EARTH'S CHAPEL by Nancy Carlson

Being outside in winter, is important to me…

It helps me connect with the earth and its grounded-ness. So I hike, snow or no snow, and bundle up…so happy to walk in the cold crisp air. I find myself listening to the silence and easily letting go of my daily, more materialist life. Metaphors and contemplation abound! Spirit is more tangible, if that is even possible. I feel at home, inside and outside. And when I return to my daily life, I feel steadier, clearer, happy and more connected to my true self and the Divine. So, for me, it is Earth’s Chapel…and from this a poem was born!

Photography by the author, Nancy Carlson

Earth’s Chapel

Nancy Carlson

Hiking through and around

Pine groves and water.

Birds collecting bits of nourishment

And my favorite,

The sound of the wind at the top of the trees,

Protecting us from the cold.

Such strength, they have

Steadiness, quietness

A big embrace

On this crisp, shadowy day.

Spirits of nature appear as chickadees

Water running quietly under ice

Moving slowly, yet surely

Cushions of pine needles

And crunchy brown leaves

Hills and valleys, ahead and behind.

A visit with Mother Nature, the Earth

Listening to the sounds

Feeling its support

From under my hiking boots

And all around.

‘Tis the season of hibernation

Quiet, inward-bound

Grounding, steady and still.

These trees are Lovers

And do what they know is True

So many paths, so many cycles,

Life repeating life.

Noticing the presentness of this day

Grace…

The fleetingness of everything

Nothing to stop, or make, or do.

Grateful for this expression of life

Reflecting the temporary

And the Eternal One

A living, breathing Chapel of Life.

Photography by the author, Nancy Carlson

Nancy Carlson: "I am an evolving poet, writing mostly as reflection, contemplation. But most recently, as a student of bhakti-yoga, as an expression of my devotion. I work as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, Integrative Health/Wellness Nurse Coach, yoga/meditation teacher and Reiki Master. You may contact me on Facebook here or via my website 'Joyful Healing' here.

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