A Coffin, Boat and a Bird

I've been reading John Muir, Nature's Temple.  I did not know that much about him, only that he was an icon of literature and he was a naturalist, woodsy person.  Now that I am immersed in the woods, I'm ready to listen because I am hearing my own heart through his words.  In this book are paired Muir quotes along with Religions from around the world.

I'm also listening to an audio book, the Religions of the World by Huston Smith.  In this audio book I am learning about the Hindu religion and it's four stages of life.  Right now I am in Vanaprastha, which starts when a person hands over household responsibilities to the next generation. 

Literally I am ready to sell my house.  The responsibility of cleaning, collecting and upkeep of that physical space I tended to for years is no longer serving me.  In reading that this is an actual developmental stage in life, helps me to feel peace with my changing inner landscape.

I want to move to Seattle because it is here I have found the forest where trees and plants grow large and lush and it nurtures my heart and soul.  Vanaprastha  means "retiring to the forest".  

This image is a clay piece I built about a year ago.   It is both a boat and a coffin and a bird is sitting on the seat.

Death, or change is a journey and a bird is a spiritual (flying) symbol.  This art piece is why I make art.  What comes through my hands and heart and not my head make more sense than anything I could think up on my own.

Believe me, I was not happy to see the coffin that was also a boat.  I protested it as I made it and yet, it was what came through and so I kept going and tried to embrace it.  Great, I though, just peachy.

 The only way to get to the forest is to leave what I "have" behind.   To step into the boat and let it (the flight of the bird) direct my course is a leap of faith.  With a bit of trust, it will take me where I need to be when I need to be there. 

Once I entered the forest I found Muir, and in expanding my own upbringing of religion, I am seeing all religions hold a piece of light I need in order to understand my journey now.  That others come before me and greet me at this time in my life, showing me the way: Muir, the Hindus, is comforting. 

I don't want to be right anymore.  I don't want to know everything like I used to think I had to.  A coffin, a boat and a bird...what could they mean? One day disappointment and frustration, another enlightenment and joy.