Sharing your experiences & thoughts is so inspiring to me. I just want to share your insights & knowledge so that many more can join in on our travels, appreciating all that our World teaches & the beauty of it.
I'm glad you have been able to absorb the beauty and wonder of the area. I love the Rio Grande Valley all through New Mexico, but the Bosque del Apache has always been the heart of it for me, a sacred place I have returned to over many decades.
Dear Susan~ it seems I have been following your writing and escapades since our meeting in Westcliffe when you lived in Salida. Brava for your courage and fortitude and the ways you have continued to engage the creative. In reading this recent post about the sandhill cranes I was right there with you. Fall is when their migration path brings them right over my house. Their presence is breathtaking and totally mesmerizing. I love how you are sharing your experiences with us. Blessings in this new year of spiritual thought. I'm happy to be part of your audience. Christina M.
Christina! It doesn't seem like so long ago when we met that time in Westcliffe, but it was more than a decade already. Time passes w whether we are paying attention of not. I love that you are right in the fall migration path for the cranes--hearing the sound of their voices is just magical and so timeless, a connection over thousands of years. Thank you for being part of this experience and for coming along on this journey with me. Many blessings to you!
The Bosque! We participated in one of the most splendiferous sunsets of my whole life when we visited there once. Utterly magical. And cold! I could never warm up there!
I’m honored that you mentioned my contribution here. I’m not a scientist, though, just someone who loves the natural world. (And when science is the principal paradigm for understanding nature, you have to be a little conversant.) My training is religious studies all the way.
Priscilla, My apologies about attributing a science background to you--it must be the way you see the world that gave me that idea. You have a way of observing that makes me think science, and I mean that in the best possible way. The love comes through in your observations as well.
Bosque sunsets are indeed amazing. As was the sunrise when I was there earlier this week, with storm clouds reflecting sunrise fire back to earth. And yes, the cold is biting, I think because it's in the valley bottom with mountains near enough by that the bosque gets that cold nighttime air flow. It was 18 degrees F by my truck thermometer when I was out with the cranes, and then when I climbed up out of the valley bottom, the temperature immediately rose ten degrees!
Yes, a way of seeing the world—observing, and doing it systematically. I take it as a big compliment! :-) And thanks for that explanation of why so bone chilling at the Bosque. I always wondered why it was colder there than anywhere else! We always had Bodhi with us, so we always went a mile or two up the road to a hike that begins by the railroad trestle. It leads to some glorious views. Do you know that hike?
Sandhills always purr (or khrrrr as I say when I write it). No shrieking from them, even if the day begins cold and nasty. They do occasionally squawk a bit, and they gurgle too. The chicks (called "colts" for their long legs) have the cutest peeping voices when they are little. :)
You're writing is stunning, Susan. Your nourished spirit is as expansive and contagious as the wilderness you describe. Thank you for this morning's treat, this vicarious visit through nature's stunning habitats with some of the glorious beings that live there, full or part-time. It's expanded and filled my heart.
Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to read/watch, and for this beautiful compliment! May your expanded heart carry you through this day and beyond. Blessings!
And I'm sharing it widely. I'm still aglow from this vicarious excursion you, thankfully, created. May you have a blessed, joyful, love and laughter- filled new year of exploration and deep fulfillment. 💞
Bless you for sharing this pilgrimage widely, and for that benediction. This year of spiritual thinking is scary in some ways because I am opening my heart and thus becoming more vulnerable. But that is countered by being able to share the rewards. Hugs to you!
Ahhhh, I loved being a part of your trip and the sounds of the cranes is wondrous. Thank you for taking us with you. Do I recall correctly that we visited there, or another crane sanctuary when Don and I visited Las Cruces after Christmas to see you and Richard back in maybe 1990?
