Gaze

May gazing into nature be your healing ritual

“When you really gaze at something you bring it inside of you”. John O’Donohue

Hello wise friend,

When we cross the threshold, into the realm of gazing, our vision becomes unhurried.

Patient.

Slow.

Gentle in its outlook.

The gaze happily lingers.

Unmoved by the distractions of life.

There is no effort nor over doing.

Our seeing eyes soften. Relax back into their sockets. Hold the space for quiet.

As we gaze into nature we merge with her energy field.

The ritual of gazing into nature is a whole body experience.

As we listen, sense, see and feel into the storytelling of nature, we merge with her energy field - her life force - her ancestral voice.

Our essence is nourished.

As John O’Donhue has exquisitely written about in his book Anam Cara “When you really gaze at something you bring it inside of you”. This simple sentence gives me goosebumps.

Each morning as I sip my mug of chai tea, I gaze into my herbs and plants. Sit in silent companionship. No expectations. My gaze meanders over the leaves, the shafts of light (spectacular), the curated colours (magnificent), the tiny busy lizards and array of anonymous bugs.

I feel what I feel.

Notice what I notice.

I am grateful for natures seen and unseen magic. She is my medicine. She is my Grandmother. My teacher. The reason I am alive.

This morning I gazed in awe how my herbs/plants grow, stretch and reach towards the sunlight (its spring here in Australia).

I am reminded - once again - to keep my heart facing towards the light. How simple in essence yet crazy difficult at times. I vowed to my African blue basil this morning that I shall do my best today. Fingers crossed!

I feel drawn to share with you a soulful question from John O’Donohue. I happen to feel it’s a very worthy question to ask ourselves at the end of the day.

“It is an interesting question to ask yourself at night, what did I really see this day?

May gazing into nature be your teacher and healing ritual.

Much love

xox Carole