All is Well

A week ago, a friend and I drove up to see the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California. It was a glorious ride. We stopped at the first turn out and the air smelled like heaven: sweet, sun-warmed redwood trees. We walked the paths and admired the beauty of the area.

We did this at every turn out. I began to really understand the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, which is a short leisurely visit to a forest, to relieve stress and promote general well-being.

At one point I thought I saw water beyond the trees on the other side of the road. In my mind as I looked for a place to stop, I had an image of shimmering blue water perfectly framed by the redwoods. Finally we found a place to park, and I jumped out to see in person what I had imagined. What I saw shocked me. There was water, a small river in the middle of a huge expanse of sand. I could see that once the river had been up to below where I was standing. A deep sadness came over me. Here was the evidence of the drought I’d been hearing about. (I recently moved back to California)

As I stood there, I thought about all the things I could do to conserve water. I also decided I would pray for the return of the beautiful lakes and rivers. The word “balance” came to me. I would pray for nature to be in balance. Then suddenly a thought came to me: Who am I to think that it might not be in balance already? Who am I to think that everything should be the way I want it to be. I know there are patterns in the life of this planet that have repeated themselves many times, just as there are patterns in our lives. Perhaps Earth is in one of those patterns now. It came to me that I should be praying to stop thinking something is wrong.

If, as I believe, everything is an infinitely intelligent energy I’m calling God, then how could Infinite Intelligence not have things in Divine Right Order? I remembered that this Energy works through Love and Law, acting upon our thoughts and feelings. The more we collectively think that something is wrong, the more It must act like it.

I don’t doubt that our weather is changing, yet what if it is part of a much greater pattern? On a physical level I will do what I can to honor and support our beautiful planet. I will recycle, reuse, conserve and not waste. I will pay attention to how I am living on this land. I also know I don’t have to buy into fear. I will stop perpetuating the belief that something is wrong. I will continue to know, at a deep spiritual level, that all is well.

Will you please join me?