Neil, you walk in the world like a beloved guest, leaving little trace of yourself. Only your deep appreciation. This encounter reminds me of the last lines of Mary Oliver's poem, "October" :
.
One morning
the fox came down the hill, glittering and confident,
Thank you for the kind word, Ann. I really like that piece from Mary Oliver and I had not read that before. I like the lines: "so this is the world. // I'm not in it." An interesting observation and feeling many of us have had observing Nature. Thank you for sharing.
Feeling simultaneously absorbed in natural beauty--and also most like yourself. A gorgeous feeling of belonging. A sacred mindset we share. Thanks again.
I often walk familiar paths, enthralled by their ever-the-same / never-the-same natures. When encountering creatures who reside there, I make a choice: Completely avoid their space or pass gently through as I mindfully connect to them energetically, respectfully, reverently. I am amazed by how many do not flee, seeming to understand me.
Thank you, Kim. I like how you put those encounters as “ever-the-same / never-the-same natures.“ I agreed , I think that being mindful of the space allows them to sense intention and not feel the need to flee as you’re passing through.
It is interesting though as I have found that if I do take detours like in this situation, I am often led to something new that I would not have otherwise seen or encountered. Nature works in mysterious ways!
Wonderful encounter, Neil. I really like how the sijo leads us onto the path, undisturbed for those precious moments before the fleeting of time with the Eastern Cottontail Rabbits. Briefly, because they are so still and accepting of your presence, it's easy to forget that they are flight animals.
Thank you, Heidi and much appreciated. I felt so guilty disturbing them and was hoping they would not flee. It was quite hot and humid that morning as well and they looked comfortable relaxing there on the path.
The photos and video show their awareness of you, the look in their eyes, but no fear. The rabbit stretched out on the path started grooming, too, which is a sign of comfort in your presence.
So good to see these rabbits on their rest break. :-) Thank you for your thoughts and the close up shots. I have just been thinking of how your poem could apply to our encounters with other humans, too. Taking a moment to consider how we each have our separate worlds, that we are immersed in our whole lives and may need a thought or consideration before approaching.
I’ve never seen a rabbit lounge like that…such a sweet pic. I do love rabbits, though I did have to reinforce by fence this year as they were destroying our garden…
Neil, you walk in the world like a beloved guest, leaving little trace of yourself. Only your deep appreciation. This encounter reminds me of the last lines of Mary Oliver's poem, "October" :
.
One morning
the fox came down the hill, glittering and confident,
and didn’t see me—and I thought:
so this is the world.
I’m not in it.
It is beautiful.
.
Thank you for the kind word, Ann. I really like that piece from Mary Oliver and I had not read that before. I like the lines: "so this is the world. // I'm not in it." An interesting observation and feeling many of us have had observing Nature. Thank you for sharing.
Feeling simultaneously absorbed in natural beauty--and also most like yourself. A gorgeous feeling of belonging. A sacred mindset we share. Thanks again.
And I share it with you both. Aren't we blessed to walk the world this way?
Truly, Kim. A vocation and a joy.
Resting, presence aware. Rabbits decide not to run. But not trust the moment.
A lovely piece, Richbee. I especially like that first line of "Resting, presence aware." Thank you for sharing.
Aka Richard Blaisdell
Ah! Noted, Richard!
They look like they’re hot!
I think so, too Carole. That morning was quite hot and humid here in Ottawa!
It’s been like that here in Michigan the last two weeks. I can’t seem to stay outside for any extended periods of time.
I see that rabbit lounging in nature and think “life goals.”
Haha, they do look like they've got their stuff sorted out and enjoy simply chilling.
I often walk familiar paths, enthralled by their ever-the-same / never-the-same natures. When encountering creatures who reside there, I make a choice: Completely avoid their space or pass gently through as I mindfully connect to them energetically, respectfully, reverently. I am amazed by how many do not flee, seeming to understand me.
Thank you, Kim. I like how you put those encounters as “ever-the-same / never-the-same natures.“ I agreed , I think that being mindful of the space allows them to sense intention and not feel the need to flee as you’re passing through.
It is interesting though as I have found that if I do take detours like in this situation, I am often led to something new that I would not have otherwise seen or encountered. Nature works in mysterious ways!
Wonderful encounter, Neil. I really like how the sijo leads us onto the path, undisturbed for those precious moments before the fleeting of time with the Eastern Cottontail Rabbits. Briefly, because they are so still and accepting of your presence, it's easy to forget that they are flight animals.
Thank you, Heidi and much appreciated. I felt so guilty disturbing them and was hoping they would not flee. It was quite hot and humid that morning as well and they looked comfortable relaxing there on the path.
The photos and video show their awareness of you, the look in their eyes, but no fear. The rabbit stretched out on the path started grooming, too, which is a sign of comfort in your presence.
Thanks, Heidi.
I love that sensitivity to the wild you practice. I often find myself doing the same, changing my route or destination to allow them space.
Thanks, Emma. I find that often those unplanned detours lead to other encounters that I would not have otherwise seen.
So good to see these rabbits on their rest break. :-) Thank you for your thoughts and the close up shots. I have just been thinking of how your poem could apply to our encounters with other humans, too. Taking a moment to consider how we each have our separate worlds, that we are immersed in our whole lives and may need a thought or consideration before approaching.
Thanks, Sandy and much appreciated. It was a nice surprise to see them both resting like that. :)
I hadn't thought about this as an approach to fellow humans, and I do like that approach.
Wonderful photos, Neil. And as always an excellent Sijo.
Thanks, James and very much appreciated.
I’ve never seen a rabbit lounge like that…such a sweet pic. I do love rabbits, though I did have to reinforce by fence this year as they were destroying our garden…
Thanks, Brian. I was quite surprised to see this rabbit relaxing like that on the path. :)
Someone seems to be in chill mode! Love it!
Agreed, Aria! They were definitely enjoying that cool morning. :)
A fork on the road:
Neil met rabbits relaxing.
He took respect road.
I really like this haiku, Marisol - especially the line about taking respect road. :)