Art education, inspiration and encouragement for children and parents in Arlington, VA
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".
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.
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AuthorI write about things that inspire me like art, nature, and travel. Archives
June 2020
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