Fly with an Eagle & Create a Nature Mandala
Today I wanted to share a little about the practice of taking ‘nature-breaks’ as a way of going within and accessing our deeper self. When we link-in to the natural rhythms of life we support our health on many levels including opening the door to an expansive, creative inner state. Nature itself inspires and supports this process and it feels natural and inviting because it is. When resistance falls away we can become fully present with our surroundings. Life flows and time itself seems to expand.
I saw this phenomena play out recently when I took a short drive to a local lake where two bald eagles had chosen to build a nest. Photographers would gather daily with cameras whirring and clicking as they waited to catch a glimpse of these stately birds no matter how long it took. When I arrived the blue sky was completely clear – and empty! I became bored and decided to stay in my car in the parking area and read. I began a new book called Finding Sanctuary in Nature, written by Jim Pathfinder Ewing.
The author discusses ways to increase our appreciation of the natural and spiritual forces to be found in the world including animal life. His ideas are largely based upon Native American teachings concerning symbols, spirit guides and healing ceremonies. Jim's writing is sensible and infectious and it took only a few paragraphs for me to realize that I needed to release my limited mood that day, or, I would never see an eagle fly!
I decided to take a couple of deep breaths and just relax. Then, I looked up and out through the car window. There to the right and heading my way was a huge, gorgeous bird. It neared and began making circles over and over in the clear blue sky as it arrived directly above me. I could not stop staring and slowly realized – it was an eagle! I watched and felt it was telling me something. Was it showing me how to fly perhaps? Spread my wings? Go with the wind? I wondered if, in some energetic, vibrational way I could even possibly merge with that eagle life force! It felt so expansive. I continued to stare above. How easy it can be to relax and extend our inner self to actively become part of the wondrous life that surrounds us. You just have to do it! I watched until the eagle made higher and wider circles, floating back off into the distance. I had seen what I had come for.
Our connection to Nature is always present and available whether we choose to notice it or not. The book I was reading had reminded me of our own human capacity to expand our awareness by consciously and fully embracing what is directly in front of us. I climbed out of the car and walked over to the little field nearby. Pausing a moment in a clear space I began to gather what lay around me. First some small stones, a few branches, fallen leaves, tiny pine cones and I began to form my circle. I wanted to demonstrate the connection I was feeling. I had decided to create a nature mandala – my small gift to the earth, my new eagle-friend and, ultimately, to myself.
As Jim states in his book: "...key to creating a meaningful connection, it is necessary to recognize that you yourself contain forces of nature within and (be willing) to interact with the forces of nature outside of you….all that is needed is an open heart and an open mind…”
Creating a mandala on paper or in nature is enjoyable and very fulfilling because it is about giving open expression to an aspect of our inner-most self. I encourage everyone to create a ‘mandala moment’ in nature. Anytime, anywhere, just yourself or with a friend or family member. Perhaps with a child or older person. We can leave a beautiful footprint on our world creating a ‘sacred circle’ that speaks to all who have walked there before us, those who will walk there after us, and to our Mother Earth. Blessings and much Love to you……
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