Soul Practice
Tree peony — photo by Susan Izard
Dear Soul Friends,
I’ve been in Chicago this week visiting my four-month-old granddaughter and her parents. Infants are so adorably little for such a short time that I just had to see her before our planned visit in early July. Her big beautiful brown eyes were mesmerizing as they followed the adults who were caring for her. It was particularly delightful to see her light up with squeals and giggles when her father made a funny noise. As my mother used to say, “Babies are like fire. All you want to do is sit and watch.”
On my final morning, my daughter asked if I would let her golden retriever, Henry, outside. After I opened the door, Henry took a step or two onto the terrace and then stood still. I called to my daughter and announced that Henry wasn’t doing anything. She called back saying, “He likes to stand and feel the wind blow the fur on his face.” Interested, I stood and watched as his fur moved around blowing it away from his eyes and back to his ears. He took a big sigh, clearly enjoying the sensation. It made me wonder if I ever take the time to stand still and let the wind blow on my face. I’m usually doing something when I go outside. Walking, exercising, gardening, or rushing to the next thing that needs to get done. I do love to meander around my garden to see if something new has happened. Last night I noticed a white tree peony flower is blooming. It is always wonderous to watch the flower grow larger and larger as it unfolds. But even that isn’t the same as standing still and feeling the wind on my face.
I’ve decided to follow Henry’s lead and make standing still and feeling the wind on my face a new soul practice. The wisdom teachers suggest we sit still and listen, but I doubt I’ve ever considered standing still and feeling the wind on my face as a contemplative practice. Surely, I’d feel as content as Henry if I were to give it a try.
In the Celtic Spiritual tradition, the elements of earth, air, water, and sky are the great gifts of God’s creation. They teach us to remember the glory of being alive and fill us with the energy of peace and contentment. Celtic teacher, John O’Donohue, encourages us to be “alive to the thrill of the wild.” It is good for our souls.
As we approach Memorial Day weekend and the official beginning of summer, a favorite Celtic prayer invites us to embrace the earth’s elements and be blessed by them.
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of peace to you.
May the warmth of the sun, the sparkle of a shining star, and the whisper of a summer breeze bless you with the gift of inner stillness and may you know that you are encircled and surrounded by eternal light and love.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
