I am frequently asked about the start of Gloria’s Nature Whisperer. Inspiration can hit like a bolt of lightning, or it can float on butterfly wings. Mine was more like the latter. A text flew in on the wings of friendship. My friend Carol, asked this simple question:
“What are you doing?“
She was in Florida. I was in New Jersey, sitting outside listening to the sounds of early dawn. To give her a sense of my life up north, I sent her a shorter version of the following post. And while tapping out letters on my phone, something deep inside stirred. A door opened. Waiting inside were the stilled words begging for life.
Wayne Dwyer wrote, “Everything that can be created comes out of stilled silence.”
Carol's question now takes on a new meaning. I spend too much time on my phone. So, admittedly, I raise up that all-encompassing question, "What are you doing? Then I return to that space where creativity lives.
Creativity is the mind defying gravity and is not confined to writing or painting. It is a new plan. Finding joy in the ordinary things. Reorganizing the junk drawer. Singing in the shower. Redesigning your garden. Creating a menu. Albert Einstein said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun."
The following is my first blog post and became the opening chapter of my book, The Nature Whisperer: Seasons of Light. My second book, To Grow My Garden Within will soon be out. Details to come.
Finding Stillness
Winter was ebbing and easing toward an early spring, and I could not resist a few moments of stillness, sitting under my tree, breathing in the fresh and moist morning air.
The sun is making its way, rising above the horizon, flashing through spaces between clouds, tree branches and houses, occasionally spotlighting my front yard. A sliver of a robin-egg-blue sky is trying hard not be swallowed up by blankets of grayish clouds.
Hmmm. I wonder how that blue sliver might prevail. But an industrious hummingbird flitted into my view diverting my attention. I have seen him before, or maybe it was his cousin. Unlike me, he is not easily distracted. He knows his mission and darts directly to the purple and pink hyacinths. He takes a sip. Then disappears. Gone.! That fast.
With his swift exit, I return to my ever-darkening sky watching a ceiling of gray moving like thunder. I am beginning to wonder about morning stillness. An illusion? My answer came suddenly. A striped ground squirrel scampers into view. He stops, jerks his head in several directions, then continues, against a chorus of awakening birds, squabbling about the day’s business. I, too, have the day’s business to consider. But I am still wondering about the stillness I sought. With so much activity, I find nothing still about this new dawn. And then it occurred to me: The stillness I sought in deep within me, stillness of my mind. Deepak Chopra wrote, "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” Upon my departure from my morning nook, I will take it all with me: • the focus of hummingbird . . .. • the caution of the ground squirrel . . .. • the momentum of fast-moving clouds . . .. • and the promises held in the sky, those seen and yet to be seen.
Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
-----Psalms 46:10
For More on Stillness:
Book:
Holiday, Ryan, 2019. Stillness is the Key, underscores the importance of quiet contemplation and offers tips to help readers think clearly, develop self-control, and ultimately find happiness.
GH
I am sure you had another Carol in mind, but I will pretend it is me. I love the idea of keeping stillness inside when there is chaos and so much going on. I know that you can do that in your special spot. The spot where you sit with nature and sometimes write. You know how to be peaceful. It is your special power. I will try to remember to do that and follow your example. Please let me know when that second book comes out. Be happy, my friend.
Ah so nice to read your sweet comments. Yes, another Carol in Florida. Thank you for your well wishes and support. I’m waiting for a press release announcing my book. I will put it on the blog. And yes, I am happy. Peace to you. Thank you for sharing “hurdle”. I’m hooked.
This was a lovely start for me today, Gloria! I am excited about your upcoming book! 💞
Thank you, Lori. I am waiting for the press release. TBA.
Finding shades of stillness is often elusive. I recently embraced it at an ole but familiar place, the New Jersey Shore. Just sitting on the beach and looking out over the vast ocean. It is a ordinary joy I never tire of but one that makes me feel years younger.
Ahh. Those wonderful days at the Jersey Shore. The beach turns us all into perennial children. It is the ordinary joys that are the best, right? That is what I love about my senior years: the time to acknowledge the everyday moments of gratitude, peace and love, against a soundtrack of the music of life.
oh yes I can relate to this Gloria- it is an important part of my life every day- in the mornings for me when I go out to run — you have beautifully described the wonder of stillness- I always love your artwork and wisdom – your messages are a blessing!! Nance
Nancy, it is always a joy to see your name in my inbox of comments. My heart smiles. I know how active you are and I think you might appreciate this: I put myself in training so I can keep playing sports with my grandchildren: weightlifting, rowing, yoga, morning walks and the treadmill. We play soccer and it’s a barrel of laughs.
oh yes I am so pleased to hear about your training!! thank you for checking back! I miss our chats!
All of your writing just exudes calm and quiet and introspection. Really fun to read. And another book. Amazing!
I truly appreciate your comment, Bill.
Sometimes I think there is nothing more to say, and then a whisper of a thought unlocks something I forgot was already there.
It is so surreal that you just posted this again and explained your special place. Yesterday I did a devotion on Spring at a church luncheon. I talked about you, your special place in the morning, your love for nature and your sowing kindness wherever you go. Then I read “Finding Stillness” from your book. You and Don are in my thoughts often.
Hmmm. Maybe not a coincidence. I read that coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous. Wishing you all the best. Thank you Carol.