Gratitude
Honoring the "magnificent intelligence" of the universe
frost-silvered dawn brings clear blue skies bright with promise
After three days of fog, rain and snow—much-needed moisture—this morning dawned crisply clear and cold, the whole world frosted with silvery crystals. My house guest and I walked the trails early, while everything was still hushed. May your day be beautiful!
I believe that we are born with an innate affection for this earth and the community of lives who animate the planet. I further believe that when we don’t actively honor and nurture this connection our daily lives, we hunger for something we often cannot articulate. We try to fill what is missing with the things that ultimately don’t last and don’t nurture our inner selves, whether money or stuff or power.
As
writes in “Letters from Love,”I have come to believe that there is a magnificent intelligence in the universe that is kind beyond measure, and that only seeks to know us and be known by us.
To me, that “magnificent intelligence” is the expression of the community of lives and spirits whose interrelationships green and animate this Earth. And the seeking to know us and be known by us is what I would call terraphilia.
Honoring the magnificent intelligence of the universe and nurturing our terraphilia can heal what we are missing, and restore our wholeness, our humanity. The act of taking time to appreciate some bit of beauty in our days lifts our spirits, fills our hearts and helps make us whole again. Surely we can make time for something so healing and beneficial each day!
How do you nurture your connection with that magnificent intelligence—your terraphilia—each day?
Beautiful gratitude!
Thank you, Jude!