Yesterday, while folding laundry, I saw something move outside my living room window. As I looked closer, I noticed a doe leaping in place, and wondered what was going on. Moving to the edge of the windowsill, waiting for the scene to unfold, I discovered a fox peeking out from behind a pine tree in the middle of the field. Each time the fox’s head popped out, the doe backed up, leaped in the air, and landed in place waiting for the fox to make the next move.

It took a while to figure out their game. When the fox inched closer, the doe backed up, then pranced forward a few steps and jumped in place causing the fox to hide. Their little dance went on for several minutes before the deer sailed over a stone wall into the woods with the fox following close behind.

As I sat quietly, absorbing the experience, I noticed how Mother Nature lures us into the moment, inviting us to abandon the self that runs our daily lives (the personality) and return home to our essence (the soul). This is one of the reasons we find such peace and joy in nature.

Whether I’m hiking in the woods, walking by the sea, staring out my window, or listening to a tree moaning in the wind, it not only brings me home to my true self, it aligns my energy with the energy of nature. And that’s when something unexpected and delightful often follows. A hawk comes to rest on a nearby branch. Squirrels build nests outside our kitchen window. Geese fly overhead in the middle of the night and enter my dreams with their calls to one another as they continue on their way.

These are the experiences I treasure most during the holiday season. Windows to the wild, ambling walks in nature, and visits from feathered and furry friends. Please be sure to give yourself some time and space this holiday season for this gift – the enchantment of life. The only cost is your attention.

Love,

Cheryl

P.S. – Our Thanksgiving Zoom gathering filled up quickly, and I’m sorry that many of you couldn’t get in. I’ve increased the size capacity going forward so we don’t have that problem again. If you missed it, you can listen here.