As I sit here gazing at the snowfall on a May day in Colorado- trying to gather my thoughts about our most recent hike to Grey Rock- I am impressed and a little overwhelmed at the strength and capability of Mother Nature to move mountains, alter the landscape, and change our perspective.
We started our hike with clear and sunny skies. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day as we set our intentions and started our trek up to the summit. Along the way, Mother Nature carefully and wordlessly guided us- giving us what we needed in that exact moment, even when we didn’t know to ask; the slight smell of an early spring wildflower to tickle our nose and steady our breath, or the gentle shade of an overpassing cloud to dull the sun and ease our sweaty brows. Once we made it to the summit, we found small pools, where divets in the rock face had gathered small puddles and aggregations of tiny ecosystems within the much bigger formation of rock and environment surrounding us. Gazing into these small pools was like gazing into Infinity. Each space within the much bigger rock formed- over time- it’s own tiny parallel Universe. We saw tiny minuscule swimming creatures (Baby crawfish to find out) swimming and existing peacefully within their space. No idea of the grandeur surrounding them- just existing and living exactly as they were in the space they were given.
While it may seem small, miniscule, and even contrite, those small ponds- puddles of existence, if you will- were my favorite part of our hike to Grey Rock. Observing such a beautiful piece of Reality (especially with such a wonderful view at the top) really helps to put things in perspective. May we all strive to be like those baby craw-dads at the top of Grey Rock. Thriving in the space we are given- paying no heed to situation or circumstance, just enjoying the warmth of the sun as it emerges from behind the clouds or the tickle of a breeze in our puddle once the wind begins to blow.
While I am digressing about puddles and pop-up biological ecosystems here, I will bring this idea to a more human sized and applicable construct. May we all find happiness, capability, and adaptability to thrive and survive in whatever environment we are given, and may we always have an open mind and an open heart to appreciate all the beauty and wonderful gifts always present among us.
Mother Nature, thank you so much for such a beautiful hike to Grey Rock. Thank you for blessing us with your silent soundtrack and wonderful gifts that we can only find in the quiet moments we take to connect with our sense of Self and higher purpose. Also, Mother Nature, thank you SO much for choosing to bestow your love and tears in the form of torrential downpour until AFTER we were all safely back at the trail-head and in our cars headed back to Fort Collins.
It was such an honor and a gift to share this experience with such a wonderful group of earthly souls. Our next hike is June 4th; hope you can join us!!
From my heart your yours, and to all the hearts and souls in the World,
Love Forever, Haley
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