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Hints of Gladness May 13 and 14, 2022
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
~ Mary Oliver ~
For 30 days (or more) I’m going to post and talk about the things that give me joy. I'm going to do my best to record hints of gladness especially when I go for my daily walks.
To sustain this, and what will hopefully become a habit, I have to keep it as simple as possible, so I’m not going to write or do anything too elaborate other than to briefly comment on what's making me glad and have a picture or two to go along with it.
Take good care,
~ Rod
P.S. If you'd like to join me, let me know. I would love to have some fellow travellers who are taking note of their hints of gladness. Email rod@hintsofgladness.com
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May 13, 2022
It’s just fabulous out here tonight. I was expecting rain today but it’s only partly cloudy which means there is sun poking out here and there. Loving the air, the breeze, and feeling the peace of nature. Or as Eugene Peterson says in the Message “the unforced rhythms of Grace.”
A regular trailwalker like me just walked by and smiled and waved. How nice! That’s her in the green sweater. 😊
A quote I am pondering today... "I would not sacrifice my soul / for all the beauty of this world. / There is only one thing / for which I would risk everything: / an I-don’t-know-what / that lies hidden / in the heart of the Mystery."
—John of the Cross
5.14.22
The different grains in the bark of this tree. See how it goes sideways and then up and down. What caused that? Oh the mystery.
When I am open to it I am instantly transported to my center when I enter the trail across the street from my apartment. It helps to be aware of what I see, smell, feel, and hear. Today it was the lush green foliage, Birdsong and the creek, and a little bit of skunk cabbage which I actually don’t mind the smell. All the stresses and the condemning voice drift away.
I just love these big old trees, and this section of this trail for that matter. These trees inspire me somehow. And this section of the trail is always so beautiful. Especially when the sun is out which it’s not today! 😊
These spring flowers. The pink among the white/greenish/yellow.
When I get in my head on a walk and think too much, I can always return to noticing. What do I see? What do I hear? What do I smell? It helps me to be open to the present moment and often what feels like a hint of the divine. But it doesn’t have to result in anything. Just to connect is the pearl of great price and it happens instantly when I take time to notice.
Look at what I’m walking by right at this moment. Beauty, hey?
Am I here? That’s the question this ancient cottonwood tree reminds me to ask. Also see https://www.hintsofgladness.com/what-this-cottonwood-tree-said-to-me-is-changing-my-life
The multicolour rocks and shells on the beach.
When a tree is alive it doesn’t get attacked by woodpeckers and bugs (or maybe they do i.e. pine beetle), but when a tree dies it is. What’s with that?
Ahhhhh I feel so blessed today. I’m grateful to be able to walk these trails. I’m grateful to be in nature, so grateful. Becca and Jess, Kathleen, my family and friends have also been coming to mind during this walk. I’m so grateful for them too.
