While reading your story at my kitchen table, I looked up to see a neighborhood coyote checking out the Raven's food dish. Since it is way past the Raven's breakfast time, I doubt there was much left to munch. Maybe a bit of dog food. I've been putting out cracked corn for any ground feeders that are interested. The Scaled Quail have been devouring it. Isn't Nature grand?!
Yes! I was just reading about the experience of awe, and recent research about awe. It turns out that feeling awe leads us out of our self-focused thoughts and into more communal thoughts, and increases our ability to be empathetic and compassionate. All of which comes to mind when I think of you seeing the neighborhood coyote checking out the raven's breakfast dish, and delighting in both, plus the scaled quail. That's awe, and that experience makes all of us better people.
Lovely, Susan! Just now, looked out my studio window to see 8 wild turkeys parading along the edge of the wood. Love living where wildlife still finds a home, too.
And this like all of what you write is why it is worth the subscription. I am so grateful to those who allow me to grow and learn. Thank so much, Susan.
Linda, I am so honored by your support! This is why writers write: to inspire others, and to help us all learn and grow. Whenever I can do that, I feel like I've done something positive for this battered world. Blessings!
Full of joy to be here Susan. Loving to notice along with you the creatures in your habitat and by consequence become more alert to the nature that surrounds me here in the US Northeast. I fully agree with you and others that these exchanges increase our ability to be compassionate.
I am so grateful for this space where we can talk about our ideas and experiences, and share our learnings. And I'm glad you have nature around you there in the Northeastern part of the US. I imagine it's taken quite some learning to get used to it--so different than Panama! But nature is nature everywhere, and nourishes us through and through.
From subscriber Sherrey Meyer: "Susan, such a meaningful essay on the cycle of life and death based on what and how we eat. You've taken a thoughtless habit of eating and drinking and turned it around to a loveliness and joyful experience of sharing with each other, whether animal, vegetable, or human. Thanks so much!"
Thank you, Sherrey! I'm honored that this essay "spoke to your condition" as Quakers say. It seems to me that expressing our gratitude to the lives we eat instead of for our food has the potential to radically change our relationship with food and eating, and thus our relationship with this living planet. All of which would be good. :)
Susan, I am enjoying your stories and reminders on gratitude!
Thank you! I'm so glad my work speaks to you. And glad for our friendship. :)
While reading your story at my kitchen table, I looked up to see a neighborhood coyote checking out the Raven's food dish. Since it is way past the Raven's breakfast time, I doubt there was much left to munch. Maybe a bit of dog food. I've been putting out cracked corn for any ground feeders that are interested. The Scaled Quail have been devouring it. Isn't Nature grand?!
Yes! I was just reading about the experience of awe, and recent research about awe. It turns out that feeling awe leads us out of our self-focused thoughts and into more communal thoughts, and increases our ability to be empathetic and compassionate. All of which comes to mind when I think of you seeing the neighborhood coyote checking out the raven's breakfast dish, and delighting in both, plus the scaled quail. That's awe, and that experience makes all of us better people.
Lovely, Susan! Just now, looked out my studio window to see 8 wild turkeys parading along the edge of the wood. Love living where wildlife still finds a home, too.
Wild turkeys are so fascinating and beautiful! I'm glad you can look out your window there and see them.
And this like all of what you write is why it is worth the subscription. I am so grateful to those who allow me to grow and learn. Thank so much, Susan.
Linda, I am so honored by your support! This is why writers write: to inspire others, and to help us all learn and grow. Whenever I can do that, I feel like I've done something positive for this battered world. Blessings!
Full of joy to be here Susan. Loving to notice along with you the creatures in your habitat and by consequence become more alert to the nature that surrounds me here in the US Northeast. I fully agree with you and others that these exchanges increase our ability to be compassionate.
I am so grateful for this space where we can talk about our ideas and experiences, and share our learnings. And I'm glad you have nature around you there in the Northeastern part of the US. I imagine it's taken quite some learning to get used to it--so different than Panama! But nature is nature everywhere, and nourishes us through and through.
From subscriber Sherrey Meyer: "Susan, such a meaningful essay on the cycle of life and death based on what and how we eat. You've taken a thoughtless habit of eating and drinking and turned it around to a loveliness and joyful experience of sharing with each other, whether animal, vegetable, or human. Thanks so much!"
Thank you, Sherrey! I'm honored that this essay "spoke to your condition" as Quakers say. It seems to me that expressing our gratitude to the lives we eat instead of for our food has the potential to radically change our relationship with food and eating, and thus our relationship with this living planet. All of which would be good. :)