My recent read that I have found very enlightening and along the lines of spiritual thinking..."A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle. When I first read his book the Power of Now 10+ years agoIi gave it away because I did not understand it. I would not have understood this one either. But after having studied the Power of Now for the past two years, which now makes perfect sense to me, I found this one so insightful and freeing. It gives another level of understanding and gave me more ability to heal and thrive.
When I first read your task as Spiritual "Thinking," I thought, it's not thinking, it's feeling. But I get it. I did after your first post. I realized I've opened my heart and continue to do so and now I am bringing my mind and thought and voice to the table to fully live and be and communicate and share from the opened heart. Thank you for spurring on continued growth and becoming and for giving words and understanding to my experience. Also, I began using that voice yesterday as I am now actively writing!!!!
I know we took you and Don on what we used to call The Great Circle tour, so I'm pretty sure we must have included the Bosque del Apache.
I'll add Tolle's A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose to my list (which is probably way too ambitious for one year, but I also likely won't find every book speaks to me). I do think that we read what speaks to us at any given time in our lives, and that changes as we change, so I'm not surprised that Tolle is now someone who can inspire you.
The Year of Spiritual Thinking idea really is, as you say, wholistic. I want to understand better what I intuitively do, and stretch my learning so that I can describe my spiritual leanings and inspiration more concretely. As it is, now I am a spiritual doer rather than a spiritual thinker--my spirituality isn't really in the realm of words and concepts. It may stay that way over this year, or it may not. And congratulations on integrating your new understanding from, as you say, the "opened heart" into your renewed writing voice!
Thank you Susan. I am not a deep thinker, but I am on my own spiritual journey since my husband’s death in June. I appreciate the enrichment I receive from your posts.
I don't think of myself as a deep thinker either--it takes me the back side of forever to read books about abstract concepts--but I am determined to understand better what is inchoate in me. I'm glad that you are along for this journey too, and I think of you and your loss and send comfort and sympathy your way.
Wow, such a treat to see the peccaries! I so hope to see them in person, one day. What a joy. And what a list of resources--definitely going to get myself a copy of The Monastic Heart! Thank you, Susan (and Susan's wonderful readers!)
They have such personality, those peccaries. I hope you do get to see them in person one day Chloe, though not too close. Peccaries are cranky and grumpy, and they can inflict real damage with their tusks. :) That list of resources is indeed amazing, and will keep me occupied for at least the whole year. I'm drawn to The Monastic Heart too. Blessings!
They do! But they are the very antithesis of cuddly: even their fur is prickly with stiff guard hairs. And they have a peculiar smell that they use to communicate with each other, exuded from musk glands on their hind ends. You can tell when peccaries have passed by from the scent trail they leave. It's... unique. (I'm trying not to say stinky to avoid human judgments on other species.) ;)
A few years ago a health change necessitated a change in my doings. Not welcome at the time but a circumstance I’ve begun adapting to.
To whit, slowing down, focusing more, engaging in deliberate pondering. Of Nature - my first love - and the inspirations from kind, thoughtful, empowering people. Reading thought provoking and inspiring writings, yours included, to open my eyes and brain and heart wider. So far a wonderful and rewarding journey.
Would I choose to live my life over to smooth out the many bumps of my life? Imponderable. This very moment is as good as it gets.
Thanks so very much for what you’ve already contributed to my living!
Gary, I am sorry for the health change that necessitated what I would guess is a drastic change in your life. Congratulations though, for finding the grace to use that change in positive ways. It seems to me that how we adapt to what life brings is really telling about who we are at heart. I wrote about adapting my life in Walking Nature Home, my first memoir (and my 12th book!). It might be of interest to you. https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477309346/walking-nature-home/
Sharing your experiences & thoughts is so inspiring to me. I just want to share your insights & knowledge so that many more can join in on our travels, appreciating all that our World teaches & the beauty of it.
Thank you, Carroll! Your enthusiasm and understanding is such an encouragement. Blessings.
That's a beautiful area. I did a lot of walking years ago while visiting various refuges and missions in NM.
