Dancing White Squirrels

Inviting the "lightness" to return to us in hard times...

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Sunday, after the big snow here in Western North Carolina, Gwen and I took a winter walk. We walked on a country road with a frozen river on our left and fallow fields of harvest grain on our right.

As we walked in silence, I felt the lightness return to me; in me; around me as we walked those two miles. I felt the lightness return to me—-do you know what I mean by this phrase? It was as if a cloud lifted and I regained my equilibrium. I felt better—just for moving; just for being outside; just for the gift of all my senses taking in the beauty and wonder.

I have felt sequestered by this winter weather storms to stay inside. But on Sunday, we made a break for it. We dressed warm and went outside. — and this poem is the result.

We live in a place where there is an abundance of white squirrels. They are beautiful to watch but exquisite to observe in the snow. They dance. They frolic. Their joy is contagious. I “caught” their joy and I’m so glad I did.

In the poem, I refer to feeling the “lightness” return to me. It’s been a heavy season, hasn’t it? I have felt the heaviness of it all—the weariness of what we navigate in this world these days.

I put the refrain in this poem, “I feel the lightness return in me” a couple of time. As you read the poem, see if you can trace a shift in my own inner weather. See if these is a shift in your own inner weather by reading this poem.

This is practicing the caring for my soul in turbulent times. Without some sense of regular “practice” of my own soul care, I’d be in big time trouble.

I encourage you to practice anything that will help you receive the gift of lightness. Light a candle; read a poem; listen to music in your home; share a meal with a friend…and above all, explore life outdoors—outside the four walls of home, office, church and workplace.

Steve

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