nature

Paying Attention to My Corner of the World. Are You Paying Attention?

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I wonder how often we pay attention to the things right in front of us as well as right around us. This was something I became very aware of when I gave myself the gift of a life coach many years ago. I was yearning for more fulfillment in my life and didn’t know how to go about finding that for myself.

As I went through the coaching process I found myself seeing things right in front of me that I had never seen before. The colors of the world seemed to explode right before me. I wondered why I had never seen this before. The sky was so blue, the green, green grass dancing in the wind, the dog prancing down a sidewalk happily, an older couple out on a walk holding hands.

I recalled years before working at a job that was a half hour from my home. I don’t recall enjoying ride there and back because I was usually worrying about one thing or another, or just not wanting to go to work. How much did I miss?

Once I began noticing nature around me, I wanted more and more. When my husband built my writing studio for me a few years ago, I said I wanted lots of windows. My studio sits on an angle so I am able to see all four corners of my neighborhood and I have 7 windows in my little 10 x 12 room.

Today as I glanced out my windows to the east I saw the light beginning to make its way down into the earth for another night. I quickly grabbed my camera and captured the photo (above). As I look at it is as if the trees in the background look like the tress are in full fall foliage, while the forefront definitely shows winter.  A few moments later I glanced back outside again… and the entire landscape changed… just like that… now early evening setting in, the sun having gone to sleep for the day.

It only takes a moment to capture a moment of nature that can take your breath away… make you appreciate how intricate and magnificient nature truly is… no matter what corner of the world you live in. If you believe it, you will see it.

Even my little Frankie appreciates her view out the window…

 

Staying Positive By Building Your Tribe

Posted by Barbara Techel


Living with more joy and being positive is a path I’ve been on for a little over 10-years now. Staying positive in a world that can seem to thrive on negativity can make it challenging for me to stay positive. It’s a choice I make to look for the good out there. It’s a choice I make to find joy in each day. Am I always successful? Do I fall back into old patterns? Yes, I do, because I am that one thing I can’t escape, which is being human. But I also know that what I am seeking is to be a more spiritual person, winding my way back to which I came from.

I’ve got so many people in my life that keep me on my positive and joyful journey. I am very grateful. I call them my tribe. But my tribe really began because of a chocolate lab named Cassie who made me stop and think about living more fully. I carry her with me in my heart daily. Then, of course, my biggest lessons learned to date have come from my dachshund, Frankie, who was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006 and was fitted for a doggie wheelchair after losing the loss of her hind legs.

My tribe has grown immensley since then. As Frankie ages (now 12) and we have slowed down a bit in our work together, I feel this new transition taking place inside me. I can’t quite name it or see what the next path ahead is… but I feel something new wanting to blossom. I know in time I will know. I’ve learned to trust that process more. And I get excited about it even though I can’t quite name what it is I’ll be doing next.

My tribe also expands as I find myself seeking deeper meaning. One connection that has been helping me in my expanding, as well as in my writing is author Jon Katz and his farm journal entries on his website, Bedlam Farm. I’ve followed him for years and see a new transition in him, which most days has me awash in tears (good, not bad) and saying, “Oh My God” because something he says sends off a spark of resonating in my heart.

Another newly discovered blog is Mary Muncil from White Feather Farm. She’s given me many joyful goosebumps lately. And another new one is Jenna Woginrich and her blog is Cold Antler Farm. Jenna is a young woman in her 20’s who went after wanting to have her own farm. Her courage and zest for living her dreams is so inspiring. Her new book, Barnheart had me eagerly turning the pages and then sad that I came to the end. I wanted to read so much more about her. I have no doubt though that she will continue to write books.

When we connect with our tribe there is no doubt that it helps to keep us in balance, to think deeper, to live more fully, and to share that piece of ourselves in the world, hopefully setting off a spark in another. We may not always know who we touch, but if we live into who we were truly meant to be, the universe takes care of the rest.

So today I’m making a choice to make it a good day- to find joy no matter what- to expand on my thoughts- and live more deeply from my heart.

Thank you, Mary Muncil of White Feather Farm for sharing this TED video which was the start to my joy today and making it a good day. I hope others will take the time to watch and listen to this thought provoking 10-minute video. Stop the to-do lists, the worrying, the hustle and bustle of the season, kick back… and “just be” as you watch…

Kylie’s Contribution to Nature

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Kylie sheds alot. So brushing her is essential if I don’t want large dust bunnies invading my home. She so loves when I sit with her and I love it too– slowing brushing her– it’s our special bonding time together.

I remember one evening last summer brushing her outside- all her shed hair was scattered about on the sidewalk and yard. The next morning John called me to the front door. What a sweet sight to see all the little birds gathering up Kylie’s hair in their tiny beaks to take back to their nests.

Now that winter is here and the temps are colder I brush her on the kitchen floor, careful to keep all the hair in a nice little pile. But as soon as I am done I gather up the hair and toss it to the wind in the front yard. It’s a comforting feeling to know that Kylie’s contribution to nature will help keep many little birds warm this winter. Good dog, Kylie. Good dog.