I'm glad you have been able to absorb the beauty and wonder of the area. I love the Rio Grande Valley all through New Mexico, but the Bosque del Apache has always been the heart of it for me, a sacred place I have returned to over many decades.
Dear Susan~ it seems I have been following your writing and escapades since our meeting in Westcliffe when you lived in Salida. Brava for your courage and fortitude and the ways you have continued to engage the creative. In reading this recent post about the sandhill cranes I was right there with you. Fall is when their migration path brings them right over my house. Their presence is breathtaking and totally mesmerizing. I love how you are sharing your experiences with us. Blessings in this new year of spiritual thought. I'm happy to be part of your audience. Christina M.
Christina! It doesn't seem like so long ago when we met that time in Westcliffe, but it was more than a decade already. Time passes w whether we are paying attention of not. I love that you are right in the fall migration path for the cranes--hearing the sound of their voices is just magical and so timeless, a connection over thousands of years. Thank you for being part of this experience and for coming along on this journey with me. Many blessings to you!
The Bosque! We participated in one of the most splendiferous sunsets of my whole life when we visited there once. Utterly magical. And cold! I could never warm up there!
I’m honored that you mentioned my contribution here. I’m not a scientist, though, just someone who loves the natural world. (And when science is the principal paradigm for understanding nature, you have to be a little conversant.) My training is religious studies all the way.
Priscilla, My apologies about attributing a science background to you--it must be the way you see the world that gave me that idea. You have a way of observing that makes me think science, and I mean that in the best possible way. The love comes through in your observations as well.
Bosque sunsets are indeed amazing. As was the sunrise when I was there earlier this week, with storm clouds reflecting sunrise fire back to earth. And yes, the cold is biting, I think because it's in the valley bottom with mountains near enough by that the bosque gets that cold nighttime air flow. It was 18 degrees F by my truck thermometer when I was out with the cranes, and then when I climbed up out of the valley bottom, the temperature immediately rose ten degrees!
Yes, a way of seeing the world—observing, and doing it systematically. I take it as a big compliment! :-) And thanks for that explanation of why so bone chilling at the Bosque. I always wondered why it was colder there than anywhere else! We always had Bodhi with us, so we always went a mile or two up the road to a hike that begins by the railroad trestle. It leads to some glorious views. Do you know that hike?
I do. It's the one that goes way up into the little peaks above the valley there. I've never been to the end of it though.
Yes! It's not terribly long—you've probably been most of the way. A nice circle at the end, finishing up at a high point. We always sat awhile there.
I'll have to go back and take it all the way to the end in order to sit and just be for a while. The views are really glorious, as you say.
The gentle purr of the crane. Thanks for the audio cue. And in the mornings, do they greet the day shrieking?
Sandhills always purr (or khrrrr as I say when I write it). No shrieking from them, even if the day begins cold and nasty. They do occasionally squawk a bit, and they gurgle too. The chicks (called "colts" for their long legs) have the cutest peeping voices when they are little. :)
You're writing is stunning, Susan. Your nourished spirit is as expansive and contagious as the wilderness you describe. Thank you for this morning's treat, this vicarious visit through nature's stunning habitats with some of the glorious beings that live there, full or part-time. It's expanded and filled my heart.
Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to read/watch, and for this beautiful compliment! May your expanded heart carry you through this day and beyond. Blessings!
And I'm sharing it widely. I'm still aglow from this vicarious excursion you, thankfully, created. May you have a blessed, joyful, love and laughter- filled new year of exploration and deep fulfillment. 💞
Bless you for sharing this pilgrimage widely, and for that benediction. This year of spiritual thinking is scary in some ways because I am opening my heart and thus becoming more vulnerable. But that is countered by being able to share the rewards. Hugs to you!
Ahhhh, I loved being a part of your trip and the sounds of the cranes is wondrous. Thank you for taking us with you. Do I recall correctly that we visited there, or another crane sanctuary when Don and I visited Las Cruces after Christmas to see you and Richard back in maybe 1990?
