tree blossom lands unceremoniously on my leg or arm. Leaving it to itself, it eventually, joyously flies off on another incoming breeze, in search of another place to rest until the next burst carries it off.

Today, I thought I was to finish reading “glitter and glue” . This was not to be. As the sun bathed my legs and shoulders, I was drawn instead to the clouds accessorizing the azure sky, a welcome change from the early morning rain. So many shapes and sizes. Some with gray shading otherwise cottony, billowy puffs of whiteness. A smile comes across my face, an act not dissimilar to the shadows from the clouds, floating across the pasture, as the wind pushes them along. I pause and consider the interconnection of the wind and clouds. My heart swells with gratitude for such a moment as this. It pulses from my heart and I envision it beaming out to the world something not unlike a light force.

I give talks on connecting people to food and often weave them with reference to subjects such as climate change; human trafficking and even death. I encourage people to think about their food in terms of the earth from which it sprang; the people who harvested it; what happens to what they throw away.
One day when coming to the end of such a talk and referencing gratitude, I noticed the eager stares; the faces which were remembering a time when they enjoyed a tomato at the kitchen sink, its juice running down their arm. Or perhaps remembering a bite of savory steak, bursting with flavor within the confines of their mouth. I saw something else. I saw confusion as I spoke of this thing “gratitude”. I saw confusion and a sense of being overwhelmed as I spoke of considering their food in terms of who grew their food; what impact on them and the world did that growing have.
Evelyn C. Rysdyk writes of “sacred reciprocity” in chapter three of “Spirit Walking” – the idea of “mutual, respectful” interaction. I use it here as an understanding that we and the earth are interconnected. The earth takes in what we give it and returns to us what we give it in a form which we can use for living. If we give it garbage, it will return garbage and eventually, we will cease to exist. If we are grateful and understanding of sacred reciprocity, connecting to the earth with respect and love for all it offers, it is probable that we cannot do anything, but thrive as we give and receive.
The breeze is still warm and firm as I write. The tree bends its branches, causing the leaves to wave. Birds take respite in its limbs and share their perspective. In this moment it is as though it, too is expressing gratitude. It is grateful I have chosen to share its message that we are all interconnected. If as human beings, we fail to reconnect; if we fail to remember we have not always been confused by the thought of our
connectivity, then we are certainly nearing our end.

If we chose to remember. If we chose to know the symbiotic nature of our existence, we cannot help, but grow a better planet. A planet that thrives from our caring and shows us care in return. For the hope of that time, I am grateful.
We are, indeed, connected – to each other and to the whirling globe we call home. And if we don’t take of it, we better get busy finding a new one. There are plenty out there to choose from. Unfortunately, none we have so far checked is as capable as this one of supporting us. We better take care of it.
Absolutely! Although, I’m not sure the universe would be willing to give us another chance in another location. Or maybe only some of us. Thanks for the comment!
This interconnectedness is often lost to people. It is so true that if we looked around more, considered the consequences, the simple cause and effect of our actions, of the way we live – people would naturally be more conscious of their decisions. It is so good to hear someone put words (well written ones at that) to this awareness. It is good to hear my thoughts reflected here. Keep up the good fight and maybe, through education, people will open their eyes, look around, be thankful, and want to live lives that allow nourishment of both us and nature – because they ARE interconnected.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and compliments. I apologize for the delay in responding, comments seemed to be lost in the universe for a time!
One thing I try to do is to connect organizations – for instance those who promote food sustainability with those who promote climate change – to generate the idea of interconnecting through sharing commonalities. I have heard that 10% of the population understand the need for interconnecting and that “only” 10% more is needed to make a significant impact for positive changes. I love that you are so aware and willing to share! We surely all need to work on this together and as individuals! The light in me honors the light in you.
Great post Lillian! Connecting with Spirit’s manifestation, Earth itself even right now is doing a world of good and attracting more of it. I can say this because it’s the Truth. Gratitude expressed this way is nothing less expressing Life Itself, through you, and as you.
Hey, thanks, Art! Finally finding comments lost to the universe, although, apparently, they were just visiting. My apologies for not responding sooner! I really enjoy that thought! I think it still has to be a conscious movement.