My recent read that I have found very enlightening and along the lines of spiritual thinking..."A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle. When I first read his book the Power of Now 10+ years agoIi gave it away because I did not understand it. I would not have understood this one either. But after having studied the Power of Now for the past two years, which now makes perfect sense to me, I found this one so insightful and freeing. It gives another level of understanding and gave me more ability to heal and thrive.
When I first read your task as Spiritual "Thinking," I thought, it's not thinking, it's feeling. But I get it. I did after your first post. I realized I've opened my heart and continue to do so and now I am bringing my mind and thought and voice to the table to fully live and be and communicate and share from the opened heart. Thank you for spurring on continued growth and becoming and for giving words and understanding to my experience. Also, I began using that voice yesterday as I am now actively writing!!!!
So much love your way.
I know we took you and Don on what we used to call The Great Circle tour, so I'm pretty sure we must have included the Bosque del Apache.
I'll add Tolle's A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose to my list (which is probably way too ambitious for one year, but I also likely won't find every book speaks to me). I do think that we read what speaks to us at any given time in our lives, and that changes as we change, so I'm not surprised that Tolle is now someone who can inspire you.
The Year of Spiritual Thinking idea really is, as you say, wholistic. I want to understand better what I intuitively do, and stretch my learning so that I can describe my spiritual leanings and inspiration more concretely. As it is, now I am a spiritual doer rather than a spiritual thinker--my spirituality isn't really in the realm of words and concepts. It may stay that way over this year, or it may not. And congratulations on integrating your new understanding from, as you say, the "opened heart" into your renewed writing voice!
Thank you Susan. I am not a deep thinker, but I am on my own spiritual journey since my husband’s death in June. I appreciate the enrichment I receive from your posts.
I don't think of myself as a deep thinker either--it takes me the back side of forever to read books about abstract concepts--but I am determined to understand better what is inchoate in me. I'm glad that you are along for this journey too, and I think of you and your loss and send comfort and sympathy your way.
Wow, such a treat to see the peccaries! I so hope to see them in person, one day. What a joy. And what a list of resources--definitely going to get myself a copy of The Monastic Heart! Thank you, Susan (and Susan's wonderful readers!)
They have such personality, those peccaries. I hope you do get to see them in person one day Chloe, though not too close. Peccaries are cranky and grumpy, and they can inflict real damage with their tusks. :) That list of resources is indeed amazing, and will keep me occupied for at least the whole year. I'm drawn to The Monastic Heart too. Blessings!
Oh that’s very useful to know. They look cuddly to the untrained eye! :)
They do! But they are the very antithesis of cuddly: even their fur is prickly with stiff guard hairs. And they have a peculiar smell that they use to communicate with each other, exuded from musk glands on their hind ends. You can tell when peccaries have passed by from the scent trail they leave. It's... unique. (I'm trying not to say stinky to avoid human judgments on other species.) ;)
A few years ago a health change necessitated a change in my doings. Not welcome at the time but a circumstance I’ve begun adapting to.
To whit, slowing down, focusing more, engaging in deliberate pondering. Of Nature - my first love - and the inspirations from kind, thoughtful, empowering people. Reading thought provoking and inspiring writings, yours included, to open my eyes and brain and heart wider. So far a wonderful and rewarding journey.
Would I choose to live my life over to smooth out the many bumps of my life? Imponderable. This very moment is as good as it gets.
Thanks so very much for what you’ve already contributed to my living!
Gary, I am sorry for the health change that necessitated what I would guess is a drastic change in your life. Congratulations though, for finding the grace to use that change in positive ways. It seems to me that how we adapt to what life brings is really telling about who we are at heart. I wrote about adapting my life in Walking Nature Home, my first memoir (and my 12th book!). It might be of interest to you. https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477309346/walking-nature-home/
Many blessings to you.